Archives June 2025

If you’re thinking about relocating to Homewood, Alabama, you’re not alone. This charming suburb just minutes from downtown Birmingham continues to attract homebuyers with its walkable neighborhoods, top-rated schools, and small-town feel with big-city access. Whether you’re searching “best places to live near Birmingham, AL” or “family-friendly neighborhoods in Alabama,” Homewood should be on your radar.

Why Move to Homewood, Alabama?

Homewood offers the perfect blend of Southern hospitality, convenience, and character. Here’s what makes it a top relocation destination in Alabama:

1. Location, Location, Location

Homewood is ideally situated just 4 miles south of downtown Birmingham, making it a commuter’s dream. You’ll enjoy easy access to major highways like I-65 and Highway 31, along with close proximity to UAB, Samford University, and downtown hospitals and offices.

2. Top-Ranked Schools

If you’re moving to Alabama for the schools, Homewood City Schools consistently ranks among the best in the state. In fact, Homewood is ranked the #1 Best School District in Alabama by Niche.com, earning an overall grade of A+ for academics, teachers, and college prep source. Homewood High School is also ranked #3 in Alabama according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 rankings source.

3. Walkable Neighborhoods with Character

Homewood is known for its tight-knit communities like Edgewood, Hollywood, and Mayfair, where sidewalks are lined with historic homes, modern cottages, and beautifully landscaped yards. Many neighborhoods are walking distance to shops, restaurants, and parks—ideal for those seeking a lifestyle of convenience and charm.

4. Local Dining & Shopping

Looking for where to eat in Homewood, AL? Try local favorites like Saw’s BBQ, Big Bad Breakfast, or Homewood Gourmet. For shopping, don’t miss the boutiques and specialty stores along 18th Street South or the Edgewood retail strip. There’s no shortage of places to explore.

5. Green Spaces & Recreation

One of the best parts of moving to Homewood is access to its parks and recreation. Homewood Central Park, with its walking trails, pool, and community events, is a local favorite. The Lakeshore Trail is a popular paved greenway for biking and jogging. The city also has a vibrant youth sports program and a community center with fitness classes and indoor courts.

6. Strong Sense of Community

Homewood’s small-town spirit shines through community events like the Homewood Christmas Parade, We Love Homewood Day, and the farmers market. People moving to Homewood often comment on how welcoming and inclusive the community feels.

Is Homewood, Alabama a Good Place to Live?

Absolutely. If you’re relocating for work, looking for great schools, or just want a vibrant, connected community with character—Homewood delivers. It’s no wonder so many people are searching for homes for sale in Homewood, AL and moving to Birmingham suburbs.

If you’re considering a move and want to know more about the real estate market, local neighborhoods, or schools, I’d love to help.

This blog is general information and not legal or financial advice. Always consult professionals regarding your specific situation.
Each office is independently owned and operated.

Mandy Williams, Alabama Realtor
Keller Williams Homewood
📧 mandy@mandysellsbham.com

We’ve all done it — typed in an address on Zillow and instantly scanned that little Zestimate box. Whether you’re buying or selling, it’s tempting to take Zillow’s word for what a home is worth.

But here’s the truth: Zillow is a computer, not a real estate expert. And in Alabama, especially in areas like Birmingham and the surrounding suburbs, Zillow’s estimates can be way off — sometimes by tens of thousands of dollars.

What Is a Zestimate?

Zillow’s Zestimate is an automated valuation model (AVM) based on public data, recent sales, tax records, and whatever scraps the algorithm can gather. Sounds fancy — but it doesn’t walk through your house, look at your finishes, or know what’s going on in your specific market.

In other words: it’s a starting point, not an appraisal.

Why Zillow Is Often Wrong in Alabama

1. It Lacks Context
   Zillow sees square footage and bed/bath counts — but it can’t account for the condition of your roof, your upgrades, or the fact that the house next door sold low because it needed a total gut job.
2. Neighborhood Nuances Matter
   Zillow doesn’t know if your home backs up to a quiet cul-de-sac or a busy street. It doesn’t understand that one side of the subdivision is more desirable than the other, or that a view adds major value.
3. It Can’t Replace Local Expertise
   From Homewood bungalows to new builds in Chelsea to rural homes with acreage, Alabama’s market is full of nuance that only a boots-on-the-ground Realtor can truly price.

Should You Ignore Zillow Completely?

Not necessarily. It’s fine to use Zillow as a general ballpark, but never rely on it for making pricing decisions. A smart seller uses real comps, hyper-local trends, and a professional who actually sees and understands the property.

That’s where I come in.

What Your Home Is Really Worth

As a full-time Alabama Realtor, I run custom market analyses based on actual sold comps, condition, upgrades, and what buyers are paying right now — not what an algorithm guessed based on incomplete info.

If you’re serious about selling — or just curious what your home could realistically go for in today’s market — let’s chat. I’ll give it to you straight, no fluff, no guesswork.

Email: mandy@mandysellsbham.com

Phone: 205.332.1978

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Mandy Williams, Alabama Realtor
Keller Williams Homewood