6 reasons to love living in Highland Park, including eats at Rojo

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Nestled along the foothills of Red Mountain, you’ll find Highland Park—one of Birmingham’s oldest and most charming neighborhoods.

With a variety of historic homes, gorgeous parks and community hot spots, here are six reasons you’ll fall in love with this special area of Birmingham.

1. The history + homes

Highland Park is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Birmingham. Established in 1884, it began as a single boulevard with three parks.

Today, it has blossomed into a bustling neighborhood filled with activity.

On any given day, you’ll see residents walking or jogging, park-hopping with their dogs or relaxing at a local coffee shop with friends. 

While it has continued to grow, it has remained a prominent residential spot rich in history, charm and beautiful tree-lined streets. 

Here are some cool facts about the Highland Park neighborhood:

• It was originally developed as a suburb of Birmingham by the Elyton Land Company.
• Before the 1930s, street cars ran along Highland Avenue + into downtown Birmingham. 
• It’s one of the more prosperous + diverse neighborhoods within the City of Birmingham. 
• It was recognized as one of “America’s Great Places” by the American Planning Association in 2011.

One of my favorite things about Highland Park is its many historic homes, each radiating charisma. 

Whether you walk or drive through the neighborhood, you’ll spot modest craftsman, bungalow and ranch houses in a variety of architectural styles like American FourSquare and Queen Anne. 

2. It’s walking distance to picturesque parks

The Highland Park neighborhood is known for its hilly, wooded beauty. But when it was being developed in 1884, its topography posed some challenges to city planners and designers.

The cool part is that by embracing its curvilinear street patterns, it led to one of the neighborhood’s most prominent features—the parks are nestled into curves below street level.

The design gives park-goers plenty of undisturbed space away from street traffic while giving drivers and pedestrians brilliant park views as they pass by.

Here’s a glance at the neighborhood’s three historic parks—Caldwell, Rhodes and Rushton:

• Caldwell Park—2500 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205
  • With its stretch of green space, this park is a local go-to spot for a quick run or walk. 

• Rhodes Park—2800 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205
  • Known as Highland Park’s unofficial dog park, you’ll find dozens of residents hanging out here with their pups. 
  • It features unique elements like beautifully crafted textured walls, entrances + benches with inset Moravian tiles. 

• Rushton Park—3000 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205
  • This is where the fun happens. You’ll find a large fenced-in play area for kids, a basketball court for a game of one-on-one + more.
  • It’s home to the Highland Park Community Garden where neighborhood residents cultivate a variety of plants, from mint + basil to tomatoes + flowers.

Make Highland Park your home with H2 Real Estate.

3. Rojo’s food + drinks are a must

Since opening in 2002, Rojo has been a local staple in the heart of Highland Park.

It’s loved for its casual, family-friendly vibe and delicious American and Latin dishes like burgers, tacos, sandwiches and salads. 

My forever fave is their chicken quesadilla with Monterey Jack.

The best part? It allows dogs, so you can bring them along while you eat, then stroll over to Rushton Park across the street for some playtime.

• Location: 2921 Highland Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205
• Hours: Tuesday–Sunday 11AM-10PM | Weekend Brunch, Saturday + Sunday 11AM-3PM 

4. You can get locally brewed coffee at O’Henry’s

IMO, every neighborhood needs a coffee house where you can become a “regular”.

While there are many locations around the Birmingham metro area, O’Henry’s in Highland Park holds a sweet spot for many.

While the main reason to visit is the locally brewed coffee, you can’t leave without ordering their Conecuh Cheddar Biscuit.

Scratch-made with a blend of Conecuh sausage, cheddar cheese and herbs, it will add some yum to your day. 

• Location: 2915 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205
• Hours: Monday-Saturday 6:30AM-7PM | Sunday 7AM-7PM

5. You can see amazing shows at the Virginia Samford Theatre

Whether you enjoy comedies, dramas or musicals, the Virginia Samford Theatre is a wonderful place to catch a live show.

Opened in 1927 as The Little Theatre, it’s one of the oldest performing arts venues in Alabama.

Recent productions include Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods (a sold-out production!), The Addams Family and The Man Who Came to Dinner.

Location: 1116 26th St S, Birmingham, AL 35205

6. It’s home to the state’s oldest golf course

If you’re a golf fan, you’ll be happy to know that the oldest golf course in the state is just around the corner from Highland Park.

Highland Park Golf Course dates back to 1903 and features an 18-hole course suitable for beginners and experts alike.

It’s no wonder it was named one of the 30 best municipal golf courses in America in 2021 by GOLF Magazine. 

Location: 3300 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205

Live in Highland Park

(L) Riviera Apartments; (R) Montcalm Apartments (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

With historic homes and revitalized properties, you’ll find endless places to live in Highland Park.

Here are three apartments to note:

• Montcalm Apartments
  • Built in 1925.
  • Features original hardwood floors, spacious floor plan + balconies/patios
  • Located next door to Rojo
  • Address: 2927 Highland Ave S Birmingham, AL 35205

• Riviera Apartments
  • Built in 1968. Full renovation in 2023.
  • Brings mid-century modern vibes to the historic Highland Park neighborhood
  • Quick 10 minute walk away from local spots like O’Henry’s Coffee + Rojo
  • Address: 3113 Pawnee Avenue Birmingham, AL 35205

• Top of the Cliff Apartments
  • Built in 1965.
  • Gorgeous views of downtown Birmingham/Forest Park/Highlands 
  • Year-round open outdoor pool, multiple large covered parking lots + on-site laundry facility
  • Address: 3400 Cliff Road Birmingham, AL 35205

Learn how you can live in Birmingham’s Highland Park neighborhood with H2 Real Estate.

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