$558,017Average Value$276Average Price per Sq Ft12Homes For Sale
Friendly historic charm near downtown Birmingham
At the heart of Forest Park, in a cozy central green space, a stately cast-iron sign reminds neighbors that their community is a designated historic district, recognized on the National Register of Historic Places since 1980. It was developed in the early 1900s to follow the natural contours of Red Mountain’s northern slope and remains a walkable, welcoming hometown with nostalgic charm. Locals are especially fond of Forest Park’s old-growth trees, vintage architecture and quaint commercial village. Steve Buchanan III, Forest Park resident and Realtor with RealtySouth since 1999, says, “I often tell buyers that you’ll know all the dogs’ names here even before you know your neighbors’ if that makes sense. It’s just a very easygoing place where clusters of neighbors gather on lawns, catching up while kids play. And you’ll notice it’s a diverse and inclusive mix of people of all ages and backgrounds.”
Nearby, the University of Alabama at Birmingham is the area’s largest employer, famous for medical and research facilities that draw students and experts from all over the world. Says Buchanan, “Lots of homebuyers associate Forest Park with proximity to UAB. But you’re also minutes from downtown Birmingham and the airport. And while that’s super convenient, it’s really the charm of this place that’s so attractive.” Eclectic local shopping and dining, a scenic drive to a lookout, sizable parks and a public golf course all contribute to Forest Park’s friendly vibe.
Vintage architecture in Forest Park has the modern day vibe.
Forest Parks was developed in the early 1900s to follow the natural contours of Red Mountain’s.
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Quaint and walkable commercial Village
For coffee, breakfast and gift shopping amid blossoms and pastel hues, locals head to General, which opened in 2020 in Forest Park Village. General’s owners also opened Shoppe in 2017, high on a hill in a restored 1920s bungalow. In Shoppe, scented candles and the store’s friendly dog, Cedar, meet neighbors searching for potted plants, books, and seasonal home decor.
Also in the Village, vintage clothes and textiles fill the chic and airy MK Quinlan, while women-owned Dream Boat Salon also offers clean beauty products, teas and essential oils. Rather than fast-food or chain choices, Forest Park is where residents dig into authentic New Orleans Cajun gumbo and muffuletta at The Rougaroux or relax in Red or White — an intimate wine store specializing in charcuterie, fire-roasted oysters and signature pizzas. For cocktails served in one-of-a-kind glassware, Juniper’s creative gin-focused menu is a must.
Forest Park is the 7th most walkable neighborhood in Birmingham with 4,092 residents.
Locals are especially fond of Forest Park’s old-growth trees, and vintage architecture.
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Avondale and Triangle Parks, Charley Boswell Highland Park Golf Course
Dedicated in 1886, Avondale Park is one of Birmingham's earliest. Its natural King's Spring was a popular stopping point for weary travelers along an old stagecoach road. Today, the park is still revered for its rolling topography, natural spring, mature rose garden and lake with a walking trail. Resident athletes frequent the park’s sports fields and courts, and an outdoor amphitheater built in FDR’s Works Progress Administration era is a fulcrum for live music, theater and festivals.
Triangle Park is a kid-friendly green space at Clairmont Avenue and Essex Road, where the Friends of Triangle Park organization added a three-tiered playground and shady picnic areas in 2001. Meanwhile, residents traveling scenic Altamont Road to and from Altamont Park can stop at the forested Altamont Ridge high above Jones Valley for some of the neighborhood’s best views of the Magic City skyline.
Forest Park is also home to the public Charley Boswell Highland Park Golf Course, clubhouse and tennis courts. In 1955, the course was renamed to honor Boswell, a Birmingham native, WWII vet and National Blind Golf Champion who shot an 81 at Highland Park while blind. The course replaced the former private Birmingham Country Club, which moved into one of Birmingham’s wealthiest communities.
Forest Park Neighborhood has Triangle Park with plenty of playground options.
Enjoy a round of golf at Highland Park golf course in Forest Park.
Forest Park neighborhood spans around 230 acres and is located 2 minutes from Birmingham.
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Historic Tudors, Georgians and Craftsmans
Forest Park’s curvy streetscapes differ from standard grid layouts of other Birmingham neighborhoods. Historic bungalows and multi-story Craftsman styles offer front porch fairway views. Says Buchanan, “Think Birmingham England with lots of Tudor style, a few Mediterranean and a few classic Georgian styles. In Birmingham, a Tudor can often sell for more than a Georgian because it’s part of our identity.” The Forest Park Design Review Committee is very active, guiding residents in the proper steps to obtain permits so that the neighborhood retains its historical authenticity. Prices range from $280,000 for a 1930s bungalow up to a million for larger renovated two-stories. In-demand 1920s condos on Clairmont Avenue ask for around $300,000, and the median single-family price is $410,000.
Homes in Forest Park average around $266 a square foot.
Forest Park is an easygoing place where neighbors gather on lawns, catching up while kids play.
Vintage architecture in Forest Park has the modern day vibe.
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Your high school grad can attend UAB which is 5 minutes from Forest Park.
Close to UAB and Birmingham International Airport
In 2023, Forest Park’s few bus stops offering MAX transit service were removed due to city rerouting, so residents drive into downtown Birmingham. However, in under 5 miles, locals can reach downtown, UAB and the Birmingham International Airport. Forest Park’s northside hugs Route 78, which connects to Interstate 65, leading north into Tennessee and south to the Gulf of Mexico.
Altamont is a private school where your 5th-12th grade student's can attend in Forest Park.
Birmingham City Schools and A-grade private Altamont
Public schools are within the Birmingham City Schools District, which gets a C on Niche. Kids start at Avondale Elementary, move on to W.E. Putnam Middle and advance to Woodlawn High — all of which earn a C-minus on Niche. There are also several private options for Forest Park students, including the Altamont School which earns an A-plus on Niche and sports championship-winning outdoor track teams.
Do Dah Day pet parade and Birmingham Folk Festival
Locals love Third Fridays in Forest Park Village, where shops and galleries stay open late, offering specials, wine tastings and music. Every Spring, the popular Do Dah Day features a pet parade between Rufus Rhodes Park and Caldwell Park. In May, the popular Birmingham Folk Festival in Avondale Park’s amphitheater gathers gospel, blues, Mariachi and more. And at Christmastime, the Forest Park Village Holiday Market brims with specials, popups and holiday beverages.
Forest Park is the 7th most walkable neighborhood in Birmingham with 4,092 residents.
Locals are especially fond of Forest Park’s old-growth trees, and vintage architecture.
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
Fred Smith,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
William J. Rushton Sr. Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Rhodes Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Events
Avondale Park
Fishing
Trails
Playground
Underwood Park
Basketball
Pool
Trails
Clairmont Park, or "Triangle Park"
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Altamont Park
Bike Trails
Trails
Hiking
Transit
Airport
Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International
10 min drive
Bus
34th St S And Clairmont Ave
Bus
3rd Ave S And 41st St S
Bus
3rd Ave S Near Workshops Inc
Bus
3rd Ave S And 41st St
Bus
38th St S And 37th St S
Bus
38th St S & 8th Ave S
Bus
3rd Ave S And 38th St S
Reviews
Niche Reviews
4.72 Reviews
5.0Former Resident
8/10/2020Niche Review
Great place to live and to raise a family - public schools not ideal. Lovely neighborhood, lovely neighbors, cute little shopping spot. Lovely houses with unique and interesting history you wouldn't really find anywhere else around Birmingham.
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Forest Park
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Forest Park, Birmingham sell after 22 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Forest Park, Birmingham over the last 12 months is $562,684, up 16% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to your new home in the heart of Forest Park! This beautifully updated bungalow blends classic charm with modern comfort, offering a warm and inviting space for its next owner. Step inside to discover a cozy living room featuring a wood-burning fireplace—perfect for relaxing evenings—and a bright sunroom that’s ideal for a home office or a quiet morning coffee retreat. The spacious
Unlock the potential of this charming 3BR/2BA home in the vibrant Avondale neighborhood, just minutes from UAB! With an income-generating basement apartment featuring a separate entrance, you can start earning extra income immediately to help offset your mortgage. The main level boasts all-new paint, a cozy living room with a gas log fireplace and built-in bookshelves, a bright formal dining
Nestled in the coveted Forest Park neighborhood, 849 42nd Street S is a refined 1930s residence incorporating swoon worthy interiors to complement original character & achitectural detail. Nearly 2500 sqft, this 4-sided brick home offers 4 spacious BRs+2.5 BAs, perfect for day to day family living, comfort & entertaining. Thoughtfully restored throughout, note the gleaming hardwoods spanning main
Have you always wanted to live in Historic Forest Park? Step into style and convenience with this beautifully updated condo nestled in one of Forest Park’s most sought after walkable neighborhoods. Located just steps from vibrant shopping, trendy cafes and top rated restaurants, this charming home offers the perfect bled of modern comfort and historic charm. Inside, you'll find a spacious
This historic Forest Park home offers features not often found at this price! Sitting just above street level, on a beautiful landscaped corner lot, this full brick home offers two living spaces and guest quarters! The large formal living room, with fireplace, opens to a cozy family room and a formal dining room. The renovated kitchen (2024) provides numerous cabinets topped with granite
Welcome to 4603 Clairmont Avenue. This Forest Park gem has been renovated from top to bottom. The current owners have taken this house down to the studs and updated every single thing while keeping the gorgeous historical characteristics of the home. The home boasts large rooms that flow perfectly for your family or entertaining. The main level has a formal LR with fireplace and French doors to a
Avondales newest address is in the heart of one of Birminghams coolest and most sought-after neighborhoods. Axel Row is conveniently located, offers the amenities modern apartment dwellers seek, and is just steps from some of the best eateries, bars, and event venues in the city.
Welcome to this amazing 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment in the desirable Forest Park community of Birmingham, AL. Forest Park is a beautiful early 20th Century neighborhood, one of the first suburbs of Birmingham. It has lovely Arts and Crafts and Tudor homes, sidewalks, parks, and a small village with grocery store and restaurants within walking distance. Convenient to downtown, grocery stores,
Park 35 on Clairmont Apartments raises the bar! Our luxury apartments in Birmingham, AL, deliver sophisticated style, first-class amenities, and a prime location that you won't find anywhere else. Enjoy beautiful finishes in your apartment, such as wood grain flooring, soaring 9-foot ceilings, and elegant bathroom tiles. Take full advantage of gourmet kitchens featuring stainless steel
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Fred Smith,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
4,084
Median Age
39
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
16.4%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$67,017
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$98,391
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94.4%
College Graduates
61.4%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
27.3%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
73.3%
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®
44/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
61/ 100
Minimal Transit
Transit Score®
24/ 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.
