Though several of its buildings are old, the Birmingham suburb of Clay is still young. The Jefferson County city was incorporated in 2000. Before then, it was a rural area known more for its nature tourism and its post office than as a place to live. As time has passed, urban expansion has brought more development to Clay. The city now has more than 10,000 residents, many of whom work in the healthcare and educational services fields. “People like it because it’s a little off the beaten path,” says Bret Rogers, a Realtor with Keller Williams Trussville. “You’re still close to everything, but you don’t have to pay higher prices.”
Beautiful mountain landscapes surround the quiet homes of Clay.
You are sure to feel welcomed when you visit the charming city of Clay.
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New Traditional houses at lower prices than in neighboring cities
Much of Clay’s housing was built in recent years, and more homes continue to go up. These houses are mostly New Traditional in style. There are also older split-levels, and lots and large parcels of land are available for building. The median price is around $250,000, which is above the state median but around $150,000 lower than the median price in Trussville, a neighboring suburb. “Clay is holding its value,” Rogers says. “You’re getting more house for your money.”
Small farm houses in Clay provide rural country lifestyles to homeowners in Clay.
Single family homes with well maintained lawns line the streets of Clay.
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Around 25 miles from Birmingham
Old Springville Road is the city’s main thoroughfare. The city is close to Interstate 59, which can take drivers toward Birmingham, about 25 miles south. Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport has flights to several U.S. destinations. UAB St. Vincent’s East hospital, in Birmingham, has around 360 beds.
Jefferson County Schools earns a B grade
Students are served by Jefferson County Schools, which has a B Niche grade. The county serves more than 35,000 students across 63 schools. The Jefferson County Board of Education has plans to construct a new building for Clay-Chalkville High. The school’s current building has been in use for 30 years.
Clay Chalkville High School takes pride in developing future leaders.
Clay Chalkville Middle School encourages their students to give their best effort in everything they do.
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Clay-Chalkville High football games bring the community together
The city does not have a traditional downtown area. Residents often head to Birmingham or nearby Trussville for culture and entertainment. Rogers says Clay-Chalkville High football games are big draws on Friday nights in the fall. The Cougars have won four state championships, most recently in 2023.
The community is a largely religious one, with several churches sitting along Deerfoot Parkway. The city is home to Mount Calvary Presbyterian Church, the oldest church in Jefferson County. It first opened its doors in 1806.
Downtown Trussville is a popular place for Clay residents to kick back and enjoy a night out.
Mt Calvary Presbyterian Church was established in 1806 in Clay and is one of the oldest churches in the state.
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Cosby Lake Park is the city's centerpiece
The city is centered around Cosby Lake Park, where residents go to fish or ride their non-motorized boats. The park is full of wildlife and has areas for picnics and other activities. Other city green spaces have athletic facilities. Around 10% of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, well below the urban U.S. median.
Take a walk and enjoy the lovely scenery throughout Cosby Lake Park in Clay.
Enjoy the beautiful weather at Cosby Lake Park in Clay.
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Restaurants sit along Old Springfield Road
While Clay has a few stores, including grocery stores, most retail shopping is done outside of the city. The Shops of Grand River, an outlet mall, is less than 20 miles south. A few restaurants, like Papa Sal’s Italian Restaurant, sit along Old Springfield Road. The city states a desire to create more pedestrian-friendly commercial centers in its Land Use Plan.
The shops at Grand River are a popular shopping choice for people in Clay.
Papa Sal's Italian Restaurant in Clay serves some of the best pizza in the state.
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Long summers and a high risk of tornadoes
Summers in Clay are long and humid, while winters are short but cold. Jefferson County is at a high risk of tornadoes and a moderate risk of landslides and earthquakes. Streets surrounding Cosby Lake Park are at risk of flooding. The city is served by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Crime data specifically for Clay is not readily available.
Written By
Ryan Kohn
Photography Contributed By
John Gibbons
Video By
Chris Norton
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Sharlet Jackson,
an experienced agent in this area.
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