Like most big cities, Birmingham boasts an array of neighborhoods that — in their distinctive architecture, local businesses, and traditions — add depth and interest to our city’s character. Indeed, from Mountain Brook to Forest Park, each of Birmingham’s neighborhoods boasts a unique feel. Yet, understanding them — and discerning which is most tailored to your lifestyle — is a local’s job. Enter Volume 7 Member and Scouted Real Estate agent, Brooke Wahl.

Known for a relentless pursuit of market knowledge, a keen eye for detail, and uncompromising standards, Brooke Wahl is one of Birmingham’s most sought-after real estate agents, especially in luxury residential transactions. Her professional experience with Birmingham and its neighborhoods is matched only by her deep personal ties to the community. Deeply engrained in the fabric of Birmingham living, Brooke offers longtime locals and newcomers an unparalleled understanding of our city’s neighborhoods. 

Here, Brooke lends this neighborhood-specific knowledge, breaking down her favorite Birmingham communities to share the elements that attract buyers and make living local lovely, no matter which you choose to call home. 

---

FOREST PARK

---

Situated between Downtown and Mountain Brook with Triangle Park at its center, Forest Park is a historic pocket of Birmingham boasting stately homes. Georgian architecture and hundred year trees give the neighborhood an established feel that’s bolstered by its tight-knit community of interesting residents. Many of Birmingham’s most prominent creatives – including Volume 7’s Jeremy Clark of Jeremy D. Clark Studio and Mark Thompson and Jay Draper of Shoppe and General – call Forest Park home, lending their imaginative eye to restoring the neighborhood to give it modern amenities with traditional features. 

Highlights: 

• Historic architecture 
• USPS walking route, alley trash service, and library boxes give an idyllic, quaint feel
• Proximity to downtown and Triangle Park 
• City of Birmingham taxes are lower than surrounding residential neighborhoods  
• Neighborhood traditions like annual visits from Santa and Friday night shopping 

Local Favorites:

SHOPPE | Scouted | 3815 Clairmont Ave | @shoppebham | A darling nursery and garden store located next door to General that doubles as a magical event venue. 

GENERAL | Scouted | 3813 Clairmont Ave | @generalbham | A beautiful neighborhood café-meets-general store that makes for a great lunch spot. 

RED OR WHITE | Scouted | 3916 Clairmont Ave | @redorwhitebham | A local favorite wine bar for upscale sips and gourmet fare. 

CHOCOLATÁ | 701 37th Street S #5 | @chocolata_bham | A quaint chocolate shop delivering ethically sourced, hand-crafted chocolate delights 

JUNIPER | 3881 Clairmont Avenue South | @juniperbhm | A treat for the eyes as it is for the taste buds, specializing in gin-based cocktails (hence the name juniper)

MK QUINLAN | 3900 Clairmont Ave | @mkquinlan | A concept-shop specializing in high-end vintage clothing & jewelry, contemporary art, and textiles.

---

---

HOMEWOOD

---

Homewood is one of Birmingham’s premiere over the mountain neighborhoods beloved for its southern, family-oriented lifestyle. Residents are deeply loyal to the Homewood, often remarking that the neighborhood feels smaller than its acreage due to its walkability and tight-knit community. In fact, most never leave the Homewood, enjoying its wide array of architecture, safe streets, and award-winning school system. 

Highlights: 

• Walkable to Edgewood and Soho Square  
• Access to hiking trails and parks like Homewood Park and Patriot Park 
• Home to Samford University 

Local Favorites: 

SWADDLE | Scouted | 2825 18th St | @swaddlehomewood | A gorgeous shop for moms, babies, and kids featuring unique apparel, shoes, gifts, and more. 

SHAIA’S | 2818 18th St S | @shaias_1992 | A curated menswear store focused on custom tailored clothing, contemporary and elegant sportswear, and performance.

BIG SPOON CREAMERY | 927 Oxmoor Rd | @bigspooncreamery | An artisan ice cream company specializing in handcrafted, local, and seasonal small batch ice cream.

COOKIE FIX | 2854 18th St S | @cookie_fix | An Alabama favorite for cookies that are crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside. 

DEMETRI’S BBQ | 1901 28th Ave S | @demetrisbbq | Homewood’s oldest family owned restaurant, serving award-winning breakfast, brunch and lunch since 1961.

HERO DOUGHNUTS | 3027 Central Ave | The Birmingham-favorite pop-up turned brick-and-mortar that serves up brioche-style donuts made fresh each morning. Now, enjoy a full breakfast menu with a side of sweets. 

---

MOUNTAIN BROOK

---

Established in 1929, Mountain Brook is one of Birmingham’s oldest neighborhoods. Its idyllic winding roads extend through three major residential neighborhoods, Cherokee Bend, Brookwood Forest, and Crestline, throughout which you’ll find Colonial and Tudor-style historic homes and southern-style cottages on spacious lots. Centered around commerce villages Mountain Brook Village, English Village, and Crestline Village, Mountain Brook is highly walkable to local favorites from shops + cafes to institutions like Birmingham Botanical Gardens (Scouted) and the Birmingham Zoo.   

Highlights:

• Walkability
• Tight-knit community
• Incredible school system

Local Shopping: 

A’MANO | Scouted | 281 Rele St | @amano_bham | A lifestyle gallery that focuses on creating a welcoming and truly unique shopping experience. Expect thoughtfully-sourced handmade, one-of-a-kind, design-savvy wares

ALKMY | Scouted | 17 Dexter Ave | @shopalkmy | A lifestyle shop where imagination and design meet, boasting a well-designed array of pieces to outfit every indoor and outdoor space in a home.

ETC… | Scouted | 2726 Cahaba Rd | @shopetcjewelry | A longtime staple for Birmingham’s most stylish residents, Etc… is a premier destination for one-of-a-kind fine jewelry and accessories.

DETAILS by LIZ HAND WOODS | Scouted | 2732 Cahaba Rd | @lizhandwoods | From designer Liz Hand Woods comes Details, an elegant boutique with a hand-picked selection of home furnishings and accessories.

HENHOUSE ANTIQUES | Scouted | 1900 Cahaba Rd | @henhouseantiques | An antique shop featuring furniture and unique collectibles in English and French styles from the 18th and 21st centuries.

HOME WITH HECHART | Scouted | 2003 Cahaba Rd | @homewithhechart | A charming furniture and home decor boutique blending Southern sensibility with a fresh yet comfortable feel.

LE WEEKEND | Scouted | 1917 Cahaba Rd | @leweekendstudio | An irresistible selection of apparel, accessories, and jewelry exuding the carefree, timeless quality of great weekends. 

MOBLEY & SONS | 112 Euclid Ave | @mobleyandsons | Mobley & Sons has been the southern gentleman’s outfitter since 1969, delivering all of his wardrobe needs.

TULIPANO | Scouted | 230 Rele St | @tulipanoboutique | Fan-favorite designers like Ganni, Frame, and Veronica Beard in a beautiful boutique setting. 

THE ATELIER | Scouted | 1915 Cahaba Rd | @theatelierbhm | A varietal workshop for all things beautiful, The Atelier brings together a highly stylized and exquisitely curated collection of apparel, skincare, cosmetics, and accessories for the discerning shopper.

Local Experiences & Dining: 

BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS | Scouted | 2612 Lane Park Road | Nearly 70 acres of lush botanical gardens connect the community to the natural world around us.

GILCHRIST | 2805 Cahaba Rd | @gilchristsodafountain | A former pharmacy stablished in 1928, the current iteration of Gilchrist has retained the soda fountain history, making it a local favorite for lunch classics.

CONTINENTAL BAKERY | 1909 Cahaba Rd | @continental_bakery | A bakery within Chez Lulu specializing in gourmet artisan European-style breads, pastries, and a few light bites. 

CRESTLINE BAGEL | 66 Church St B | @crestlinebagel | Tucked into the heart of Mountain Brook, Crestline serves up New York-style bagels and breads, alongside sandwiches and baked goods.

JEMISON TRAIL | An easy 4.7 out-and-back urban trail featuring an asphalt path that makes it ideal for jogs, dog-walks, and strolls.

---

---

---

Discover more local favorites via our Insider Guides and tap Brooke Wahl to learn more about Birmingham’s best neighborhoods, unique real estate market, and buying + selling in Magic City. Don’t forget to tell them Scout sent you!