Samford University

Birmingham, AL

Background Image

Samford University - Birmingham, AL

Area Guide

Share Guide

Display your Blue and Red

Historic Top-Ranking Private Christian Suburban

Located about four miles south of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Samford University offers a quieter alternative to its powerhouse neighbor. Ranked as one of the top private universities in Alabama, Samford University was founded in 1841 by the Alabama Baptist State Convention. It was originally a college for men; the school became coeducational in 1913. The university is known for having one of the best entrepreneurship programs in the country.

The Samford Bulldogs participate in NCAA Division I as part of the Southern Conference. The football team plays at Seibert Stadium, while the basketball team plays at Corts Arena in the Pete Hanna Center, a multi-purpose arena that also hosts Homecoming, lectures, dinners, and other events. The baseball team plays at the Joe Lee Griffin Stadium. The football program is especially strong, with several players going into the NFL and coaching. Former Samford Bulldogs include Bobby Bowden, Cortland Finnegan, Jimbo Fisher, Corey White, and James Bradberry.

Samford University is roughly five miles south of Downtown Birmingham. The neighborhoods surrounding the university include Homewood, Windsor Highlands, Watkins Glen, and Vestavia Hills. Sports fans should look for apartments near Samford's west entrance, especially along Lakeshore Drive. Those commuting frequently into Birmingham may prefer looking for rentals along Montgomery Parkway, which leads directly into the city. If you prefer being near the Interstate, look on the west side of the university, closer to I-65.

Explore the College

An aerial view of the Samford University campus

Samford University was founded in 1841, making it one of the nation’s oldest universities

Cheer on the Samford Bulldogs at Seibert Stadium

A variety of shopping plazas and restaurants are located near the university

Rent Trends

As of December 2024, the average apartment rent in Birmingham, AL is $1,006 for a studio, $1,135 for one bedroom, $1,252 for two bedrooms, and $1,575 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Birmingham has decreased by -0.4% in the past year.

  • Studio

  • 477 sq ft

    Average Sq Ft

  • $1,006/month

    Average Rent

  • 1 BR

  • 748 sq ft

    Average Sq Ft

  • $1,135/month

    Average Rent

  • 2 BR

  • 1,032 sq ft

    Average Sq Ft

  • $1,252/month

    Average Rent

  • 3 BR

  • 1,346 sq ft

    Average Sq Ft

  • $1,575/month

    Average Rent

Transportation

49

Somewhat Walkable

out of 100 WalkScore® Rating

You might be able to get out and walk when living in this area. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, but for others you’ll need a car.

16

Minimal Transit

out of 100 TransitScore® Rating

You'll likely want a car when living in this area since it has few transit options.

36

Somewhat Bikeable

out of 100 BikeScore® Rating

You might be able to find places to ride your bike in this area, but you’ll most likely want your car for most errands.

Schools

Phillips Academy

Public

Grades PK-8

654 Students

9
out of 10

Oak Mountain Intermediate School

Public

Grades 4-5

619 Students

9
out of 10

Mt Laurel Elementary School

Public

Grades K-5

514 Students

9
out of 10

Oak Mountain Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-3

713 Students

8
out of 10

Inverness Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-3

582 Students

8
out of 10

Phillips Academy

Public

Grades PK-8

654 Students

9
out of 10

Oak Mountain Middle School

Public

Grades 6-8

1,175 Students

7
out of 10

Wilkerson Middle School

Public

Grades 6-8

390 Students

7
out of 10

Washington Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-8

567 Students

5
out of 10

South Hampton Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-8

513 Students

4
out of 10

Oak Mountain High School

Public

Grades 9-12

1,561 Students

9
out of 10

Ramsay High School

Public

Grades 9-12

660 Students

9
out of 10

Huffman High SchoolMagnet

Public

Grades 8-12

1,147 Students

2
out of 10

George Washington Carver High School

Public

Grades 9-12

531 Students

2
out of 10

Parker High School

Public

Grades 9-12

826 Students

1
out of 10

Points of Interest

Parks and Recreation

  • Homewood Forest Preserve
  • Birmingham Zoo
  • Vulcan Park and Museum
  • Birmingham Botanical Gardens
  • McWane Science Center

Commuter Rail

Airports

  • Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International

Top Apartments Near Samford University

Houses Near Samford University

Property Management Companies

Search Nearby Rentals