Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
Why Highland Park is one of the best walkable neighborhoods in Birmingham
Reading time: 4 minutes
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As a 20-something living in Birmingham, there are a few things I prioritize when choosing a place to live: great food options, easy access to green space and a solid local coffee shop or bar where I can meet up with friends. Highland Park delivers on all three—plus a few extra perks that make it stand out as one of the Magic City’s most livable neighborhoods.
Whether you’re new to Birmingham or looking to upgrade your current setup, here’s why Highland Park should be at the top of your list—and why The James on Highland Avenue might just be the place you’ve been looking for.
Walk to: Coffee + drinks
O’Henry’s Coffee:
- Order: Locally-roasted brew + the Conecuh Cheddar Biscuit
- Location: 2915 Highland Ave
- Hours: Monday–Saturday, 6:30AM–7PM | Sunday, 7AM–7PM
- Distance from The James: 0.9 miles away
Freddy’s Wine Bar
- Order: Go on Tuesday for discounted bottle specials + pair with a snack or grazing board
- Location: 2251 Highland Ave
- Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 4-9PM | Friday-Saturday 4-10PM
- Distance from The James: 0.2 miles away
Walk to: Brunch + date night delights in Highland Park
Rojo
- Order: The chicken quesadilla + a pitcher of Bloodys on the weekend
- Location: 2921 Highland Ave S
- Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 11AM–10PM | Weekend Brunch: Saturday + Sunday, 11AM–3PM
- Distance from The James: 0.9 miles away
Bottega
- Order: The café side for one of their wood-fired gourmet pizzas or the dining room for the best pasta in the city + savvy takes on seasonal produce
- Location: 2240 Highland Ave
- Café hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11AM-9:30PM
- Bottega dining room hours: Tuesday-Saturday 5PM-9:30PM
- Distance from The James: 90 feet away
Gallery & Garden
- This upscale dining spot is perfect for girls’ nights or date nights with seasonal changes to their menu.
- Location: 2220 Highland Avenue South
- Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 5-8PM
- Distance from The James: 0.1 miles away
Walk to: Parks + plays in Highland Park
The parks: Highland Avenue boasts three parks in quick succession, all linked by walkable (and, at times, hilly!) streets. Your path begins less than a half-mile from The James: Make a loop past Caldwell, Rhodes and Rushton park to stay active and soak in this beautiful, historic neighborhood.
The plays: Virginia Samford Theatre
- Nestled beside Caldwell Park, this historic theater has been a part of Birmingham’s arts scene since 1927. With productions ranging from comedies and dramas to musicals, it’s a cultural anchor for the neighborhood.
- Location: 1116 26th St S
- Distance from The James: 0.6 miles away
At the center of it all: The James on Highland Avenue
The James on Highland Avenue is centrally located in the heart of Highland Park, meaning everything mentioned above is within walking distance. Whether you’re grabbing coffee before work, hitting the park after dinner or catching a weekend show at the theater, life here is defined by walkable convenience and community feel.
Plus—the views, golf simulator and marketplace are hard to beat.
If you’re looking for a place that combines charm, culture and city living without sacrificing green space or local flavor, The James offers a lifestyle that’s hard to match in Birmingham.
Ready to experience it for yourself? Book a tour at The James on Highland Ave and discover why Highland Park continues to be one of Birmingham’s most desirable neighborhoods.
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