Whether you’ll be new to Birmingham or a local considering a neighborhood change, navigating the housing market can be tough –but we know from experience that an inside scoop from your peers is always beneficial. For this Student Insight feature, our co-contributors reached out to a few of their classmates to learn more about their current neighborhoods and how they feel it works for their med student lifestyle.
*Shown by increasing distance from campus
View of several tall downtown city buildings and their reflections in water at Railroad Park.
Downtown
Nikki Panzica - The Venue. It's expensive but walking distance to UAB and probably cheap in comparison to others. I love the space, and love that it's right next to Railroad Park.
Lydia Yang - I live downtown, about 20 minutes walking distance to Volker Hall (5-7 min drive depending on traffic). Rent for the area is usually $900+ with a roommate and $1200+ if you live alone (this price includes utilities, although every complex does it differently). The biggest pro to living downtown is the convenience to campus! It’s so nice to not have to worry about traffic. There are also coffee shops, restaurants, and a Publix within walking distance.
My apartment also has gated parking, and you need a key fob to get into pretty much every door. Of course, safety is always something to be aware of wherever you live, so I make sure to take safety precautions like not walking at night, keeping my car clean, walking with a friend if possible, etc. I would say safety is the main downside to living downtown vs. in a suburb. I personally haven’t had any major issues so far, but I make sure to stay aware of my surroundings, especially when I’m walking to school. I have also heard that during non-COVID times, there is a shortcut you can take through the hospital so that most of your commute is indoors.
Florencia Scaglia Drusini - I currently live downtown and I LOVE it! It is definitely on the more expensive side (I previously lived about 20 minutes away and it was half the price), but it is worthwhile for your clinical years. It is incredibly resourceful to be able to walk to the hospital and have a Publix in walking distance as well!
Exterior of Terrace Court Apartments in Five Points South.Southside
Brandon Edney - I live in South Side on 15th street. Rent ranges from $1000 - 2000. It’s close to campus and cheaper than living Downtown; very close to 5 Points. There’s a CVS less than a block away and a Publix on the north side of town (20+ min walk). 10 min walk to campus.
Henry Paiste - South Side (Glen Iris). Affordable, <$700, nice area to walk around, very close to school, and can walk to Volker in less than 25 mins.
Highland Park & Avondale
Nikhi Singh - I live in Highland Park. It’s incredible; 7 minute drive to school but feels like I'm in a neighborhood. Historic buildings and dog friendly!
Emma Bryant - Iron City Lofts off of 4th Avenue. I love it. It's really quiet and not too far from the school. I live with a roommate and pay $740 in rent, which includes cable and internet. Electric and water bills are separate.
"It's Awesome to Have You in Avondale" mural, created by Rob Clifton, is painted on an exterior wall at Avondale Brewing Company.Homewood/Mountain Brook/Vestavia Hills
Miranda Worley - I live at the Oaks at Lakeshore. I love the area because it's safe and close to many different grocery stores like Walmart and Publix (and most importantly it's close to several coffee shops!). It's located about 15 minutes from campus without traffic, but with traffic it can take quite a bit longer. Luckily traffic hasn't been an issue for me so far, but it can definitely be considered a con! I would say the price range is about average for the area and for the amenities that are offered.
Katie McMillan - I live in a house in West Homewood with two roommates. Our neighborhood is very family friendly and close to several grocery stores and really any kind of store you need. I like living in a neighborhood (vs. downtown) because I feel like when I come home I am unplugged from school and the busyness of downtown sometimes. Volker is about a 10 minute drive; only two exits north on I-65. I pay $550 rent + ~$100 for utilities every month.
Brett Cooke - Arbors at Cahaba River. It is located off of highway 280, and it is around 15-20 minutes away from campus. I love it! It is located directly across the street from a Publix and a Lifetime Fitness which is great for trying to stay active. This apartment, as well as the surrounding complexes are all very safe, and there are many young professionals in this area. You are a short drive away from the Summit, the Colonnade, and the rest of 280, so a lack of places to grocery shop or have fun is never an issue. I live in a 1300 square foot 2 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment here. The rent, not including utilities, is $1,111. It isn’t downtown, but I don’t necessarily think that is a bad thing. For me, it allows me to detach from school some when I am at home.
Thompson Butler - Even though I’m right off of 280 (Crowne at Overton), I don’t feel like I’m in the middle of an ant hill. I also feel safe here at all times. I’m spitting distance from a Publix and a Winn Dixie as well as several pharmacies. And as a major bonus, it only takes me ~10 minutes to get to campus even during rush hour.
Exterior of Regions Field in Downtown Birmingham.Hoover and beyond
Bianca Godwins - Current: Chace Lake Villas - Pros: Near Mall and lots of food stores, Cons: Not gated, 18 min from campus. Upcoming: Retreat at Greystone - Pros: Luxury complex, Quiet, Gated, Private; Cons: Near 280, Price: $1500-2000+
Charles Gagnon - I live in a townhouse in Pelham, Alabama. Pros: the location is close to lots of grocery stores; I have a small yard that I can take care of; my neighborhood is quiet and mostly young families or retired individuals; and it is nearby to the interstate. Cons: it is about 30 minutes from school and not a lot of students live this far out from Birmingham.