The close-knit community is home to affordable homes and unique local businesses
"If there is such a thing as complete happiness, it is knowing that you are in the right place," wrote "Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe" author Fannie Flagg. Flagg was inspired by the tranquility and close-knit character of her hometown of Irondale, less than 10 miles outside of Birmingham. Along with the cafe that inspired the hit book and film, this city of 14,000 attracts locals and tourists alike with its historic town center--including the famous train viewing platform--numerous antique stores and parks. Add to that the secluded, rural feel surrounding the downtown and the proximity to Birmingham, and Irondale offers a quiet yet lively community to call home.
Fried Green Tomatoes at the Irondale Cafe
Irondale Cafe served as the inspiration for the "Whistle-Stop Café" in "Fried Green Tomatoes," named for its proximity to the city centers trainyard. "Locals help support that business, people working in the area love it," says EXP Realtor Matthew Farris, and has been serving up homestyle southern dishes since 1928. South of Downtown along Highway 78, locals enjoy smoked brisket at Golden Rule BBQ, the oldest restaurant in Alabama. Further south is the Grant Mills Shopping Center, featuring home goods retailers and chain restaurants.
The exterior of Irondale Cafe.
The interior of Irondale Cafe.
Several men head to a restaurant at Grants Mill Station shopping center.
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Local history celebrated with vibrant music performances and carnival games
Irondale's history and influence is celebrated every October during the Whistle Stop Festival. The community is populated with vintage fire engines, carnival games, artisans and musicians selling their work and performing throughout the day. Beacon Park hosts "Jazz in the Park," an annual free concert held during the summer showcasing local and national jazz talents.
A train at the train watching platform.
Affordable and spacious homes in and around Downtown Irondale
Downtown Irondale features older and more established houses, while the suburban areas to the south and east feature a mix of established and new construction. "There's so much variety in styles and price points for homebuyers," says EXP Realtor Matthew Farris. Farris goes to speak on the affordability of Irondale's homes in relation to surrounding areas, saying that "you buy a home in Irondale, you're getting double the space you would get for the same prices outside the [community]." Homes closer to Irondale's City Center and with smaller home lots cost between $100,000 to $400,000, while homes with greater acreage range from $500,000 to $700,000 or more.
A residential street in the Irondale neighborhood.
A residential street in the Irondale neighborhood.
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Head start schools in Jefferson County
Public school students are served by the Jefferson County School District, beginning their academic careers at primary schools such as Grantswood Community Elementary. This school has an overall C-rating on Niche and teaches from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. Students move on to intermediate and secondary institutions such as Irondale Middle and Shades Valley High School. Both schools have at least an overall C-plus rating on Niche. Shades Valley High has excellent academic programs, including specialized schools, which help students get a head start in career fields such as theatre or business and finance.
The front entrance of Irondale Community School.
The front entrance of Irondale Middle School.
The front entrance of Shades Valley High School.
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Valley ball parks and vistas from Hawk's View
Irondale has several public facilities and green spaces frequented by visitors and locals. Irondale's Public Library houses dozens of book and DVD titles and hosts events such as book readings and live music performances. Beacon Park features playgrounds, picnic areas and a large field, ringed by a paved walking path. Ellard Park is along Irondale's 1st Avenue, offering almost 10 acres of quiet, rolling green space where locals relax and enjoy the day. Baseball enthusiasts and hikers alike frequent Ruffner Mountain Park, which houses an expansive ballpark, a dog park and a section of the Appalachian Trail. Trails snake through mountainside forests up to Hawk's View Overlook, offering panoramic views of Irondale and the Birmingham skyline.
Women walk a dog at Beacon Park, located in Irondale
An aerial view of Shea Brothers Softball Complex.
One of the fields at Ruffner Baseball Park.
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Driving downtown along North 1st Avenue
Real Estate Investor and licensed agent with EXP Realty Matthew Farris says Irondale "is a great value, homes with more bang for your buck in terms of land than other communities, plus you got great proximity to Avondale and Downtown Birmingham." Irondale's town center and the streets surrounding North 1st Avenue are reasonably walkable. However, the rest of the area is best traversed by car.
An aerial view of the train watching station and Whistlestop District.
Brad and Betty are expert real estate agents with ARC Realty in Birmingham, AL and the nearby area, providing home-buyers and sellers with professional, responsive and attentive real estate services. They boast over 50 years of combined experience so they bring vision, passion, and knowledge to the buying and selling process. Brad and Betty are teamed with the best professionals in an array of businesses so you don't have to worry about the process going smoothly. If you are ready for the journey of buying or selling reach out to the pros.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
