Sun Valley - Birmingham, AL Area Guide

A result of the post Civil War period, Birmingham and its surrounding neighborhoods, including Sun Valley, were established in 1871. By the 20th century, the area became widely known for steel production and diversified manufacturing. These jobs brought substantial economic growth. Today, the University of Alabama at Birmingham serves as the area's largest employer.

The area consists of many diverse cultures. The community continues to grow due to its thriving economy. Locals particularly enjoy the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, an interpretive museum and research center. With a focus on history, the museum provides visitors with enlightening information in the hopes of building a cohesive future. The facility houses permanent, traveling and special exhibitions. Open for tours Tuesday through Saturday, this institute charges admission costs of $12 for adults and $5 for seniors, with package deals available.

Located on Gadsden Highway, Jim 'N Nick's BBQ serves up the area's best barbecue cuisine. Known for the two-meat combo, which comes with beef brisket and pork, baked beans, and macaroni and cheese, this place provides large servings that allow two people to split a single dish. Also praised for the cheese biscuits, the restaurant serves a killer smoked quesadilla, which comes with smoked chicken, cheese, onions, mushrooms and bell peppers. Wash down your delectable meal with the establishment's famous peach tea, and top off your experience with one of the desserts, including banana pudding or a piece of homemade pie.

For a real down-south Cajun experience, try Cajun Steamer on Pinnacle Square. Particularly recognized for the crawfish, the restaurant also serves some great chicken and sausage jambalaya. For a spicier dish, locals recommend the voodoo chicken, which consists of chicken, bacon, caramelized onions, crawfish meat and creole sauce. The establishment serves a wide variety of signature cocktails, including two favorites — blackened ginger and downhouma punch. Though you can't go wrong with any dessert here, locals do recommend the fried cheesecake or the acadian bread pudding made with a bourbon caramel sauce.

Jack's, the area's central restaurant location, serves up the best burgers in town. Known for the Big Bacon Jack combo meal, locals also recommend the Big Jack — a traditional beef patty with lettuce, onions, tomatoes and pickles. A classic American joint, Jack's also serves some healthy salad options, such as the grilled chicken salad. A great stop when in a rush, the establishment prides itself on quick and excellent customer service.

If you enjoy Asian cuisine, head down to China East, located on Huffman Road, and try a variety of traditionally made authentic dishes. Locals love the orange chicken and rave about the egg rolls. For a spicier serving, try the Kung Pao shrimp and add an order of fried scallops to complete your meal. This establishment consistently goes above and beyond, with stellar service as well as a very reasonably priced menu.

MAX, the area's public transportation system, provides affordable and convenient bus services. With service to many stops, a couple of the system's most popular destinations include the Birmingham Zoo and The Summit Birmingham. MAX also runs a paratransit line, which assists riders by picking them up and taking them directly to their destination versus making multiple stops or transferring to another bus. Fare costs $1.25 for adults, $0.60 for seniors and $0.80 for students or children. VIP fare, monthly and college passes are available for those who ride often.

Though the neighborhood is walkable, many people do use their own vehicles for transportation. While hailing a cab proves simple in downtown Birmingham, if you seek cab services in the Sun Valley neighborhood or surrounding areas, call to arrange a pickup. Both Uber and Lyft accommodate the area as well. Biker friendly, the area houses over 10 biking trails. Even the buses allow bikers to travel with their bikes. The streets do hold biking lanes.

For those who drive, the area has a number of parking structures, including one on 17th Street and one on Magnolia Avenue. Parking meters can be found along 2nd Avenue South and Valley View Drive. Meters range from $0.50 to $1 per hour and operate Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. However, keep in mind than most establishments have free customer parking. Major highways including I-65, I-59 and I-20 — all easily accessible from this neighborhood.

A local gem, Birmingham Botanical Gardens attracts thousands of people every year. With a display of ornamental and agronomic plants, the gardens provide an educational experience. Walk through the rose maze or trail of wildflowers alongside a blue stream. Check out the Japanese tea or Zen gardens for relaxation. Consisting of 67.5 acres, the garden doesn't require an admission fee.

Locals also adore Railroad Park on 1st Avenue South. With 19 spacious green acres, the park holds the title of Birmingham's living room due to the events and concerts that take place here. Open to the public, this park charges no admission fees. A private park, it houses a playground and climbing equipment for kids, free Wi-Fi, a skate park and outdoor gym. The park can be reserved for special events such as a family or class reunion.

Every year, Railroad Park hosts Trucks on the Tracks, a fall event that features different food trucks accompanied by live local music. Not requiring an admission fee, attendees must pay for the food and drinks. The park also hosts Happy Holidays from Railroad Park, which consists of a ceremonial tree lighting service complemented by music and carnival games.

The cost of living in the Sun Valley neighborhood sits 0.9 percent more than Birmingham and 7.6 percent less than the national average. For an individual to travel to the city center via public transportation, it costs about $1.25. The average price for renting a one-bedroom apartment runs about $462 per month.

The average price for a beer at a local pub costs between $2 and $5, depending on what type of beer you order. Domestic choices can be significantly cheaper than an imported or hand-crafted beer. Pale Eddies Pour House, a neighborhood favorite, runs daily specials. On Mondays, the bar sells $2.50 domestics and $3 wells. Gas prices run 1.4 percent less than the national average.

Locals love Pinnacle at Tutwiler Farm, a shopping facility with numerous stores, including Best Buy, Belk, and Men’s Wearhouse.

Shoppers can travel farther south to the Summit Birmingham. After shopping at stores like Banana Republic and Urban Outfitters, stop for a bite to eat at a number of restaurants, including California Pizza Kitchen and Johnny Rockets.

Serendipity Boutique, a local hot spot, carries trendy-chic dresses, shoes and accessories for women. Located on Heights Village, the boutique has a staff to assist women with finding clothing that fits their personalities. With a mission to send customers out the door feeling like a million bucks, the price tags stay reasonable.

Known for premier clothing, accessories and gifts such as candles, South Boutique welcomes women of all ages with genuine Southern hospitality. Whether you seek an outfit for yourself or a gift for someone else, you can find it here.

For basic grocery needs, locals shop at Walmart. Located on Center Point Parkway, Walmart carries grocery and household needs for low prices without sacrificing quality. For authentic Asian groceries, locals go to Chai's Oriental Food Store. Alabama Farmers Market on Finley Avenue West stays open year-round selling local produce and goods. During the summer, the market stays open every day from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.