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Downtown Tuscaloosa

Downtown Tuscaloosa

$433,570 Average Value
$304 Average Price per Sq Ft
2 Homes For Sale

College ties in downtown Tuscaloosa

For many, the city of Tuscaloosa conjures visions of 100,000 screaming fans cheering on the University of Alabama Crimson Tide and its legendary football team. A mile west of campus in downtown Tuscaloosa, Tide football is everywhere, from houndstooth patterns — à la the iconic hat worn by coach Paul “Bear” Bryant — to framed photos of the other, more recent iconic coach, Nick Saban, whose photo in restaurants and bars makes it seem like he’s the owner. But the university isn’t Tuscaloosa’s only attraction. Years of city investment have helped build a walkable downtown area with unique restaurants and small boutiques. Young professionals live downtown and locals want to spend time there — whether or not school is in session. “It’s more than just a college town or football community,” says Ashley Crites, executive director of the Office of Urban Development for the city of Tuscaloosa. “You see places like Monarch Espresso Bar — it’s owned by two University of Alabama grads who wanted to come back and make something cool in a community they loved.”
Grab some lunch at Black Warrior Brewing Company in Downtown Tuscaloosa.
Grab some lunch at Black Warrior Brewing Company in Downtown Tuscaloosa.
Enjoy a great meal at Avenue Pub in Downtown Tuscaloosa.
Enjoy a great meal at Avenue Pub in Downtown Tuscaloosa.
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Unique eateries along University Boulevard

Downtown Tuscaloosa was in rough shape in the early 2000s, with vacant storefronts and deteriorating infrastructure. But over the last 20 years, the city invested considerable resources into its redevelopment. The effort worked, especially with the areas along University Boulevard that now radiate energy and excitement. Students and those who work downtown can get their morning coffee at Monarch Espresso Bar, an easy walk to many employers. Groceries aren’t far either, with a Piggly Wiggly south of the neighborhood and a Publix towards the university. Students help create a sense of energy Downtown, but there’s still plenty to do when they’re on break. “There’s definitely more elbow room when students are on break,” Crites says. “The streets are a little more congested when students are around, there are more people out and about. The nice thing about summer is you can get into restaurants a little quicker, you don’t have to wait as long.” In the evening and on weekends, locals head to Tuscaloosa mainstays like the Avenue Pub and its industrial interior or the newer, sleeker Urban Bar and Kitchen. Those looking to stay out for a drink or two after a good meal can get a well-crafted beverage at Session Cocktails, or they can sneak in the Cocktail Collection door behind a Pepsi vending machine for a fun speakeasy experience, provided they can find the code to get in. Meanwhile, Alcove serves as a neighborhood bar with cheap brews, pinball machines and a long list of regular patrons. But no local spot mirrors the story of downtown Tuscaloosa quite like Jalapeno’s Downtown Cocina. Started by Jheovanny Gomez, a Colombian immigrant, the original Jalapeno’s survived off its lunch service, and Gomez eventually opened a new, more successful location in Northport, leaving downtown. But as downtown became more attractive for businesses, Jalapeno’s returned, this time with the largest tequila bar in the South — tallying 277 sippers — and a reworked menu, including one-of-a-kind Fajita Gumbo.
Sit outside and chat with friends at World of Beer in Tuscaloosa.
Sit outside and chat with friends at World of Beer in Tuscaloosa.
Grab some lunch at Black Warrior Brewing Company in Downtown Tuscaloosa.
Grab some lunch at Black Warrior Brewing Company in Downtown Tuscaloosa.
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Crimson Tide rolls into downtown Tuscaloosa

The University of Alabama Crimson Tide claims 18 national championships and draws over 100,000 fans to the newly christened Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. With downtown Tuscaloosa blocks from the stadium, the streets get hectic on gamedays. “You’re a mile from everything at the university,” Crites says. “On gamedays, I’ll park down here in downtown and walk to the stadium.” On non-football weekends, Tuscaloosa provides plenty of fun, too. The city holds the free Live at the Plaza concert series at Government Plaza every Friday night throughout May and June, with a diverse list of artists spanning rock, country, jazz and dance music. Bigger names perform at Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater on the river, with artists like Travis Tritt and Rick Springfield taking the stage.
Find your game day outfit at the Shirt Store in Downtown Tuscaloosa.
Find your game day outfit at the Shirt Store in Downtown Tuscaloosa.
Check out the view of Bryant Denning Stadium from Downtown Tuscaloosa.
Check out the view of Bryant Denning Stadium from Downtown Tuscaloosa.
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Victorian-era homes and newly constructed townhouses

While downtown Tuscaloosa is mainly commercial, the neighborhood’s outskirts include some of the city’s oldest homes. Well-preserved Victorian-style homes, some dating as far back as the 1880s, pop up south and west of the main corridors, usually selling for between $600,000 and $1.1 million. Properties from the early 20th century that might need a little more work generally go between the mid-$100,000s and $500,000. Those looking for something newer can find plenty of townhomes built within the last five years. Whitewashed modern builds generally sell starting in the mid-$500,000s, going to around $700,000. Though there are plenty of opportunities to own in the area, most?? residents rent, with young professionals going for apartments near the neighborhood’s restaurants and bars.
Explore the tudor style homes in Downtown Tuscaloosa.
Explore the tudor style homes in Downtown Tuscaloosa.
Experience the well maintained landscaping on many homes in Downtown Tuscaloosa.
Experience the well maintained landscaping on many homes in Downtown Tuscaloosa.
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Recreation along the Black Warrior River

Downtown Tuscaloosa sits along the Black Warrior River, which offers plenty of riverfront recreation. Walkers and runners utilize the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk, which spans 4 tree-shaded miles from Capitol Park to the Park at Manderson Landing along the south bank of the river. Across Jack Warner Parkway from the Riverwalk, Queen City Park offers trails and bridges as well as a historic pool and pool house that, though no longer operational, have been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Kids can run around the playground at Annette Shelby Park and cool off from the summer heat in its splash pad.
Admire the beauty on the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk in Downtown Tuscaloosa.
Admire the beauty on the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk in Downtown Tuscaloosa.
Watch the boats go by from the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk in Downtown Tuscaloosa.
Watch the boats go by from the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk in Downtown Tuscaloosa.
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Education at Tuscaloosa City Schools

Students in downtown Tuscaloosa attend Tuscaloosa City Schools, starting at Verner Elementary School before moving on to Northridge Middle School and Northridge High School. All three schools receive an A-minus grade from Niche. The University of Alabama , the state’s flagship university, enrolls over 40,000 students just a mile from the neighborhood, while the historically black Stillman College also calls the city home.
Verner Elementary School takes pride in teaching future leaders of Downtown Tuscaloosa.
Verner Elementary School takes pride in teaching future leaders of Downtown Tuscaloosa.
Northridge Middle School teaches Downtown Tuscaloosa kids to do their best.
Northridge Middle School teaches Downtown Tuscaloosa kids to do their best.
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Proximity to the university and I-20

At just a mile from the University of Alabama, downtown offers an easy commute for students or employees heading to campus. The area can also access Interstate 20 two miles away via Lurleen Wallace Boulevard. The Mercedes-Benz plant, which employs over 6,000 people, sits 20 miles east on I-20, while drivers can follow the interstate another 40 miles to Birmingham. Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is the nearest commercial airfield, offering flights to hubs such as Charlotte, Atlanta and Dallas-Fort Worth. Travelers can also take Amtrak east from Tuscaloosa to Birmingham, or southwest toward New Orleans, a 7-hour journey.
Check out the Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater in Downtown Tuscaloosa.
Check out the Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater in Downtown Tuscaloosa.
Hop on a bus in Downtown Tuscaloosa and get to your destination.
Hop on a bus in Downtown Tuscaloosa and get to your destination.
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Crime

The CAP Index gives downtown Tuscaloosa an overall crime score of 8 out of 10, higher than the national average of 4. While violent crime is slightly higher than average, property crimes such as burglary and larceny are much higher than average, likely due to its status as the city's commercial center.
Experience city living on the river in Downtown Tuscaloosa.
Experience city living on the river in Downtown Tuscaloosa.
Enjoy the charm that older homes bring to Downtown Tuscaloosa.
Enjoy the charm that older homes bring to Downtown Tuscaloosa.
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Brendan Doyle
Written By
Brendan Doyle
John Gibbons
Photography Contributed By
John Gibbons
Christian Gortler
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Christian Gortler

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Schools

Source:
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. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

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Parks in this Area

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Downtown Tuscaloosa US
Homicide 7 4
Sexual Assault 10 4
Assault with Weapon 6 4
Robbery 7 4
Burglary 9 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 10 4
Larceny 10 4
Crime Score 9 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Downtown Tuscaloosa Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$325,722
Median Sale Price
$295,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$549,470
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$295,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Last 12 months Home Sales
4
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$304

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
267
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Median Year Built
1954
Months of Supply
6.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,320
Above the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,695
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,250
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
847
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,751

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

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Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
3,183
Median Age
32
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
12.5%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
6.4%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$30,285
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$50,374

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
83.9%
College Graduates
52.2%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
14.9%
% Population in Labor Force
44.4%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
57''
Average Winter Low Temperature
37°F
Average Summer High Temperature
94°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

52 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

76 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Downtown Tuscaloosa