A Birmingham neighborhood with home to the unmatched care of the Wylam Library
With its humble beginnings as a coal community, Wylam’s rich history has laid the foundation for a bright future. This Birmingham neighborhood has faced challenging ebbs and significant flows throughout its history, but there are generations of residents who have faith that things here in Wylam are looking up. The hub of the community is undoubtedly centered around the Wylam Library, home to caring library workers who have helped to support the community for decades. “There are lots of bittersweet memories here,” library worker Connie Tolbert says. Tolbert has witnessed first-hand nearly 30 years of Wylam’s trials and successes. “I’ve watched this neighborhood grow into a bustling area and then decline over the years, but now it’s regrowing. And the library has been here through it all.”
Welcome in to the quaint neighborhood of Wylam.
The Wylam Library has been an educational resource in town since 1921.
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Midcentury rentals and newer subdivision bring workers back to Wylam
Most of Wylam’s homes were built in the early to mid-20th century for the coal and steel workers who worked at nearby mills. These homes are typically shingle-style and Craftsman-inspired cottages and bungalows. Many of these homes were sold or abandoned as families moved out of the area. “As the coal mining families got older, many children left to get their education and didn’t return,” Tolbert says. In 2008, Habitat for Humanity began a subdivision in the area, which involved building around 55 new homes near Lexington Street. Prices range between $100,000 and $165,000 for most homes, with updated houses on the higher end of the price range. However, many people in the area rent. “Now there are families who are moving into rentals here after being displaced by the demolition of several housing projects nearby,” Tolbert says. These rental homes typically cost between $800 and $1,200 each month.
Homeowners take pride in well-manicured lawns in Wylam.
Older homes bring charm to Wylam's residential streets.
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Getting around Wylam and Birmingham
Wylam is conveniently located near I-59 and I-20, creating easy access to Birmingham’s city center. Locals often use public transportation, and there is a city bus stop at the Seventh Avenue and Erie Street intersection. For groceries or dining out, residents can hop on the bus or drive over to nearby communities like Ensley or Fairfield. Residents can have medical necessities treated at Princeton Baptist Medical Center, about 6 miles away. For travel outside of the city, Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is conveniently only 12 miles away and also accessible by public transportation.
Students attend Birmingham City Schools
Education begins at Wylam Elementary School which has an overall C-minus on Niche. In 2010, the school opened a new, modern building with a smaller student-teacher ratio of 15:1. “I think the new school is really bringing fresh life to the community and helping it grow by giving students a better environment to learn in,” Tolbert says. Middle school students then attend Bush Hills STEAM Academy, which has a C-minus on Niche for its academics and teachers. Ninth through 12th grade students attend Jackson-Olin High School, which has an overall C-minus on Niche but a B for its teachers.
Wylam K-8 School is home to 380 students and has a student, teacher ratio of 16 to 1.
Wylam students can earn a tech-focused education at Bush Hills STEAM Academy.
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Residents can walk to neighborhood parks in Wylam
When residents want to get outside, Wylam Park has over 13 acres of green space, with parking available on Detroit Street. It’s a small play area, but there is a field for practicing team sports or having a family barbecue. For those seeking indoor recreation, there’s a rec center at Ensley Park, just 2 miles away.
Kids love play on the playground at Wylam Park.
Take the puppy for a walk at Railroad Park near Wylam.
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Wylam Library is the centerpiece of the neighborhood
Tolbert started working at Wylam Library’s original building in 1991, which was demolished and replaced with a brand-new facility in 2020. “It’s a little bittersweet because so many families and friends have come out of the original building,” she says. However, the new building has only helped increase the support the library gives the community. “We love programming here,” Tolbert says. “We have senior activities, a very popular book club, children’s activities and youth classes. We also have Wi-Fi that extends an entire block and stays up 24/7, so even if it’s after hours, someone can come sit outside and get work done.” Generations of families have utilized the library for its support, making it a reliable, consistent community space for those who move to Wylam. “I just had a woman come in here and tell me that I helped her get her college degree. Now I’m working with her son,” Tolbert says. “I’ve seen generations of people come in and out of here, and it’s just a good place to be.” With the library and caring workers like Connie Tolbert at its center, Wylam has a promising future ahead.
Find a good book and relax at the Wylam Library.
You can enjoy a view of town center at the Wylam Library.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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Wylam Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Wylam, Birmingham sell after 91 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Wylam, Birmingham over the last 12 months is $60,000, down 14% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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