Best suburbs in Birmingham
Akarawut // Shutterstock
- Population: 13,455
- Median home value: $202,600
- Median rental price: $1,182
- Top schools nearby: Alabama School of Fine Arts (grade A+), Vestavia Hills Elementary Dolly Ridge (grade A+), Magnolia Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Indian Springs School (grade A+), The Altamont School (grade A+), John Carroll Catholic High School (grade A)
- Overall Niche grade: A−
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B+
--- Outdoor activities grade: B
- Median home value: $202,600
- Median rental price: $1,182
- Top schools nearby: Alabama School of Fine Arts (grade A+), Vestavia Hills Elementary Dolly Ridge (grade A+), Magnolia Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Indian Springs School (grade A+), The Altamont School (grade A+), John Carroll Catholic High School (grade A)
- Overall Niche grade: A−
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B+
--- Outdoor activities grade: B
#14. Irondale, Alabama
YAKOBCHUK VIACHESLAV // Shutterstock
- Population: 7,288
- Median home value: $188,800
- Median rental price: $942
- Top schools nearby: Pelham Ridge Elementary School (grade A), Pelham Park Middle School (grade A), Pelham Oaks Elementary School (grade A−)
- Top private schools nearby: Evangel Classical Christian School (grade A−), Cahawba Christian Academy (grade C), Chilton Christian Academy (grade C−)
- Overall Niche grade: A−
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B+
--- Outdoor activities grade: B
- Median home value: $188,800
- Median rental price: $942
- Top schools nearby: Pelham Ridge Elementary School (grade A), Pelham Park Middle School (grade A), Pelham Oaks Elementary School (grade A−)
- Top private schools nearby: Evangel Classical Christian School (grade A−), Cahawba Christian Academy (grade C), Chilton Christian Academy (grade C−)
- Overall Niche grade: A−
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B+
--- Outdoor activities grade: B
#13. Montevallo, Alabama
Ground Picture // Shutterstock
- Population: 16,644
- Median home value: $185,400
- Median rental price: $1,561
- Top schools nearby: Calera Elementary School (grade A), Pelham Ridge Elementary School (grade A), Thompson High School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Indian Springs School (grade A+), Briarwood Christian School (grade A), The Westminster School at Oak Mountain (grade A)
- Overall Niche grade: A−
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B
--- Outdoor activities grade: B
- Median home value: $185,400
- Median rental price: $1,561
- Top schools nearby: Calera Elementary School (grade A), Pelham Ridge Elementary School (grade A), Thompson High School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Indian Springs School (grade A+), Briarwood Christian School (grade A), The Westminster School at Oak Mountain (grade A)
- Overall Niche grade: A−
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B
--- Outdoor activities grade: B
#12. Calera, Alabama
Stuart Monk // Shutterstock
- Population: 15,201
- Median home value: $295,100
- Median rental price: $1,486
- Top schools nearby: Vestavia Hills Elementary Dolly Ridge (grade A+), Pelham Ridge Elementary School (grade A), Pelham Park Middle School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Indian Springs School (grade A+), Briarwood Christian School (grade A), The Westminster School at Oak Mountain (grade A)
- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B
--- Outdoor activities grade: B+
- Median home value: $295,100
- Median rental price: $1,486
- Top schools nearby: Vestavia Hills Elementary Dolly Ridge (grade A+), Pelham Ridge Elementary School (grade A), Pelham Park Middle School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Indian Springs School (grade A+), Briarwood Christian School (grade A), The Westminster School at Oak Mountain (grade A)
- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B
--- Outdoor activities grade: B+
#11. Chelsea, Alabama
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
- Population: 8,008
- Median home value: $417,300
- Median rental price: $1,295
- Top schools nearby: Alabama School of Fine Arts (grade A+), Spain Park High School (grade A+), Vestavia Hills Elementary Dolly Ridge (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: Indian Springs School (grade A+), The Altamont School (grade A+), John Carroll Catholic High School (grade A)
- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: C+
--- Outdoor activities grade: B
- Median home value: $417,300
- Median rental price: $1,295
- Top schools nearby: Alabama School of Fine Arts (grade A+), Spain Park High School (grade A+), Vestavia Hills Elementary Dolly Ridge (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: Indian Springs School (grade A+), The Altamont School (grade A+), John Carroll Catholic High School (grade A)
- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: C+
--- Outdoor activities grade: B
#10. Brook Highland, Alabama
Laura Beach // Shutterstock
- Population: 25,621
- Median home value: $333,200
- Median rental price: $1,389
- Top schools nearby: Alabama School of Fine Arts (grade A+), Vestavia Hills Elementary Dolly Ridge (grade A+), Magnolia Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: The Altamont School (grade A+), John Carroll Catholic High School (grade A), Mountain View Baptist School (grade A)
- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B
--- Outdoor activities grade: B
- Median home value: $333,200
- Median rental price: $1,389
- Top schools nearby: Alabama School of Fine Arts (grade A+), Vestavia Hills Elementary Dolly Ridge (grade A+), Magnolia Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: The Altamont School (grade A+), John Carroll Catholic High School (grade A), Mountain View Baptist School (grade A)
- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B
--- Outdoor activities grade: B
#9. Trussville, Alabama
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
- Population: 33,417
- Median home value: $227,300
- Median rental price: $1,215
- Top schools nearby: Vestavia Hills Elementary Dolly Ridge (grade A+), Meadow View Elementary (grade A), Calera Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Indian Springs School (grade A+), John Carroll Catholic High School (grade A), Briarwood Christian School (grade A)
- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B+
--- Outdoor activities grade: B+
- Median home value: $227,300
- Median rental price: $1,215
- Top schools nearby: Vestavia Hills Elementary Dolly Ridge (grade A+), Meadow View Elementary (grade A), Calera Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Indian Springs School (grade A+), John Carroll Catholic High School (grade A), Briarwood Christian School (grade A)
- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B+
--- Outdoor activities grade: B+
#8. Alabaster, Alabama
PeopleImages.com - Yuri A // Shutterstock
- Population: 21,036
- Median home value: $275,600
- Median rental price: $1,287
- Top schools nearby: Spain Park High School (grade A+), Brock's Gap Intermediate School (grade A+), Vestavia Hills Elementary Dolly Ridge (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: Indian Springs School (grade A+), John Carroll Catholic High School (grade A), Briarwood Christian School (grade A)
- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B+
--- Outdoor activities grade: B+
- Median home value: $275,600
- Median rental price: $1,287
- Top schools nearby: Spain Park High School (grade A+), Brock's Gap Intermediate School (grade A+), Vestavia Hills Elementary Dolly Ridge (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: Indian Springs School (grade A+), John Carroll Catholic High School (grade A), Briarwood Christian School (grade A)
- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B+
--- Outdoor activities grade: B+
#7. Helena, Alabama
Robert Kneschke // Shutterstock
- Population: 22,259
- Median home value: $803,000
- Median rental price: $1,521
- Top schools nearby: Alabama School of Fine Arts (grade A+), Mt. Brook High School (grade A+), Vestavia Hills Elementary Dolly Ridge (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: Indian Springs School (grade A+), The Altamont School (grade A+), John Carroll Catholic High School (grade A)
- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B−
--- Outdoor activities grade: B+
- Median home value: $803,000
- Median rental price: $1,521
- Top schools nearby: Alabama School of Fine Arts (grade A+), Mt. Brook High School (grade A+), Vestavia Hills Elementary Dolly Ridge (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: Indian Springs School (grade A+), The Altamont School (grade A+), John Carroll Catholic High School (grade A)
- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B−
--- Outdoor activities grade: B+
#6. Mountain Brook, Alabama
Mila Supinskaya Glashchenko // Shutterstock
- Population: 24,221
- Median home value: $261,100
- Median rental price: $1,376
- Top schools nearby: Alabama School of Fine Arts (grade A+), Spain Park High School (grade A+), Vestavia Hills Elementary Dolly Ridge (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: Indian Springs School (grade A+), John Carroll Catholic High School (grade A), Briarwood Christian School (grade A)
- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B
--- Outdoor activities grade: B+
- Median home value: $261,100
- Median rental price: $1,376
- Top schools nearby: Alabama School of Fine Arts (grade A+), Spain Park High School (grade A+), Vestavia Hills Elementary Dolly Ridge (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: Indian Springs School (grade A+), John Carroll Catholic High School (grade A), Briarwood Christian School (grade A)
- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B
--- Outdoor activities grade: B+
#5. Pelham, Alabama
Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock
- Population: 2,341
- Median home value: $470,200
- Median rental price: $No data available
- Top schools nearby: Alabama School of Fine Arts (grade A+), Spain Park High School (grade A+), Vestavia Hills Elementary Dolly Ridge (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: Indian Springs School (grade A+), John Carroll Catholic High School (grade A), Briarwood Christian School (grade A)
- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B
--- Outdoor activities grade: B+
- Median home value: $470,200
- Median rental price: $No data available
- Top schools nearby: Alabama School of Fine Arts (grade A+), Spain Park High School (grade A+), Vestavia Hills Elementary Dolly Ridge (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: Indian Springs School (grade A+), John Carroll Catholic High School (grade A), Briarwood Christian School (grade A)
- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B
--- Outdoor activities grade: B+
#4. Indian Springs Village, Alabama
F8 studio // Shutterstock
- Population: 38,600
- Median home value: $467,600
- Median rental price: $1,458
- Top schools nearby: Alabama School of Fine Arts (grade A+), Spain Park High School (grade A+), Liberty Park Middle School (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: Indian Springs School (grade A+), The Altamont School (grade A+), John Carroll Catholic High School (grade A)
- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B−
--- Outdoor activities grade: B+
- Median home value: $467,600
- Median rental price: $1,458
- Top schools nearby: Alabama School of Fine Arts (grade A+), Spain Park High School (grade A+), Liberty Park Middle School (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: Indian Springs School (grade A+), The Altamont School (grade A+), John Carroll Catholic High School (grade A)
- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B−
--- Outdoor activities grade: B+
#3. Vestavia Hills, Alabama
FamVeld // Shutterstock
- Population: 9,338
- Median home value: $362,000
- Median rental price: $1,536
- Top schools nearby: Alabama School of Fine Arts (grade A+), Spain Park High School (grade A+), Vestavia Hills Elementary Dolly Ridge (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: Indian Springs School (grade A+), John Carroll Catholic High School (grade A), Briarwood Christian School (grade A)
- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B
--- Outdoor activities grade: B+
- Median home value: $362,000
- Median rental price: $1,536
- Top schools nearby: Alabama School of Fine Arts (grade A+), Spain Park High School (grade A+), Vestavia Hills Elementary Dolly Ridge (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: Indian Springs School (grade A+), John Carroll Catholic High School (grade A), Briarwood Christian School (grade A)
- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B
--- Outdoor activities grade: B+
#2. Meadowbrook, Alabama
PeopleImages.com - Yuri A // Shutterstock
- Population: 27,557
- Median home value: $463,500
- Median rental price: $1,337
- Top schools nearby: Alabama School of Fine Arts (grade A+), Homewood High School (grade A+), Spain Park High School (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: Indian Springs School (grade A+), The Altamont School (grade A+), John Carroll Catholic High School (grade A)
- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B−
--- Outdoor activities grade: B+
- Median home value: $463,500
- Median rental price: $1,337
- Top schools nearby: Alabama School of Fine Arts (grade A+), Homewood High School (grade A+), Spain Park High School (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: Indian Springs School (grade A+), The Altamont School (grade A+), John Carroll Catholic High School (grade A)
- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B−
--- Outdoor activities grade: B+
This story features data reporting and writing by Emma Rubin and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 67 metros.
#1. Homewood, Alabama

Sean Pavone // Shutterstock