Sand Ridge - Birmingham, AL

One of 99 neighborhoods in Birmingham, Sand Ridge shares its history with the city it calls home. Founded in 1871, the city was created by merging and annexing different smaller towns and lands in the area. Over time, the city became a leader of manufacturing, earning the nickname "Pittsburgh of the South." Many Sand Ridge residents found work in the factories of the area.

Birmingham is also considered by many to be the birthplace of the Civil Rights movement, with the 16th Street Baptist Church still standing as a prominent landmark in the area. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the Alabama Jazz Hall of fame are just a few of the great cultural landmarks in the area for locals to visit.

Sand Ridge consists of mostly single-family homes and a few small businesses and churches. For dining and nightlife options, residents typically head to nearby neighborhoods or travel to downtown Birmingham.

Saw's BBQ is where locals head for barbecue and sides that taste better than homemade. Known for its tangy white BBQ sauce, Saw's serves up everything from ribs and pulled pork to chicken wings. Southern sides, including deviled eggs, collard greens and potato salad keep guests coming back for more. The laid-back atmosphere and vintage wall decorations give this spot an authentic BBQ joint feel. Like many other businesses in the area, Saw's stays closed on Sundays.

For an authentic taste of Birmingham, head to The Bright Star to grab a meal with family or friends. The amazing food and service are just part of why this is the oldest standing family-owned restaurant in Alabama. You'll find plenty of Gulf shrimp and seafood on the menu, as well as made-to-order steaks. Locals claim the seafood gumbo as being the best in the south. Stop by the Bear Bryant shrine to pay your respects to the Alabama football legend before you leave.

For dinner and drinks with friends, Sand Ridge locals enjoy everything that Overtime Bar has to offer. This award-winning bar and restaurant serves up daily food and drink specials and hosts live music events every Friday. With plenty of televisions for watching football and lots of bar games, Overtime Bar has a little something in store for everyone. All-you-can-eat chicken wings are a favorite choice, as are the specialty burgers.

Surrounded by I-20, I-65 and I-459, Sand Ridge provides convenient access into the Birmingham city center and surrounding communities. Most residents use a car for everyday transportation. Locals enjoy free and plentiful parking throughout the area.

Sidewalks can be hard to come by, making the area challenging for pedestrians. Bus service, provided by the Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority, provides convenient access to downtown, so residents have options for commuting without a vehicle.

Cyclists must share the road with motorists, which can make biking a bit of a challenge. Bike trails near the Lakeshore Parkway provide cycling enthusiasts with a place to get some fresh air and exercise.

Hailing a cab in this area can be a challenge, given the residential makeup of the neighborhood. You can call ahead to arrange for a cab to pick you up for a ride to downtown Birmingham or to Birmingham-Shuttlesworth Airport.

While there are no parks within the neighborhood boundaries of Sand Ridge, many nearby parks provide recreation opportunities for locals. Red Mountain Park is a 1,500-acre facility that houses a dog park, zip line facilities, a 12-mile biking and hiking trail and many other amenities. The park makes the list of field trip favorites for local schools. Access to the park comes with no cost, though some of the specialty features, such as zip lining, do require participants to pay a fee.

Vulcan Park and Museum provides residents of Birmingham to one of the most ornate and breathtaking Fourth of July celebrations in Alabama. Food tastings, live music, family-friendly activities and a pub crawl give locals plenty to do over the course of the four-day celebration, which ends in a spectacular fireworks display.

Residents of the Sand Ridge pay an average of $940 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. The overall cost of living in the Birmingham area is approximately 13 percent lower than the national average, and the cost of gas averages 6 percent lower than national prices. If you take the bus, a single trip costs $1.25, while a 2-hour pass costs just $1.50.

Expect to pay around $45 for a sit-down meal for two, while a pint of beer sets you back about $3.50 at any of the area's bars and restaurants.

Since Sand Ridge consists of mostly single family homes, residents head out of the neighborhood to do their shopping. The nearby Riverchase Galleria houses department stores and specialty stores, giving locals the traditional shopping mall experience. This mall offers some high-end stores, as well as tried and true favorites, such as Sears and J.C. Penney.

Lovers of antiques and collectibles visit What's on 2nd to hunt for treasures. This thrift and antique shop features items from every decade in the last century, from vintage postcards to an extensive video game collection. Many locals head here regularly to check out the ever-changing inventory.

For unique fashions, head to The Pink Tulip. This elegant boutique focuses on soft, romantic looks. With a light and airy layout, this fun boutique has a laid-back shopping experience that is a refreshing change of pace from mall shopping. The Pink Tulip has three locations throughout the Birmingham area for added convenience.

Publix, Whole Foods and Piggly Wiggly give locals access to plenty of great grocery shopping options. Several local Walmart and Target locations also sell groceries. Several farmers markets give locals access to fresh, organic produce and artisan goods. The Jefferson County Truck Growers Association, Linn Place Market and the Pepper Place Market represent just a few of the farmers markets that operate in the area.