A popular community with shopping and U.S. 280
Brook Highland is a sought-after community in Central Alabama for its school zone and nearby retail hubs. "Brook Highland has the convenience of location and Shelby County resources," says Marc St. John, an experienced associate broker with Keller Williams Realty Vestavia. "You're right at the very north tip of Shelby, so you get all the county benefits: the schools, the taxes and the utilities. But you'll have the convenience of Jefferson County. So, anybody that wants to be on that side of U.S. 280 will be close to a lot of shopping." According to the U.S. Census, the area's population increased about 45% between 2000 and 2023. Home prices are relatively higher than the rest of the metro area.
Brook Highland homes and weather risks
The Brook Highland subdivision comprises much of the area. The development dates back to 1988, but some homes are from the 2000s. "The Brook Highland development is where you get a mountain view of Birmingham. There are some bigger homes too; those go up to $1 million," St. John says. Older dwellings and homes under 3,500 square feet tend to cost around $340,000 to $650,000. Larger houses and residences built in the 2000s can range between $620,000 and over $1 million. "There are some single-family garden homes where you can find something in the upper 300's. There are nice townhouse options with great views; some come with basements and garages," St. John says. The attached units in Edenton Lofts development range from $300,000 to $425,000.
Shelby County has a history of severe storms and tornados, which may result in wind damage and flash flooding.
The highly rated Oak Mountain Zone
The area is part of the Oak Mountain zone in the Shelby County Schools district. Inverness Elementary accepts kindergarten to third grade. Oak Mountain Intermediate houses fourth and fifth grades. Older students attend Oak Mountain Middle and Oak Mountain High. Each school has an A rating on Niche. The district offers virtual learning options for eligible high schoolers. Teens may also participate in CTE courses in animation, television production and business information technology.
Shopping and restaurants on 280
Retail centers and shopping hubs line U.S. 280. Brook Highland Plaza, which stretches across 65 acres, has department stores and chain restaurants. "There's a lot of great shopping; you've got furniture stores, a Sprouts grocery store, Lowe's and Walmart Supercenter right outside your neighborhood," St. John says. The Summit Birmingham offers an upscale shopping experience about 5 miles away. The outdoor shopping mall contains an Apple store, Saks Fifth Avenue, Vineyard Vines and an AMC theater. These commercial spaces include ample dining options. "Within a couple of miles [from Brook Highland homes] are places like Chucks Fish and Bellini's Ristorante & Bar," St. John says. Ruby Sunshine is a popular spot for brunch. Additional options include local favorites like Trojans Cantina and Eli's Jerusalem Grill.
Private recreational facilities and nearby Oak Mountain State Park
Oak Mountain State Park has a biking trailhead and kayak launch next to Lunker Lake, about 6 miles away. To the north awaits Lake Purdy, a reservoir for drinking water. Locals cannot take personal boats to the lake, but visitors can rent pontoons, john boats, and other vessels. Brook Highland Racquet Club is a membership-only facility with 22 tennis courts and five pickleball courts. The club also offers a swimming pool, youth camps and social events. The area is a golfing hotspot, with Inverness Country Club to the south and Greystone Golf and Country Club to the north.
Commutes to Downtown Birmingham
"U.S. 280 is a really busy street," St. John says. There's a lot of traffic, but Brook Highland has an easier commute. You don't get stuck in most of the traffic if you're going to work in Birmingham." Downtown Birmingham is roughly 12 miles from the community. Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is about 20 miles away.
Written By
Ashley Kennedy
