What Does $700,000 Buy in Birmingham, Alabama?

What Does $700,000 Buy in Birmingham, Alabama?

If you’re moving to Birmingham with a home-buying budget around $700,000, you have options—but those options can look dramatically different depending on where you choose to live.

In one Birmingham-area community, $700,000 might buy more square footage and a larger yard. In another, you may trade space for walkability, location or proximity to restaurants and shops.

And in some of Birmingham’s most competitive neighborhoods, $700,000 may put you closer to the entry point of the market.

That’s why one of the first things I tell relocation buyers is:

Don’t just decide what you want to spend. Decide what you want your money to buy.

Here’s a look at what a budget around $700,000 can mean across several popular Birmingham communities.

Mountain Brook: Location and Character May Come Before Square Footage

Mountain Brook is one of Birmingham’s most competitive housing markets, and $700,000 doesn’t stretch as far here as it does in many surrounding communities.

Recent market data puts Mountain Brook’s median sale price above $1 million, so buyers shopping around $700,000 need to be realistic about their priorities.

At this price point, you may find an older or smaller home, a property that needs updating, or an opportunity where you’re choosing the location over having every item on your wish list.

And desirable properties can still attract competition.

For the right buyer, that’s a worthwhile tradeoff. You’re buying into an established community with mature trees, architectural character, village areas and convenient access to central Birmingham.

At roughly $700K in Mountain Brook, think: location and character first, with flexibility on size, condition or updates.

Homewood: Walkability Comes at a Premium

A $700,000 budget puts you in an interesting position in Homewood.

Recent Homewood sales have occurred right around the $700,000 mark, including properties in the 35209 area.

But the house you get depends enormously on location.

In sought-after areas such as Edgewood, buyers may prioritize proximity to restaurants, coffee shops and neighborhood amenities over square footage or lot size.

Move farther from the most walkable pockets, and the equation may change.

Homewood’s overall median sale price has recently been in the $600,000s, making $700,000 a meaningful budget—but not necessarily enough for a large, completely renovated home in every neighborhood.

At roughly $700K in Homewood, think: central location, character and lifestyle, with the possibility of sacrificing some size for walkability.

Vestavia Hills: More House for the Money

Vestavia Hills can give a $700,000 buyer considerably more flexibility.

Recent market data puts the overall median sale price below $600,000, although individual neighborhoods and newer homes can sell substantially higher.

Around $700,000, buyers may find larger homes, more bedrooms, more yard and different architectural options than they would at the same price point in Mountain Brook or some parts of Homewood.

Vestavia is also geographically diverse.

Traditional Vestavia, Cahaba Heights and Liberty Park offer very different housing and lifestyles, so I wouldn’t treat them as one interchangeable market.

At roughly $700K in Vestavia Hills, think: more space, more options and a broader variety of neighborhoods.

Hoover: Space, Amenities and Newer Housing Options

For buyers who prioritize square footage, newer construction or neighborhood amenities, Hoover is worth considering.

A $700,000 budget can potentially open the door to larger homes, newer properties and communities offering amenities that are harder to find closer to Birmingham’s urban core.

Depending on the neighborhood, buyers may find larger lots, multiple living spaces, newer kitchens and baths, home offices and community amenities.

The tradeoff may be a longer commute depending on where you work and which part of Hoover you choose.

At roughly $700K in Hoover, think: more house, newer options and amenities.

Birmingham Neighborhoods: Don’t Overlook the City

Some relocation buyers initially focus only on the suburbs and miss excellent opportunities within Birmingham itself.

Neighborhoods such as Crestline Park, Forest Park and Highland Park can offer character, convenient locations and access to restaurants, parks, downtown and UAB.

What $700,000 buys varies substantially by neighborhood and even by street.

In some areas, that budget can provide significantly more flexibility than it does in Mountain Brook or central Homewood.

At roughly $700K in Birmingham, think: character, central location and potentially more purchasing flexibility.

So Where Does $700,000 Go the Furthest?

This is where the decision becomes personal.

If your priority is Mountain Brook, you may willingly trade square footage or updates for location.

If you want Homewood walkability, you might choose a smaller home close to Edgewood or Downtown Homewood.

If you want more bedrooms and yard, Vestavia Hills may give you more choices.

If you want newer construction or neighborhood amenities, Hoover and some of the farther-out communities may deserve a closer look.

And if proximity to UAB or downtown Birmingham is important, several Birmingham neighborhoods can be compelling alternatives.

The same $700,000 can create five very different lifestyles.

Don’t Compare Birmingham Homes by Square Footage Alone

This is one of the biggest mistakes relocation buyers can make.

A 2,000-square-foot home in a highly sought-after, walkable neighborhood may command more than a substantially larger house elsewhere.

Why?

Because you’re buying more than the structure.

You’re also buying location, lot, commute, convenience, neighborhood character and lifestyle.

That’s particularly true in Birmingham’s established Over-the-Mountain communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is $700,000 enough to buy a home in Mountain Brook?

Yes, homes do sell in this range, but Mountain Brook’s overall median price is currently considerably higher. Buyers around $700,000 may need flexibility regarding size, updates, lot or exact neighborhood.

What can $700,000 buy in Homewood?

Around $700,000 can provide meaningful options in Homewood, but the home’s size and condition can vary significantly depending on whether you prioritize areas such as Edgewood, Downtown Homewood or other parts of the community.

Can I get more house for $700,000 in Vestavia Hills?

Generally, buyers may find more square footage and a broader selection of homes in Vestavia Hills at this budget than in Mountain Brook or some highly sought-after parts of Homewood. Individual neighborhoods still vary considerably.

Where should I look if I want newer construction?

Depending on current inventory, buyers seeking newer homes may want to explore parts of Vestavia Hills, Liberty Park, Hoover and communities farther into Shelby County.

What if I work at UAB?

Don’t look at price alone. Commute and lifestyle should be part of the equation. Homewood, Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills and several Birmingham neighborhoods can all be worth considering.

The Bottom Line

$700,000 can buy a very nice home in Birmingham—but it doesn’t buy the same lifestyle everywhere.

That’s why I like to start a relocation search by understanding your priorities before we start touring houses.

Would you rather have a larger house or a shorter commute?

A big backyard or the ability to walk to dinner?

New construction or architectural character?

Turnkey condition or the opportunity to renovate?

Once we answer those questions, we can figure out where your $700,000 will work hardest for you.

I’ve been helping buyers and sellers navigate Birmingham real estate for more than 20 years. If you’re moving to Birmingham, I’d be happy to help you compare Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Hoover and Birmingham’s individual neighborhoods so you can understand what your budget can realistically buy.

Bridget Sikora
Birmingham, Alabama Realtor
Mountain Brook | Homewood | Vestavia Hills | Hoover | Birmingham & Over-the-Mountain Communities

Market conditions and available homes change frequently. Examples and price ranges are illustrative and are not guarantees of current inventory.