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Brown Springs

Brown Springs

$120,955 Average Value
$73 Average Price per Sq Ft
1 Home For Sale

Thick forests miles from downtown Birmingham

Located between the artsy Eastlake neighborhood and Ruffner Mountain Preserve, Brown Springs is a green stretch of residential zones that connects Birmingham’s urban atmosphere with the wetlands and forests to the east. Formerly an agricultural area, the community still maintains a more verdant, secluded atmosphere than one might expect, so close to the fast pace of the nearby Magic City. Greenery festoons streets with a rural atmosphere, and backyards end in busy thickets of oak and hickory trees that stretch into the mountains in the distance.

Brown Springs is near Ruffner Mountain and its many nature trails.
Brown Springs is near Ruffner Mountain and its many nature trails.
Discover Brown Springs, a peaceful suburb nestled just outside Birmingham.
Discover Brown Springs, a peaceful suburb nestled just outside Birmingham.
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The natural beauty of Ruffner Mountain Preserve

The southern end of Brown Springs cuts into the thick of the Ruffner Mountain Preserve, which consists of over 1,000 acres of forests, wetlands, hills, mountains and streams. In addition to miles of hiking trails and panoramic overlook views, Ruffner Mountain is the home of an inactive mining quarry converted into a bat habitat. Habitat gardens bloom with native flowers and plants, and conservation programs constantly reforest and restore this former industrial zone to its former natural beauty.

Educational programs at Ruffner Mountain Park enrich families near Brown Springs.
Educational programs at Ruffner Mountain Park enrich families near Brown Springs.
Birdwatchers enjoy Ruffner Mountain near Brown Springs.
Birdwatchers enjoy Ruffner Mountain near Brown Springs.
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No frills fixer-uppers

Despite its proximity to downtown Birmingham, pieces of the neighborhood look cut from far more rural places in Alabama, something that is further accentuated by a lack of new construction or upscale amenities. This sense of “no-frills” living has recently attracted its share of new residents. “It’s a really fast-growing neighborhood,” says Andrew Fair, a Realtor with Black Clover Realty who’s served the area for ten years. “There’s a lot of historic homes out there, often mixed in with 50s and 60s housing. It’s an affordable place to find a house.” Most homes are ranch-style design, with centennial fixer-uppers starting in the low-$20,000s and renovated move-in ready models peaking in the low-$90,000s.

Brown Springs offers vintage homes full of potential and charm.
Brown Springs offers vintage homes full of potential and charm.
Craftsman-style homes are common throughout Brown Springs.
Craftsman-style homes are common throughout Brown Springs.
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The Birmingham Airport, practically in the backyard

At 6.5 miles northeast of downtown Birmingham, nearby Interstate 20 and Route 11 are convenient ways for locals to commute daily into the city. The Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is located 2 miles northwest for trips further afield. Public transit is available through Birmingham’s Max Transit bus system, and several of the closest stops can be found less than a mile away on 2nd Avenue.

Birmingham Shuttlesworth Airport borders Brown Springs for easy travel.
Birmingham Shuttlesworth Airport borders Brown Springs for easy travel.
Public transportation is readily available in Brown Springs.
Public transportation is readily available in Brown Springs.
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Walmart, Waffle House and wings

Fans of popular chains like Arby’s, Jack’s and Waffle House can head a mile south to the Irondale neighborhood, the home of a Walmart Supercenter and several other convenient shopping options. Boston Fish Wings and Things offers wings, shrimp and chicken dinners for a casual lunch.

Boston Fish Wings & Things is a local favorite in Brown Springs.
Boston Fish Wings & Things is a local favorite in Brown Springs.
Walmart is just 5 minutes from Brown Springs for convenient shopping.
Walmart is just 5 minutes from Brown Springs for convenient shopping.
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Earn college credits at Woodlawn High

Students can begin their education at Barrett Elementary School before attending W.E. Putnam Middle School, both of which scored a C-minus on Niche. From there, they can enroll at C-minus-scoring Woodlawn High School, which has a reputation for focusing on both brains and brawn. "We offer an early college program where students can earn credits while they’re taking their regular school courses,” says Brittany Wilson, Head Secretary at Woodlawn. “And we have an outstanding athletics program.”

Woodlawn High School, serving Brown Springs, proudly wears green and gold.
Woodlawn High School, serving Brown Springs, proudly wears green and gold.
Barrett Elementary School serves students in Brown Springs.
Barrett Elementary School serves students in Brown Springs.
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The biggest catfish in East Lake wins

The East Lake fishing rodeo has been an annual tradition that brings families together since its inception in 1998. The free event features anglers of all ages vying for the best catch with prizes for the biggest catfish caught. Those with a more artistic bent can attend the annual Birmingham Art Walk, which showcases hundreds of artists and musicians with performances, food and more.

Phil Keeling
Written By
Phil Keeling
Alan Bates
Photography Contributed By
Alan Bates
Michael Voyack
Video By
Michael Voyack

Agents Specializing in this Area

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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

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International

8 min drive

Bus

73rd St S And Oporto Madrid Blvd (Ib)

Bus

London Ave And 73rd St

Reviews

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Brown Springs Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$89,285
Median Sale Price
$66,200
Median Single Family Sale Price
$67,400
Median Change From 1st List Price
15%
Last 12 months Home Sales
12
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-5%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$73

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
228
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Median Year Built
1950
Months of Supply
1.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,192
Significantly below the national average
1,929
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,969

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
491
Median Age
42
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$35,357
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$38,609

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
89.4%
College Graduates
10.3%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.1%
% Population in Labor Force
49.9%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
57''
Average Winter Low Temperature
35°F
Average Summer High Temperature
91°F
Annual Snowfall
1''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

7 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

15 / 100

Minimal Transit

Transit Score®

23 / 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.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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
Brown Springs
Lou Hill
EPI Real Estate
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