A historic Civil Rights neighborhood within 2 miles of Downtown Birmingham
At first glance, College Hills seems a lot like the other suburbs surrounding Downtown Birmingham, with its aging bungalows and local churches packed on city blocks. But the modest neighborhood has a rich history woven throughout its rolling hills. It sits just 2 miles west of downtown in the heart of the greater Smithfield community. Along with the northern East Thomas neighborhood, College Hills earned the notorious nickname ‘Dynamite Hill’ after a string of Ku Klux Klan bombings plagued the area during the Civil Rights Movement. Today, the entire community is considered a historic district, and its single-family homes serve as a constant reminder of the brave residents who pioneered equal housing rights across Birmingham.
Feel welcomed when you visity the College Hills neighborhood.
Explore the beautiful campus of Birmingham Southern University in College Hills.
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Architecurally diverse, historic homes on city blocks
Homes in College Hills were established around the early to mid-twentieth century on modified grid pattern streets. While its densely packed city blocks feel quite urban, hilly two-lane residential roads and tree-shaded yards bring a sense of rurality to the neighborhood. The community has three-bedroom bungalows and similar-sized shotgun homes, along with some thoughtfully crafted Tudors and ranch-style homes west of 5th Street. Most houses here feature private parking, with back alleys leading to hidden driveways and detached garages. Listings typically range between $100,000 and $175,000 in College Hills, but some three-bedroom fixer-uppers can go for as low as $50,000. Still, some of the well-preserved historic homes can cost close to $300,000.
Enjoy well manicured lawns in College Hills.
Large single-family homes are available in the College Hills neighborhood.
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Explore four floors of exhibits at the Mcwane Science Center
College Hills is only 2 miles from Downtown Birmingham’s historic museums and vibrant cultural centers. Residents can bike over and take a thought-provoking journey through the confrontations gallery at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute or head to the McWane Science Center to explore four floors of interactive exhibits. After a day exploring downtown, locals can pick up a new book from the local Smithfield Library and return home to College Hills.
Explore the exciting atmosphere of downtown Birmingham near College Hills.
Explore the College Hills neighborhood landscape.
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Some local hot spots around Legion Field Stadium
Residents can walk to a few local hot spots or drive a few miles east to access the trendy downtown shops and restaurants. Across from Legion Field Stadium, Creole Connection is a walkable neighborhood restaurant where locals can order traditional New Orleans-style cuisine seasoned with smokey Cajun spices. On Fridays after work, residents can head to The Onyx of Birmingham and dance underneath the neon lights or head out back to party around the on-site swimming pool. For groceries and essential household items, Millennium Mini Mart is a one-stop shop conveniently located next to the stadium.
Admire Legion Field in College Hills.
Grab some yummy Cajun food at Creole Connection in College Hills.
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A.H. Parker offers The Academy of Urban Educators
Students can attend Birmingham City Schools, all within two miles of College Hills. Kindergarteners begin at Tuggle Elementary, which scores a C-minus on Niche. Also receiving a C-minus, Wilkerson Middle participates in the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools Program, which ensures digital equity by providing all students a free iPad or Chromebook. Ninth graders move on to the C-plus-rated A.H. Parker High School. The Academy of Urban Educators offers Parker students the chance to explore future teaching careers.
A.H. Parker High School teaches kids in College Hills to do their best.
Malachi Wilkerson Middle School seeks to inspire students in College Hills.
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Only a 2 mile walk to Downtown Bham
Residents can take a 2 mile walk or ride one of the fixed route busses to arrive in Downtown Bham. Drivers can quickly get downtown or access Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport via Interstate 20. Interstate 65 runs just east of College Hills, bringing locals to Gardendale heading north and Homewood further south.
Find some good friends at the Monday Night Brewery and Kitchen near College Hills.
Take a sunset job at Railroad Park near College Hills.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jeremy Galloway,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Rickwood Field
East Thomas Park
Baseball/Softball
Trails
Playground
Ellsberry Park
Arthur Shores Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Fountain Heights Recreation Center
Basketball
Pool
Playground
City Walk Birmingham
Bike Trails
Dog Park
Trails
Rickwood Mini-Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Parking Lot
Transit
Airport
Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International
13 min drive
Bus
9th Ct And 3rd St W
Bus
9th Ave And 5th Pl W
Bus
9th Ct And 5th St W
Bus
9th Ave And 6th St W
Bus
Center St And 9th Ct W
Bus
9th Ave And 7th St W
Bus
9th Ct And 4th St W
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
College Hills
US
Homicide
7
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in College Hills, Birmingham sell after 65 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in College Hills, Birmingham over the last 12 months is $113,800, down 30% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Stunning Full Remodel in Historic College Hills! Welcome to this expansive, full 4-sided brick home situated on a peaceful cul-de-sac in the sought-after Historic College Hills neighborhood. This beautifully renovated home is just minutes away from downtown, Uptown, Protective Stadium, and the CrossPlex, making it perfectly located for both convenience and tranquility. With 5 spacious bedrooms
Lots of potential! Bring this sleeping beauty back to life. Investor special. Add an extra bedroom and bathroom to make this a 3/2. Keep as a rental or flip for a profit. So much opportunity. Selling As Is. Broker Owner
Don't miss this desirable mid-century style home in the College Hills neighborhood of Birmingham, AL. With a generous amount of living space, this home offers endless possibilities for families, investors, or anyone looking for a beautiful property with room to grow. Enjoy nearby parks, local shops, and dining options, while being just a short drive away from downtown Birmingham, UAB, and other
Welcome to Little Blue in Birmingham! This charming 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is newly updated and located in historic Birmingham, within walking distance of Legion Field. With a queen sleeper sofa, large groups have plenty of sleeping space. Enjoy easy access to Birmingham’s best attractions, conveniently located only a few miles away. Our photos include professional and real-time images, so
Property Id: 1691942NO BANK QUALIFY. This house is for RENT TO OWN OR FOR sale “Owner Financed” to deserving buyer. Make it your own custom home. There is no bank qualifying, or credit check. Please message, call, or txt, with the most you have available to put down. House will be sold at a reasonable payment dependent on buyer. Perfect for someone that cannot get traditional
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jeremy Galloway,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,569
Median Age
48
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
19.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
27.2%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$48,076
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$49,535
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
92%
College Graduates
29.5%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
13.9%
% Population in Labor Force
39.4%
Significantly 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®
23/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
39/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
29/ 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.
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.