Thinking about making a move to Birmingham? The Magic City has plenty to offer, including a rich history, delicious food, fun outdoor recreation, and more. Based on factors like safety, affordable housing options, and available amenities, we’ve determined a list of top Birmingham suburbs to consider living in. Check out these top five affordable and safe suburbs of Birmingham, AL!
| Suburb | Fultondale | Irondale | Pelham | Pleasant Grove | Vestavia Hills |
| Median Home Price | $154,500 | $156,300 | $198,500 | $157,400 | $380,600 |
| Median Rent Price | $1,021 | $1,031 | $1,159 | $1,099 | $1,313 |
| Safer than % of Alabama | 58% | 45% | 76% | 67% | 91% |
| Home Ownership Percentage | 71% | 63% | 84% | 82% | 78% |
Is Birmingham a Safe Place to Live in 2026?
While Birmingham is only safer than 2% of Alabama cities, the city has seen crime rates decrease in recent years. There are also a variety of crime reduction strategies and initiatives in place to help keep residents safe. Not to mention, crime rates tend to be lower farther away from the city center—which means there are a variety of safe suburbs in Birmingham, including Pelham, Vestavia Hills, and more!
Fultondale
- Home Price: $154,500 median purchase price; $1,021 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 58% of Alabama cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Originally a mining town, Fultondale has a small-town feel and holds the motto of “A Friendly City”—so it’s easy to understand why it’s one of the best Birmingham suburbs for people of all ages! This welcoming area is filled with shopping centers and local eateries. With ranch-style homes along tree-lined streets, top-notch schools like Fultondale Elementary School and Fultondale High School, and several local parks and green spaces, this suburb is a fantastic place to raise a family. Fultondale is also situated in a prime location with easy access to I-65 and US-31, offering residents quick commutes to Birmingham for work or more fun!
Things to Do in Fultondale
Join the Book Club, find your new favorite novel, or bring your kiddos to Story Time at the Fultondale Public Library. Embark on the “Rails to Trails” nature walk, have a picnic, or step up to bat at the softball fields in Black Creek Park. Play fetch, let your dog roam, or bring your furry friend to the annual Barking at the Moon Festival at Fultondale Bark Park. Are you a sports lover? Practice or watch baseball, cheerleading, football, and more at the Fultondale Sports Complex. Try the Jamaican Taco, All American Burger, or Shrimp Po Boy while competing in Bingo or listening to live music at Mad Pies Restaurant & Bar. Order BBQ items like Love Me Tenders, the Open-Face Catfish Sandwich, Classic Spare Ribs, and more at family-owned Full Moon Bar-B-Que. Enjoy hibachi, sushi, and Asian cuisine like Orange Chicken, Sashimi, and Lo Mein Noodles at Stix Restaurant. Or sit down with friends to munch on Southwest Eggrolls, Howard’s “Hillbilly” Philly, and Bread Puddin’ Bites at Mugshots Grill & Bar.
Q: Is Birmingham expensive to live in?
A: The cost of living in Birmingham is 12% lower than the national average, and the city offers especially low median home prices. In fact, Alabama is one of the most affordable states in the nation. Some of the cheapest places to live in Birmingham without sacrificing safety include suburbs like Fultondale, Irondale, and more.
Irondale
- Home Price: $156,300 median purchase price; $1,031 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 45% of Alabama cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Located near the Cahaba River Boat Ramp and known for its Train Watching Platform, Irondale is a community-oriented, safe Birmingham suburb with plenty of ways to stay busy! In addition to hosting local events where you can meet your neighbors—like the Irondale Farmers & Makers Market—this area is home to a variety of boutiques and unique antique shops to explore. Families with children appreciate the area’s multitude of schooling options, including Irondale Community School, Grantswood Community School, Irondale Middle School, Shades Valley High School, and more. Not to mention, older residents can connect with the local community at the Irondale Senior Activity Center—which offers fun, educational programs and activities like ceramics, board games, bingo, and more!
Things to Do in Irondale
Find beautiful vintage jewelry, antique furniture, and other home decor at Irondale Pickers. Tee off on the par-72 golf course, go for a swim, play tennis, and more when you become a member of the Pine Tree Country Club. Visit the Nature Center, explore wetlands and mining sites, and admire wildlife just outside the suburb at Ruffner Mountain. Attend Community Art Nights, or admire and shop unique artwork at Studio by the Tracks—a community studio for autistic artists. Savor brunch items like Biscuits & Gravy or a Patty Melt, or stop in for snacks like Cracklin’ Pork Skins, Corn Nuggets, or Churros at Marty’s GM. Dig in to comfort foods like Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Fried USA Catfish Filet, Fried Okra, and more at Irondale Cafe—serving the area since 1928. Enjoy authentic Mexican dishes like Chicken Tacos, Quesabirria, or Torta from El Man Tacos. Or devour the Hot Dog Special, Smoked Turkey Sandwich, or Chef Salad—with a Chocolate Milkshake to drink—at Alabama favorite, Hamburger Heaven!
Q: Is Birmingham safe?
A: Despite facing some challenges with crime, the City of Birmingham is still safer than 2% of Alabama cities. Additionally, crime rates vary throughout the city, so it’s important to thoroughly research different neighborhoods and suburbs before relocating. Suburbs farther from the city center—like Vestavia Hills and Pelham—tend to offer lower crime rates.
Pelham
- Home Price: $198,500 median purchase price; $1,159 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 76% of Alabama cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Pelham, AL is an attractive Birmingham suburb for those who love to stay active, boasting recreation spots like the Ballantrae Golf Club, Pelham Racquet Club, Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena, and even the Pelham Senior Center, which offers a variety of 55+ activities! This affordable area is also home to the largest state park in Alabama, Oak Mountain State Park—which offers opportunities for horseback riding, birdwatching, mountain biking, and more. Beyond outdoor recreation, residents can attend the annual Oak Mountain State Fair or get involved in regular community events like Salsa in the Park. Not to mention, growing families will enjoy close proximity to great schools in this safe suburb—including Pelham Oaks Elementary, Pelham Park Middle School, Pelham High School, and more.
Things to Do in Pelham
Take the kids to the playground, play basketball, or have a picnic at Fun Go Holler Park. Help your kiddos get outside, make friends, and learn something new by signing them up for the NHL Street Hockey Summer League. Cool off at the Splash Pad, or play pickleball, sand volleyball, or baseball at the City Park Complex. Challenge your friends to tabletop games, drink mead, and shop for a new favorite game at Valhalla Board Game Cafe. Start your day right with a Tiger Dulce or Bama Brulee, or snack on a Cheese Danish at Buck Creek Coffee & Smoothies. Catch up with friends over a Reuben, Patty Melt, or Muffaletta for lunch at Smiley Brothers. Order a Sausage Biscuit, Chicken Tender & Fries Basket, Cheese Fries, and other comfort foods at Bama Burgers 2. Or chow down Salvadoran classics like Pupusas, Yuca con Chicharron, or Platanos con Crema y Pruoirs at La Libertad Restaurant.
Q: What are the best suburbs of Birmingham?
A: There are a variety of great Birmingham suburbs to consider living in—though some may be a better fit than others depending on your age, needs, and lifestyle preferences. Families and retirees may enjoy quiet, quaint communities like Pleasant Grove, whereas singles and young professionals might prefer more lively suburbs like Vestavia Hills and Pelham.
Pleasant Grove
- Home Price: $157,400 median purchase price; $1,099 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 67% of Alabama cities
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
The city of Pleasant Grove, also known as the “Good Neighbor City,” provides a tranquil place to settle down away from the hustle and bustle of Birmingham. Pleasant Grove is a residential, family-oriented community filled with ranch-style homes that are surrounded by Alabama nature—as well as high-quality schools for growing children like Pleasant Grove Elementary School, Pleasant Grove High School, JCIB Pleasant Grove, and more. Plus, this quiet and close-knit Birmingham suburb is just 15 minutes from city proper—making it a convenient choice for those commuting to work!
Things to Do in Pleasant Grove
Attend communal library events and join groups like Poetry Club, Genealogy, or Knit Wits at Pleasant Grove Public Library. Let your little ones run around the playground, walk your dog, or stargaze at Pleasant Grove Park. Play basketball, race around the track, or set up a picnic at nearby Dolomite Westfield Park. Order the Chicken Finger Box, Big Jack, or Loaded Mac ‘N Cheese at Jack’s Family Restaurant. Devour soul food favorites like Meatloaf, Neckbones, or Chicken & Dumplings at Thelma’s Place. Try the Hot & Sour Soup, Moo Goo Gal Pan, Szechuan Beef, and other Asian dishes at Wok Cuisine. Choose from menu items like Tabouli Salad, Grilled Beef Kofta Kabab, or Hummus at Olipita Mediterranean & American Grill. Or enjoy Southern-style menu items that rotate daily—like Salmon Croquettes, Sauerkraut & Wieners, and Hamburger steak—at Home Plate Diner, just outside of town!
Q: Where can I find affordable housing in Birmingham?
A: If you’re seeking budget-friendly housing in Birmingham, AL, look to suburbs like Fultondale, Irondale, and Pleasant Grove. Not only do these areas offer affordable housing options, but they’re also safe and filled with high-quality schools, fun community events, unique restaurants, and more!
Vestavia Hills
- Home Price: $380,600 median purchase price; $1,313 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 91% of Alabama cities
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Known for its low crime rates and strong sense of community, Vestavia Hills, AL is a quick drive from Birmingham proper—but also offers an array of amenities itself, including year-round community events, local parks, Southern eateries, and more! The safe suburb is filled with a mix of Neocolonial, Mid-Century Modern, and ranch-style houses surrounded by great schools like Vestavia Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights, Louis Pizitz Middle School, and Vestavia Hills High School. Plus, for those seeking higher education, Samford University is located just north!
Things to Do in Vestavia Hills
Sign up to run a 5K, bring your pet to the Paw-Di Gras Parade, attend luncheons, and more at the annual Vestavia Hills Dogwood Festival. Swim laps, teach yourself how to dive, or cool off at the Vestavia Hills Aquatic Complex. Observe wildlife and admire the waterfall as you hike along the Boulder Canyon Nature Trail. Get friends together for a friendly game of pickleball, baseball, or tennis at Wald Park. Enjoy breakfast items like Croque Madame or Mississippi Cheese Toast with a Blueberry-Spice Latte to drink at Alabama Biscuit. Grab a Ground Beef Empanada, Pastrami Sandwich, or Hot Galician Soup at Kool Korner Sandwiches. Get a taste of Louisiana with dishes like Fried Gulf Oysters, Crawfish Po’Boys, and Shrimp Creole Grits at Cajun Seafood House. Or dress up for date night and try Scallops, a Bistro Cheeseburger, or Cappellini at Bistro V.
Q: What’s the safest place to live in Birmingham?
A: Vestavia Hills is one of the safest areas in Birmingham. This suburb boasts low crime rates along with excellent schools, fun outdoor activities, and other great amenities. Not to mention, Vestavia Hills is just a 20-minute drive from Downtown Birmingham!
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The goal of Extra Space Storage’s Best Places to Live selections is to help diverse audiences at varying stages of life make informed decisions about where to live. To provide a well-rounded and accurate view of each metro area, we consider factors like cost of living, job market, local attractions, education, and more. Learn more about our methodology today.
Suburb statistics from AreaVibes
