New homes and commuters drive growth in Margaret
In Margaret, residents can slow down and settle into country life. About 35 miles east of Birmingham, the community" has a really strong rural lifestyle," says Realtor Key Sharp with Barnes and Associates. "Much of the growth comes from people who want to escape the hustle and bustle. There is less crime, and it's very residential," Sharp says. The simple community offers quiet, secluded residences surrounded by woods and farmland, with a commercial center. The increased growth is sparking new home construction, popular with commuters who work in Birmingham but have room to spread out. Margaret is close to towns that offer more dining and retail, so those amenities aren't far from reach.
Secluded homes and new construction in woodsy surroundings
Margaret residents benefit from seclusion, with homes tucked away amongst pine and oak forests and rolling hills. "There's usually land or acreage available here, and some older properties that people are renovating," Sharp says. Older ranch-style homes have larger yards and room to spread out, priced between $175,000 and $275,000. There are also areas of Margaret that have become suburban subdivisions. These communities feature large, brick New Traditional homes priced between $215,000 and $425,000, or some contemporary new construction priced between $225,000 and $300,000. "The new construction has been a draw. The property taxes are lower here, too, so even if you're commuting, you're saving money in the long run," Sharp says. These newer subdivisions still provide decent-sized lots and woodsy surroundings, so Margaret residents maintain a sense of rural privacy.
Local schools offer extracurriculars and steady ratings
Students attend the St. Clair County School District. They may start at Margaret Elementary, which earns a B rating from Niche. They may then attend Odenville Middle and St. Clair County High, both of which earn a C-plus. High schoolers have several extracurricular activities, including athletics, band and drama club.
Parks offer ballfields, trails and playgrounds
Margaret offers a few small parks around the community, including Dillard Park. It features ballfields, a walking track, a playground and a picnic pavilion. Wilson Park is simpler, featuring a paved walking trail and a playground. In nearby Moody, the Moody City Park is a large recreation area, with ballfields, sports courts, a walking loop, a play area and an extensive dog park. The adjacent community of Trussville offers Urban Air Trampoline Park, which features open jump courses and dodgeball courts.
Community events and roadside restaurants add local flavor
The community is primarily residential but has a small hub along St. Clair County Road 12. There's a Dollar General for necessities, plus restaurants like Kravin Ice Cream & Treats, Margaret Mexican Restaurant and Landmark BBQ. This roadside stand offers freshly smoked barbecue and all the fixings. Nearby, the Dew Drop Inn is the community's watering hole, serving simple bar food and beer. Margaret also features a few community celebrations, including a Fourth of July fireworks show and a Trunk or Treat event. Nearby towns offer more dining and retail. Moody has a Publix and Walmart, and Trussville has Target, Lowe's and other big box stores.
Roads connect Margaret to Birmingham and nearby hospitals
Margaret's Main Street connects to St. Clair County 6/Argo Margaret Road and meets up with Highway 11. Downtown Birmingham is about 32 miles away, where Interstates 59, 65, 22 and 20 merge. The community is home to Margaret Medical Clinic, and UAB St. Vincent's St. Clair is about 20 miles away. Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is 28 miles away. The community's CAP Index Crime Score is four out of 10, equal to the national number.
