8 things you need to know about the Red Mountain Community, including a Christmas music light show, restaurants and a secret cottage community

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Chances are, you’ve found yourself driving slowly through the neighborhoods of the Red Mountain Community, checking out the beautiful homes and funky restaurants or stopping to relax at one of the great parks. Red Mountain is made up of three neighborhoods: Forest Park, Highland Park and Redmont park. Find out why it’s one of the coolest communities in Birmingham.

Where is it?

The Red Mountain Community includes just 3 neighborhoods (Highland Park, Forest Park and Redmont Park), but it’s bigger than you’d think. The community features many parks and greenspaces including Altamont Park, Avondale Park, the Birmingham Zoo, the Botanical Gardens, Highland Park, Ramsay Park, Rushton Park and Vulcan Park.

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

“I hear friends in other parts of the metro area talk about not knowing people on the street where they live. But that is not the case in Forest Park. We know each other, because we see each other, we visit with each other. Some of us, on a daily basis. It makes for an old-fashioned  tight-knit community.”

 Joellyn Beckham, Forest Park Resident

According to Beckham, people love living here for 3 reasons:

• A love of history and lovely old homes.

• Diversity.

“I can’t think of another neighborhood group that one moment has someone seeking symphony tickets and the next, has someone asking if anyone in the ‘hood is missing a pet monkey. There is absolutely nothing cookie-cutter about this place. Forest Park is not only home to people of all backgrounds, cultures, religions and ages, but is also diverse economically and socially. In this way, our neighborhood is like the very best part of living an old southern small town, Gay folks, Jewish folks, people of color, hourly workers, nationally-renowned writers and artists, CEOs and judges are not in separate enclaves, but are living next door to everyone else.”

 Joellyn Beckham, Forest Park Resident

• Wonderful tree-lined sidewalks. The sidewalks are well-travelled by humans and canines alike.

In addition to the great community atmosphere, the homes in these neighborhoods are historic and beautiful. A drive through the area will take you past many homes with a “Birmingham Beautification Award” sign in their front yard and it’s easy to see why. The bungalows and craftsmans of the area are charming and homey. There’s even a community of tiny homes before tiny homes were cool, called the Cliff Court Cottages. Learn more about those cottages here.

Convenience

‘If you live in Forest Park, you’ll be 10 minutes from everything you need in Birmingham.  We’re 10 minutes from the airport. 10 minutes from downtown. 10 minutes from the best restaurants, museums and shopping.  You get an urban feel with the bonus of green space, sidewalks and trees. It’s also highly walkable and social. It’s a great feeling to know that you can walk to coffee or a meal.’  Cindy Martin, Bham Now Founder/CEO and Forest Park resident

3) Where do locals go to eat and hang out?

The Red Mountain community is full of great restaurants, breweries and local hangout spots. From upscale dining to sports bars and even a grilled-cheese restaurant, there is something for every taste throughout these three neighborhoods.

“Without question, hands down, folks of Highland Park deeply love our Rojo. The amazing people who work there have created a truly special place for the neighborhood. Laney and Clark are important members of our community and they continue to inspire positivity for Highland Park and beyond. Their 10% Tuesdays are a great way to meet people who work hard each day to make this neighborhood, city, state and world a much better place. We are lucky to have them in the heart of our neighborhood.” – Kelly Marshall, Highland Park resident

Restaurants in the area include:

• Little Savannah
• Whistling Table
• The Rougaroux
• Rojo
• Freddy’s
• Chez Lulu
• Continental Bakery
• Billy’s
• Vino Gallery and Bar
• Root to Tail
• Melt
• Avondale Brewing Company

4) How much is housing?

This community boasts a wide range of housing prices and housing options. From condos and apartments to large craftsmans and tiny cottages, there is something for everyone. The median price for a home in the Red Mountain Community is $355,000.

You can find more info on this condo here.

Find a full list of homes for sale in the community here.

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5) What is one thing everyone who visits the Red Mountain Community has to see or shop at?

“We have a some really great shops in the neighborhood now: the much beloved Naked Art where you can pick up great gifts of whimsy created by Birmingham artists and Shoppe, a plant store featuring an absolutely lovely greenhouse, and fabulous wares for your home and garden. There’s also the newest addition, Dreamer’s Supply Co.” -Beckham

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6) Best photo spot?

The area is so beautiful, virtually any corner you turn could land you in a great photo spot. However, the parks are stunning during the fall with fiery red and orange trees all around. Year-round, the view of sunsets takes the cake.

“The view of the city from Altamont Road, the view of sunsets from Cliff Road and this one particular tree on Crescent Road in all its October splendor are just a few great neighborhood spots for photo ops—and to show off to out-of-town visitors.” – Beckham

 The sunset view from Cliff Road is spectacular, but what’s the best way to get up there? Make your way up and around the winding road in style in a new Ford Mustang.  Adamson Ford in downtown Birmingham offers 0% interest on any new Ford Mustangs for 72 months. Now that’s a view and a deal you can’t beat.

7) Upcoming Events

There always seems to be something fun going on in this community! This week, you can see a fantastic Christmas light show at Vulcan and check out local art, vintage clothing and handmade goods at the Third Friday Holiday Open House.

Vulcan Park Sound-to-Light Show: The light show at Vulcan Park will be wrapping up its 12 day long show cycle this weekend, so the time is now to check it out! Festive lights will be projected onto the Vulcan statue to the tune of classic Christmas songs. Shows last 15 minutes and begin at the top of each hour from 5-9pm. You can get a free hot cocoa while supplies last, too!

Get the full story on the Vulcan light show.

Third Friday Holiday Open House: On the third Friday of every month, the shops of Forest Park open their doors and invite the community in for wine, beer, art, specials and more. This Third Friday is special — it’s the holiday open house! Check out the shops of Forest Park from 5-8pm. A few highlights for the evening include:

• “Shopping for procrastinators and Kitschmas photobooth” at Naked Art Gallery
  • Get your family portrait immortalized by multi-international award winner photographer Liesa Cole of studio Goodlight! All photographers’ tips will benefit the Freshwater Land Trust.
• Guest bartender at Naked Art Gallery will serve gluhwein: 100% of tips and 10% of sales that night will benefit the Freshwater Land Trust and The Red Rock Ridge & Valley Trail System
• Sip on a beverage at Shoppe while you shop around and warm up by the fire pit
• At Little Savannah, admire artwork by local artist Tracy McKay while you enjoy $3 spiked apple cider and other food and drink specials!

8) Open Jobs

Are you interested in being an agent for Brik Realty, focusing on the Northside Community? Click here to learn about working with this great Birmingham company and here to apply for a position as Realtor.

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