Norwood - Birmingham, AL

Norwood's development began in 1910. Lead surveyor B. B. Merriweather headed the Birmingham Realty Company's construction of the area into a streetcar suburb nestled on Birmingham's northeastern edge, meant to mirror Highland Avenue in Southside, which began development around the same time. Many families were attracted to the area for its charming residential streets and convenient location. As automobile ownership became more widespread in the 1930s, many of Norwood's residents moved out of the city and into surrounding suburbs, making room for Jewish, Greek and Italian families and adding diversity to the neighborhood.

Head southwest of Norwood to immerse yourself in the galleries at the Birmingham Museum of Art. The museum is free of charge except for newly released exhibits, and open from Tuesday through Sunday each week. With over 24,000 pieces of art spanning 4,000 years of international culture and a rotating exhibition schedule, art fanatics can find much to enjoy.

Whether you're in the mood for an electric night out on the town or a quiet romantic evening enjoying gourmet food with the one you love, Norwood's proximity to the array of hip establishments, upscale restaurants, and energetic nightlife spots provides enough to keep you busy every night of the week.

Known by locals as serving some of Birmingham's best barbecue and soul food, Saw’s Soul Kitchen keeps many customers coming back time and time again for its quick service and generous portions. Order the pulled pork with greens, cheese and grits for a hearty helping of Saw's signature dish. Thirsting for a drink with your meal? Get your order to go and bring it over to the nearby Avondale Brewery for the best of both worlds.

Carrigan’s Public House serves as a fashionable hang-out spot for many residents each night. Long tables and nook seating provide places for a group of friends to hole up and chat over the flavorful food, craft beers and complex cocktails. Vegetarians should not miss out on a chance to try the filling falafel salad and meat eaters can enjoy the range of corn dogs served each night, including the signature street style dog. You won't miss Sound & Page as you pass by along 1st Avenue. Despite the small size of the building, it hosts rocking music performances almost every night of the week. Fans of intimate rock and acoustic performances should check the calendar of events to be sure to catch favorite local and national acts.

Interstates 20 and 59 run along Norwood's southeastern edge for convenient access into Birmingham's downtown and out of the city into the greater St. Clair County. Birmingham does not have access to ride-share services such as Uber and Lyft, though Birmingham's range of taxicab companies provide locals with transportation throughout the surrounding area. Head down 31st Street if you're looking to hail a cab.

Public parking is freely available along many of the area's side streets, and cyclists can make good use of the biking lanes incorporated into many of the area's major roads. Norwood remains very walkable due to its proximity to downtown, and the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority services Norwood with bus stops along 12th Avenue, Carraway Boulevard and Norwood Boulevard.

Norwood locals know to head south of Interstate 20 to escape into the lush natural scenery of Linn Park for a fun afternoon in the sun. Bring your dog along on-leash to walk the winding paved trails, or curl up with a good book beneath one of the many large trees in the expansive green space.

Bring the whole family out each December as Birmingham converges on Linn Park for the annual City of Birmingham Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. Kids can get their picture taken with Santa while parents enjoy the festive choral performance.

The cost of living within Norwood and the surrounding area averages 2 percent lower than in Birmingham overall. One month's rent for a standard one-bedroom apartment in the neighborhood costs around $600. Single ride fare for a trip along the CTA bus line into downtown costs $1.50. Local pubs charge around $5 for a pint of beer, and gas in Birmingham tends to price around 10 percent lower than the national average.

Locals head northwest along Route 31 to get a number of errands completed in one shopping trip, with local grocery stores such as Piggly Wiggly, Dollar General, Grow Alabama and Jack's Food Store all nearby. Norwood Stop on 17th Avenue makes the area's local grocery option. Those looking for high-value brand names, specialty boutiques and department stores can head south into downtown Birmingham.

Drive west of the neighborhood along Finley Avenue to visit Birmingham's largest producers-only market. The Alabama Farmers Market remains open all year round with both an open-air section for vendor stalls during warmer months, and an indoor facility. Check the Alabama Farmers Market website for a listing of crops currently in-season or stop by and chat with the men and women who grow and raise your food while you browse fresh-baked bread, organic produce and locally made arts and crafts.

Those who love hunting down hidden treasures should not miss out on the aptly named What's on 2nd found on 2nd Avenue. Chat with the friendly and knowledgeable store owner if you're searching for something in particular or marvel at the collection of antique toys, kitchenware, trinkets and postcards.

Music fans should stop by Seasick Records on 5th Avenue to browse the array of vinyl records. From vintage collectors items to the newest releases in rock and roll, punk, indie, classic, metal and jazz, Seasick Records is sure to have something for everyone. Can't find the release you're looking for? Ask the store owners to put in an order and they'll call you when it comes in.