Birmingham Real Estate & Community News

In 1974, John Harbert with Harbert-Equitable began work on Willow lake, his planned self-contained community on two tracts of land. This plan included a community that works with the natural landscape and beauty. Though this vision never came to be, Willow lake became an early annex into the city of Hoover in 1979. The neighborhood has since become one of the most established and popular neighborhoods in Hoover. Willow lake is still known for its natural beauty filled with old growth trees and intersects of the Cahaba River.

Shiloh Creek is established community with the perfect mix of rural charm and modern convenience, located in the Calera area of Shelby County Alabama, off of 65 South and only 6 minutes south of Downtown Calera.

Known for it’s close proximity to neighboring cities combined with the peacefulness of a small town, the area boasts a welcoming atmosphere, and nearby access to downtown Calera, schools, and shopping. Whether you are buying your first home or forever home, Shiloh Creek is a great place to settle down and plant your roots.

SCHOOLS

Shiloh Creek is served by the Shelby County School District and is zoned for Calera Elementary, Calera Middle School, and Calera High School.

These schools offer a variety of programs that aim to provide students with a well-rounded education while promoting physical health, creativity, personal growth, and academic achievement.

Students have the opportunity to participate in various sports including: soccer, baseball, softball, cheerleading, football, volleyball and golf

Beyond athletics, the schools provide a range of extracurricular activities to cater to diverse student and parent interests, such as: art, band, business education, choir, coding, drama, math team, and much more.

The Shelby County School District recently announced they received a gold medallion award for its strategic plan as well as a 99.36 in academic growth and an A on the state report card.

SHOPPING AND DINING

There are several nearby grocery options including Walmart, Sav-Mor Food Outlet, Dollar General, CVS, and Los Primos Mexican Grocery.

There are also dining options like DC Smokehouse, Seven Den Tacos, Happy Dragon, Mama Coco Cantina, Red Onion, Sage Bar and Grill, Cracker Barrel, and more.

PARKS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Whether you like to get out and explore the outdoors, or check out local establishments, you can find entertainment options for the whole family. Nearby options include: Corbin Farms Winery, Eagle Sports Complex, Timberline Golf Club, Hooligans Arcade, AmStar Movies Alabaster.

Voted in the top three Real Estate Agents by Birmingham Magazine's Best of Birmingham, my team and I can become your guides in the search for an ideal home in Birmingham.

©Christina James and Birmingham WelcomeHome.com, 2018. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Christina James and BirminghamWelcomeHome.com with appropriate and specific directions to the original content.

Somersby is a quiet and picturesque neighborhood located in the growing Clay-Pinson area, just 25 minutes northeast of Downtown Birmingham. Development in Somersby began in the early 2000s, featuring modern homes with spacious lots and a family-friendly atmosphere. The neighborhood is part of the thriving Jefferson County area, known for its excellent schools, nearby parks, and convenient access to shopping and dining in Trussville and Clay. Residents of Somersby enjoy a peaceful suburban lifestyle with the benefits of a close-knit community, making it a popular choice for families and professionals alike.

The neighborhood offers amenities such as a community swimming pool, sidewalks for walking or jogging, and beautifully maintained green spaces. Somersby is managed by an active Homeowners' Association (HOA) that ensures the upkeep of shared amenities, enforces neighborhood standards, and organizes events to foster a sense of community.

SCHOOLS

The neighborhood is served by the Jefferson County School District. The public schools assigned to this area are Clay Elementary School, Clay-Chalkville Middle School, and Clay Chalkville High School.

PARKS AND ENTERTAINMENT

For outdoor lovers, you can find nearby parks and outdoor fun. Local favorites include:

Clay City Park: Features baseball fields, a soccer/football field, playground, and a splash pad for recreational activities.

Turkey Creek Nature Preserve: Offers hiking trails, swimming areas, and opportunities for nature observation.

If you’re looking for more family entertainment, these options are within 10 miles:

Homestead Hollow – Seasonal festivals and traditional crafts.

AMC Classic Lee Branch 15 – Closest movie theater for films.

Urban Air Adventure Park (Trussville) – Indoor trampoline and adventure park.

Skate 280 (Trussville) – Roller-skating rink.

SHOPPING AND DINING

There are several options for convenient shopping including Winn-Dixie, Walmart, and Aldi.

Residents of the area also have dining options like The Farmhouse of Springville and Munoz Mexican Grill while being in close proximity to the multitude of options provided by the Trussville shopping district.

Chilton County, nestled in the heart of Alabama, offers a serene and picturesque setting that's perfect for those who appreciate a close-knit community and the beauty of open spaces. Conveniently located along Interstate 65, Chilton County provides easy access to both Birmingham and Montgomery, making it an ideal home for families who value peace and privacy without sacrificing connectivity to major cities.

Known for its rich agricultural heritage and charming towns, the county boasts a welcoming atmosphere, abundant green spaces, and a lifestyle that embraces both tradition and opportunity. Whether you're drawn to its tranquil pace or the promise of land to call your own, Chilton County is a place where roots grow deep and neighbors become lifelong friends.

SCHOOLS

Chilton County schools offer a variety of programs that aim to provide students with a well-rounded education while promoting physical health, creativity, personal growth, and academic achievement. Students have the opportunity to participate in various sports including: Football, Basketball, Baseball, Softball, Volleyball, Cheerleading.

Beyond athletics, schools provide a range of extracurricular activities to cater to diverse student interests, some of these include: Band Programs, Arts and Crafts, and Academic Clubs such as Beta Club, Math Team, and Science Olympiad.

The Chilton County school system recently announced that the Alabama State Department of Education released a report showing that over the 2023 to 2024 academic year Chilton County Schools reached their personal best scores in academic growth, college and career readiness, and chronic absenteeism as well as overall grade improvement at 11 of 12 schools.

SHOPPING, DINING, PARKS, & ENTERTAINMENT

There are several nearby grocery options including Piggly Wiggly, La Cordobesa, Winn-Dixie, Walmart, and Dollar General. There are also dining options like Olde Town Scoops Ice Cream, Casa Ortiz, No. 1 Chinese, Farm House Cafe, Red Zone Sports & Grill, Smokey Hollow, Bones Backstreet BBQ, and more.

In nearby Jemison you can find hidden gems like Hidden Meadow Vineyard is a local winery offers wine tastings and a serene environment, making it a popular spot for both residents and visitors. Minooka Park provides trails for hiking and biking, as well as areas for camping and fishing, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

In nearby Clanton you can find other entertainment options for the whole family. Game Zone of Clanton offers an arcade and laser tag, Buckshot Speedway has a rotating schedule of races, and Rustique Relics is a wonderful folk art and antique store that has surprises around every corner. Peach Park is known for its delicious peach ice cream, cobblers, and fresh produce. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing atmosphere with playgrounds, gardens, and seasonal events.

LOCAL INDUSTRIES

Agriculture: The county is renowned for its agricultural output, particularly in peach production, earning it the title of Alabama's top peach producer. This sector significantly contributes to the local economy, with agricultural, forestry, and related industries generating approximately $385.5 million and providing 4,080 jobs, accounting for 33% of the county's workforce.

Manufacturing: Manufacturing plays a vital role in Chilton County's economy, encompassing automotive suppliers, metalworking, and wood products. Notable employers include Adient, a leading automotive seating manufacturer in Clanton, and Kumi Manufacturing of Alabama (KMA), specializing in plastic injection molding parts. The manufacturing sector represents 20% of the county's industry distribution.

Wood Products and Paper: The county hosts significant operations in wood products and paper manufacturing, with companies like Boise Cascade Co. and West Fraser Lumber maintaining facilities in the area. These industries contribute to employment and economic stability within the region.

Retail Trade and Services: Retail trade accounts for 16.3% of the county's industry distribution, while educational services and accommodation & food services contribute 11.9% and 10%, respectively. These sectors provide essential services to residents and support the local economy.

The Ridge is located in Jemison, Alabama along Interstate 65, and is midway between Birmingham and Montgomery. It is a quiet and family-friendly community with convenient access to interstates, major cities, local industries, and nearby schools.

While the community originally took shape with homes built in the early 2000s, it has undergone some growth in recent years. A 2021 expansion included a collection of beautifully designed newer homes, adding a fresh and contemporary feel to the neighborhood.

Quinten

Shelby

Braxton

Ashland

Neighborhood Market

As of December 2024, based on six months of statistics, The Ridge's average sales price is $239,500 with a range between $260,000 and $225,000. The average cost per square foot currently averages $122.70 based on all sales in the neighborhood. The neighborhood offers multiple floorplans including 4 bedrooms, 3 bedrooms, 2-stories, bonus rooms, and lofts in select models, perfect to suit any lifestyle.

Schools

The Ridge is zoned for the Chilton County school system and is a short commute from Jemison Elementary School (0.7 miles), Jemison Intermediate School (0.7 miles), Jemison Middle School (2.4 miles), and Jemison High School (2.3 miles). Recently the school district announced that Alabama State Department of Education released a report showing that over the 2023 to 2024 academic year Chilton County Schools reached their personal best scores in academic growth, college and career readiness, and chronic absenteeism as well as overall grade improvement at 11 of 12 schools.

Shopping, Dining, Parks, and Entertainment

There are several nearby grocery options including Piggly Wiggly, La Cordobesa, Winn-Dixie, Walmart, and Dollar General. There are also dining options like Olde Town Scoops Ice Cream, Casa Ortiz, No. 1 Chinese, Farm House Cafe, Red Zone Sports & Grill, Smokey Hollow, Bones Backstreet BBQ, and more.

Located only 10 minutes southwest of The Ridge, Hidden Meadow Vineyard is a local winery offers wine tastings and a serene environment, making it a popular spot for both residents and visitors.

Minooka Park is only 8 minutes north and provides trails for hiking and biking, as well as areas for camping and fishing, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

In nearby Clanton you can find other entertainment options for the whole family. Game Zone of Clanton offers an arcade and laser tag, Buckshot Speedway has a rotating schedule of races, and Rustique Relics is a wonderful folk art and antique store that has surprises around every corner.

The City of Jemison

Jemison was incorporated in 1907 and named after Col. Robert Jemison Jr., a prominent 19th-century politician and businessman from Tuscaloosa. Chilton County, where Jemison is located, is known as the "Peach Capital of Alabama," with peach farming being a vital industry. Jemison often participates in county-wide events like the Chilton County Peach Festival, held annually in June.

Voted in the top three Real Estate Agents by Birmingham Magazine's Best of Birmingham, my team and I can become your guides in the search for an ideal home in Chilton County.

©Christina James and Birmingham WelcomeHome.com, 2018. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Christina James and BirminghamWelcomeHome.com with appropriate and specific directions to the original content.

Roebuck Springs is located off I-59 11-minutes North of Downtown Birmingham. The neighborhood began development in the early 1900s by Robert Jemison, Jr. with East Lake Land Company and association with Roebuck Auto and Golf Club. Roebuck Springs is one of the first large Birmingham residential suburbs. In 1999, Roebuck Springs Historic District was established by the National Register of Historic Places. The neighborhood has an active community with the Roebuck Springs Neighborhood Association which organizes neighborhood events and meetings. There is also the Roebuck Springs Historical Society that works to preserve the history of the area.

The Riverwoods neighborhood is located in Helena, Alabama on county road 52 in Northern Shelby County. The neighborhood has a convenient commute to Downtown Birmingham and the shopping on Hwy 119 and Hwy 31. The neighborhood was designed to blend in with nature and celebrate the neighborhood trees and the Cahaba River with its meandering main roadway accented with natural boulders. Small details like bridges are built to blend into the surroundings with stone. Signature Homes and Prominence Homes are two of the current builders. There have been many quality builders that have left their mark on the neighborhood.

Mountain Woods Lake neighborhood is located in Hayden, AL between Birmingham and Huntsville off of I-65. The community was created by a small private lake of the same name. The neighborhood has beautiful trees which create natural privacy.

Legacy Parc less than a 30-minute commute to Downtown Birmingham and located conveniently between two exits to i-65. The neighborhood was created in the early 2000s. The 19 homes in Legacy Parc are mostly brick sided with other siding used for accent and located on spacious lots. Legacy Parc is a closed neighborhood with no through traffic with street lights and multiple cul-de-sacs.

Lake Crest is a large neighborhood on the east side of Hoover that stretches from highway 150 off I-459 to Preserve Pkwy. near Moss Rock Park. The neighborhood has homes that were built between 1978 and 2010s, most built in the early 2000s. The neighborhood is only a 20-minute commute to downtown Birmingham and less than a 12-minute drive to the heart of the city of Hoover. Lake Crest is also has a short 15-minute commute to Lakeshore Dr. in Homewood. These culs-de-sac streets create small pockets of communities throughout the neighborhood.  If you are looking for private streets for your kids to play, this neighborhood might be for you.