Let the numbers do the talking.
Birmingham, AL 35209 vs Birmingham, AL 35226
Birmingham, AL 35209 vs Birmingham, AL 35226: What the data shows
Birmingham, AL 35209 and Birmingham, AL 35226 are two ZIP codes within Birmingham. On home prices, Birmingham, AL 35226 is the more affordable option at $366,300 median — $69,800 less than Birmingham, AL 35209's $436,100. WYLT rates Birmingham, AL 35209 as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and Birmingham, AL 35226 as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration.
Both neighborhoods have similar safety profiles. Birmingham, AL 35209 has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Birmingham, AL 35226 has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Birmingham, AL 35209 has Low flood risk and Birmingham, AL 35226 has Low flood risk.
Birmingham, AL 35209 is the more walkable neighborhood. Birmingham, AL 35209 scores 6/100 (car-dependent) versus Birmingham, AL 35226's N/A/100. For families weighing school quality, Birmingham, AL 35226 has the higher school rating — Birmingham, AL 35209 rates 6.8/10 and Birmingham, AL 35226 rates 7.4/10.
| Category | Birmingham, AL 35209 | Birmingham, AL 35226 |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Good for now |
| Median Price | $436K | $366K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $1K ✓ Lower rent | $1K |
| Median Income | $75K | $122K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 6/100 ✓ More walkable | Car-dependent |
| Transit Score | 24/100 ✓ Better transit | Minimal transit |
| Bike Score | N/A | N/A |
| Commute | 30 min | 30 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good ✓ Cleaner air |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 6.8/10 | 7.4/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | suburban familiesstudents attending local schoolsmoderate-income households | Families with school‑age kidsHigh‑income professionals seeking spaceRetirees wanting a quieter suburban life |
Bottom line
The first neighborhood is slightly more convenient for those who don't mind driving, with a slightly shorter commute and marginally better walk score, but it comes at a higher median home price. The second neighborhood is a better option for families with school-age kids and high-income professionals seeking space, as it offers better schools and a more suburban lifestyle. Overall, the choice between the two depends on your priority between a slightly more convenient location and a lower median home price versus better schools and more space.
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