College Hills - Birmingham, AL Area Guide

This college neighborhood has slowly grown up alongside Birmingham Southern College, and has remained a hub for students of the college. The colleges host events staged by their performing arts students, which are open to the public. For a look at local art shows check out the website for Create Birmingham.

Historically, Birmingham is known for much involvement with the Civil Rights Movement. As such there are many local events regarding Civil Rights and museums including the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute located in downtown Birmingham and across the street from the 16th Baptist Church. Both of these institutions are great for learning about Birmingham and the Civil Rights Movement.

Restaurants are almost nonexistent in College Hills, but do not despair. Many great restaurants are located nearby. Drive down State Hwy 1 to downtown Birmingham and stop on 2nd Street North to be greeted by great local eateries.

For an excellent Sunday brunch with friends head to Trattoria Centrale, a breakfast joint known for having too many great options. For something savory and delicious locals suggest the Arrabiata Polenta, an egg and grits dish served with red gravy. Of course, there are classic and sweet options like french toast as well.

When craving that midday snack stop in at the Urban Standard, the ultra-hip café in downtown Birmingham. They are known for the best sandwiches and flavorful lattes. Be sure to eat your fill, but save room. This café also serves up some wonderful strawberry cupcakes.

For a great dinner and happy hour experience try John’s City Diner. You’ll be sure to find satisfaction in their southern fried Chicken and waffles. To sweeten the experience John’s serves a great white chocolate bread pudding and $3 beers from 4-7pm on weeknights.

After a day out it can be nice to wind down at the bar. Or, like many Birmingham residents, quench your thirst at The Collins Bar with custom cocktails like Southern Living, an amazing honeysuckle and vodka infusion. Collins will also hook you up with a burger and fries when you’re feeling the urge.

Driving from College Hills is a simple affair, as there are two large highways surrounding the neighborhood that will take you anywhere in Birmingham, or further for those longer trips. Parking around College Hills should be just as easy.

There are three bus routes that go from Birmingham Southern College to the downtown Birmingham area, these routes pass right through the College Hills neighborhood. A single adult fare is $1.25 and two hour passes are available for just a quarter more.

The ever popular Birmingham Taxi Company remain a great option for getting home after a night on the town. This local taxi company offers student discounts to and from university accommodations.

The neighborhood remains walkable and bikes are a great option. Students of Birmingham Southern College have little trouble making it to school on foot.

College Hills residents have easy access to McLendon Park, a local park nearby a massive football stadium. This park hosts large grassy fields and a basketball court. Locals visit this park to relax or play a few pick up games of ball. McLendon Park has no fees and is definitely kid and dog friendly. Keep those puppies off the basketball court though

Birmingham Southern College hosts many local events for exercise and sports. One upcoming event is the Hero Run. A local 5K promoted to benefit the SafeHouse of Shelby County and its services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

It costs a bit more to live in College Hills as compared to the rest of Birmingham, mainly because of the traveling required to and from certain amenities, as well as the close proximity to Birmingham Southern College. The cost of public transportation definitely makes up for this, with it being only $1.50 to get across the entire bus system.

The average rent is $600 a month for a one bedroom apartment. You can expect to pay $5 a beer at the local bars. Gas prices are a solid 5% lower than the national average.

Just about everything near College Hills is in the downtown area. One will find everything they could want in downtown Birmingham. College students spend plenty of time reading, and nothing is better than great books at cheap prices. Known for a great selection of used books and an incredibly friendly owner, Jim Reed Books will have just what you need for a relaxing day of reading.

For a blast from the past, head to "What's on 2nd" a popular antique thrift store. This shop resembles a museum of recent American culture and attracts anyone wishing for a little nostalgia.

The grocery stores closest to College Hills are your day to day chains, but for a little local business you will need to travel a little further. One great grocery store with excellent customer service is Chai Oriental Foods. Found in downtown Birmingham this store will take care of your grocery list and more with its great variety of staples and oriental delights.

Every Sunday locals will find their way to Pepper Place Farmers Market, located on 2nd street this market brings visitors together around live music and fresh food.