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norwood house 8 Things you need to know about Birmingham’s Northside community, including Alabama-made spirits at LeNell’s Beverage Boutique and the annual Linn Park tree lighting and parade — James Clark’s beautiful Norwood home. Photo via James Clark

The Northside community consists of five neighborhoods: Norwood, Druid Hills, Evergreen, Fountain Heights and Central City. Northside residents claim four zip codes — 35204, 35203, 35222 and 35234.

1. Where is it?

You may already be familiar with a few of the neighborhoods located in the Northside community. Perhaps you’ve heard of the housing market boom in Norwood or have attended Magic City Art Connection in Linn Park. Have you attended Art After 5 at the Birmingham Museum of Art or an event at The Boutwell Auditorium? If so, you’ve been to Northside and might not have known it.

norwood plums 8 Things you need to know about Birmingham’s Northside community, including Alabama-made spirits at LeNell’s Beverage Boutique and the annual Linn Park tree lighting and parade — Neighborhood kids pick plums from the plum tree on the corner. Photo via James Clark

2. Why do people live here? What’s special about it?

We spoke with former Norwood resident, Patience Itson about why she liked living in Norwood, one of Northside’s historic neighborhoods.

“My favorite part about Norwood and Northside is the houses. They are all truly amazing. They are all unique and many would be amazing fixer uppers. It’s nice because you get away from the typical “cookie cutter houses” that are popping up more and more. and get back to real architecture, style and individualism.”

We also had a chance to talk to James Clark, current Norwood resident and Neighborhood President. He loves living in his beautifully-renovated historic home in Norwood. He shares why he loves living in the neighborhood:

“We are close to downtown. I work at UAB and my husband works Downtown too. 7 min commute to work. I can come home for lunch and let the dog out. The neighborhood is safe — neighbors look out for each other. There is a real neighborhood feel and people wave from the front porch when you are walking down the Blvd Linear Park or invite you over for conversation.”

IMG 9219 2 8 Things you need to know about Birmingham’s Northside community, including Alabama-made spirits at LeNell’s Beverage Boutique and the annual Linn Park tree lighting and parade — Linn Park is a beautiful and historic park in the Central City neighborhood of the Northside community. Photo by Lauren Bedford for Bham Now

3. Where do locals go to eat/hang out?

According to Clark, “We are close to downtown so we are pretty much in the center of the bham region so we are a short drive anywhere. Normally we go out to eat downtown or southside. Love IKKO, Pho Pho and Sitar.”

4. How much is housing?

Median housing range by zip code:

35204: 24k. 35203: 242k. 35222: 266k. 35234: 47k.

norwood home 8 Things you need to know about Birmingham’s Northside community, including Alabama-made spirits at LeNell’s Beverage Boutique and the annual Linn Park tree lighting and parade — 1527 27th Street North, $140,000. Photo via Brik Realty

Check out this great house for sale.

Check out more homes in the area.

5. What is one thing everyone who visits Northside has to see / shop at / etc?

lenells 8 Things you need to know about Birmingham’s Northside community, including Alabama-made spirits at LeNell’s Beverage Boutique and the annual Linn Park tree lighting and parade — LeNell’s beverage boutique features hard-to-find spirits in a funky atmosphere, like this gin display in an old bathtub. Photo by James Clark

LeNell’s Beverage Boutique is a new beverage store concept for Birmingham. LeNell Camacho Santa Ana, aka “Lady Bourbon” is a transplant from Brooklyn, where she had another popular drink shop. The beverage boutique is a funky, quirky liquor store full of local art and Birmingham regalia. The shop features hard-to-find and specialty beverages and upscale liquors. She also has a selection of wines, bitters and glassware.

Find out more about LeNell’s.

6. Events Coming Up

Screen Shot 2018 11 29 at 12.50.30 PM 8 Things you need to know about Birmingham’s Northside community, including Alabama-made spirits at LeNell’s Beverage Boutique and the annual Linn Park tree lighting and parade — The Linn Park Christmas Tree is a sight you won’t want to miss out on! Photo by Lauren Bedford for Bham Now

Stop by LeNell’s Beverage Boutique for two fun events featuring locally-made spirits perfect for gift-giving. Are you a gin and vodka fan? You’re in luck! Camacho Santa Ana will have a gin and vodka tasting event on Thursday, November 29 from 4:30 – 6:30. Redmont, a local distillery. Both spirits are distilled through Alabama limestone and have unique tasting notes. If you’re interested in vodka or gin, you won’t want to miss this event.

More of a bourbon fan? The ‘Bourbon Made in Bama’ tasting on Saturday, December 1 from 1 – 3pm is sure to be a treat. Whether it’s for you or for a very cool holiday gift, you can pick up a bottle of Seth Dettling’s small batch, 80 proof, farm-to-bottle whiskey. He will be at the event and ready to sign and wax-dip a bottle just for you!

Redmont Gin and Vodka Tasting: November 29, 4:30-6:30. Free

Bourbon Made in Bama Tasting: December 1, 1pm-3pm. Free

7. Best Instagram spot?

find norwood 1 8 Things you need to know about Birmingham’s Northside community, including Alabama-made spirits at LeNell’s Beverage Boutique and the annual Linn Park tree lighting and parade — Learn more about Norwood and the Northside community of Birmingham! Photo by James Clark

Linn Park’s giant Christmas Tree! Each year, the city puts up a huge tree in Linn Park complete with lights, ribbons and the works. Locals flock to the tree to take their holiday family photos, couples have photoshoots and more! The tree is a beautiful holiday feature in the center of the Northside community.

This year’s tree lighting ceremony and parade will be on Sunday, December 2nd starting at 4pm.

Clark also mentioned that Norwood is gorgeous in the snow, so it’s great for a photo-op! Also check out the historic Moscow Circus sign in Norwood under the 15th Avenue Viaduct and the “Find Norwood” fence.