Reviewed by: Patience Itson
Expert realtors reveal why they love living in Birmingham
Reading time: 4 minutes
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With a keen eye for spotting market trends and an intimate understanding of what makes a neighborhood special, Birmingham’s top realtors don’t just help people buy and sell homes—they’re also passionate advocates for The Magic City.
We caught up with three seasoned realtors to learn what they love most about living in Birmingham and to get their predictions about where the city’s real estate market is heading.
Meet the experts
- Frances Richardson—A recent graduate of The University of Alabama with 3 years of real estate experience under her belt, Frances is a fresh face who’s up-to-date on current trends + happenings.
- Mary Ansley Smalley—A former expert in leasing + property management turned real estate agent, Mary Ansley is familiar with the ins + outs of the Birmingham market.
- Tonya Jones—A salon owner, realtor, restauranteur + philanthropist, it’s safe to say Tonya has plenty of expertise to share about living in Birmingham.
Why Birmingham?
1. Versatility
Birmingham is one of the top 10 fastest-growing job markets for new grads in the U.S., based on a recent LinkedIn report.
So, why are young graduates flocking to The Magic City?
When it comes to choosing a place to call home, few people know a city better than its real estate experts.
According to Frances, a recent grad herself, Birmingham is a versatile city perfect for both growing families and ambitious young professionals.
“At any stage of your life, Birmingham has great things to offer you. It’s a great place to live because of the versatility it provides.
For families, there are several schools to choose from, parks to play in and support systems to discover.
For young professionals, Birmingham offers an array of job opportunities, restaurants and nightlife to enjoy.”
Frances Richardson, Agent, Ray & Poynor
2. Authenticity
But what sets Birmingham apart from other growing cities? To Mary Ansley, it’s the authentic, hometown feel and welcoming atmosphere.
She told us our city’s philanthropic spirit draws people in and makes them proud to belong here.
“Birmingham has this perfect balance of city life with a hometown feel.
It offers a little bit of everything—amazing restaurants, a thriving arts scene, outdoor spaces like Rotary Trail and Railroad Park, and a sense of community that feels authentic and welcoming.
Plus, for a city its size, Birmingham has a downtown scene that rivals much bigger cities.”
Mary Ansley Smalley, Agent, Ray & Poynor
3. Affordability
As the price of living soars across the country, people like Tonya enjoy Birmingham’s affordability compared to cities like Atlanta and Nashville.
“I love Birmingham because of its affordability and quality of life, with a unique mix of southern charm and vibrant cultural offerings.
Birmingham has one of the most affordable urban living experiences in the Southeast, with a cost of living about 9% below the national average.”
Tonya Jones, Realtor, Ray & Poynor
Areas to watch
If you’ve been in the buying market recently, you know low inventory and competition have been constant since COVID-19. If you’re waiting for housing prices in popular neighborhoods to drop, don’t hold your breath.
However, there are a few up-and-coming areas that have tons of potential for convenience and growth. According to the agents from Ray & Poyner, these are the areas you should be watching:
- Crestline Gardens + Crestline Park
- Crestwood
- Avondale
- Irondale
“One area to watch is Irondale.
It’s perfectly situated near the heart of Birmingham. Buyers can still find great deals here, while investors will appreciate the opportunities to restore historic homes and add value to the community.
With its charm and proximity to the city’s amenities, Irondale is quickly becoming a hot spot for both homeowners and savvy investors.”
Mary Ansley Smalley, Agent, Ray & Poynor
Looking to the future
As we head into 2025, big things are happening across Birmingham. Here’s what the experts have to say about what to expect over the next few years:
“As Birmingham continues to grow, I anticipate more mixed-use developments and revitalization projects across the city. Neighborhoods that were once overlooked are becoming hidden gems for both buyers and investors.
Plus, I believe we’ll see a stronger demand for modern, energy-efficient homes, which will likely shape new developments.”
Mary Ansley Smalley, Agent, Ray & Poynor
Buying, selling or seeking expert advice? Ray & Poynor can help.
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