Downtown Tuscaloosa
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.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.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.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.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.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.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.


Agents Specializing in this Area
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Wes York
Responds QuicklyHamner Real Estate, LLC
(659) 734-0556
491 Total Sales
29 in Downtown Tuscaloosa
$325K - $690K Price Range
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CJ
Carol Jackson
Responds QuicklyREALTYSOUTH-TUSCALOOSA
(205) 872-0929
83 Total Sales
1 in Downtown Tuscaloosa
$251,500 Price
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Laura Jernigan
Responds QuicklyRealty One Group Legends
(205) 579-8309
133 Total Sales
1 in Downtown Tuscaloosa
$245,000 Price
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Kim Harwood
Responds QuicklyHarwood Real Estate LLC
(205) 526-4771
202 Total Sales
15 in Downtown Tuscaloosa
$200K - $415K Price Range
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LS
Lemona Stacey
Responds QuicklyELITE SIGNATURE PROPERTIES
(205) 883-3797
143 Total Sales
2 in Downtown Tuscaloosa
$1,200,000 Price Range
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TF
Tommy Ford
Responds QuicklySpaces Realty LLC
(659) 734-0874
23 Total Sales
1 in Downtown Tuscaloosa
$299,900 Price
Schools
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood? Reach out to
, an experienced agent in this area.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
On average, homes in Downtown Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa sell after 18 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa over the last 12 months is $295,000.
Housing Trends
Neighborhood Facts
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood? Reach out to
, an experienced agent in this area.Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Finances
Education and Workforce
Weather
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
Very Walkable
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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