Homewood
One of the Hottest Housing Markets in Birmingham
If you would like to live in a walkable neighborhood near shops and restaurants while remaining as close to downtown Birmingham as you can get, you would be hard pressed to find a better community to settle down in than Homewood. Homewood's historic bungalows and Tudor architecture make it visually pleasing, yes, but add top notch schools along with a truly wonderful mix of socio-economic and ethnic diversity, and you have the makings of a very special community. Whether you are a young couple looking to purchase your first home, or an established homeowner in search of an upgrade, you will find plenty of homes to choose from in Homewood. One of the best features of this area is that it has been, and will very likely remain, one of Birmingham's strongest housing markets. With inventory low, and home values climbing, there is no better time than the present to purchase a home in Homewood.
A Brief History of Homewood
Although the first settlers arrived in Homewood in the early 1800's, the city of Homewood did not experience significant growth until the rapidly growing city of Birmingham suffered a major cholera epidemic in 1873. In response to the epidemic, many residents began moving to the countryside surrounding Birmingham to get away from the crowded city. The Edgewood area saw probably the greatest amount of development during this period boasting its own electric railway into downtown Birmingham by 1911, and a man made lake by 1915. The communities of Edgewood, Rosedale, and Grove Parc all voted to merge and incorporate under the Homewood name by 1920. The town of Hollywood became a part of the city in 1929.
The great depression and a polio epidemic which sickened 80 children severely damaged the social and economic fabric of the city. The regions economy picked back up as Birmingham's steel mills ramped up production for the WWII war effort. The city's population exploded, increasing by 74% between 1940 & 1950. Oak Grove was annexed into Homewood in 1955. For the most part, Homewood escaped the violence that plagued nearby Birmingham during the civil rights movement of the early 1960s, although an apparently racially motivated bombing did take place in Homewood's Rosedale community in 1963. In 1970, the city created its own
school system, breaking away from the Jefferson County school system. The new Homewood
High School opened in December 1972.
The great depression and a polio epidemic which sickened 80 children severely damaged the social and economic fabric of the city. The regions economy picked back up as Birmingham's steel mills ramped up production for the WWII war effort. The city's population exploded, increasing by 74% between 1940 & 1950. Oak Grove was annexed into Homewood in 1955. For the most part, Homewood escaped the violence that plagued nearby Birmingham during the civil rights movement of the early 1960s, although an apparently racially motivated bombing did take place in Homewood's Rosedale community in 1963. In 1970, the city created its own
school system, breaking away from the Jefferson County school system. The new Homewood
High School opened in December 1972.
Did you Know?
Lakeshore Drive, one of Homewood's most traveled roads, is named after the lake that once inhabited the same area of land. The 117.4 acre lake was drained in 1946.
Lakeshore Drive, one of Homewood's most traveled roads, is named after the lake that once inhabited the same area of land. The 117.4 acre lake was drained in 1946.
Noteworthy Neighborhoods
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Hollywood (Sidewalk section)
Hollywood (Non-Sidewalk section) Mayfair Edgewood West Homewood Downtown Homewood Soho Hallman Hill |
Education
Public
In 1970, Homewood broke away from the Jefferson County school system, creating its own school system, Homewood Public Schools, which includes 3 elementary Schools, 1 Middle School, and 1 High School.
In 1970, Homewood broke away from the Jefferson County school system, creating its own school system, Homewood Public Schools, which includes 3 elementary Schools, 1 Middle School, and 1 High School.
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Private
Private schools in and around Homewood include, but are not limited to: The Altamont School Highlands School St Rose Academy John Carroll Catholic High School NE Miles Jewish Day School Alabama Waldorf School Briarwood Christian School |
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Events
Annually, Homewood Parks & Rec hosts "We Love Homewood Day", which includes a 5k run, attractions at the Homewood Central Park and a parade that runs through downtown Homewood. Additional events can be found at the Homewood Chamber of Commerce and The Homewood Star. |
