Penfield Park, Birmingham,AL

If you’re considering moving to the southeast part of Birmingham, AL, Penfield Park is a neighborhood that truly deserves a closer look. Known for its friendly community vibe and well-maintained homes, this area offers a comfortable blend of suburban calm and city convenience. Residents enjoy peaceful streets lined with mature trees, making it a lovely place for families, young professionals, and retirees alike. The neighborhood’s parks and green spaces are a major draw, giving locals plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors without having to travel far.

One of the standout features of Penfield Park is the neighborhood’s proximity to several recreational spots and community hubs. For instance, the nearby Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve is perfect for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers, providing scenic trails and wildlife viewing just a short drive away. Additionally, residents have easy access to local shops, cafes, and restaurants that add to the charm and convenience of the area. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee at a cozy café or enjoying a weekend brunch, Penfield Park offers a welcoming atmosphere that blends small-town friendliness with urban amenities.

When it comes to commuting, Penfield Park is conveniently located just about 10 to 15 minutes from Downtown Birmingham. This means you can enjoy the quieter, laid-back lifestyle of the neighborhood while still being close to the city’s vibrant business district, entertainment venues, and cultural attractions. Whether you work downtown or like to catch a show at the Alabama Theatre or explore the restaurants and breweries in the city center, Penfield Park offers an excellent balance of accessibility and tranquility. For anyone relocating to Birmingham, it’s definitely worth considering this charming neighborhood as a place to call home.

About 35% of the Penfield Park population aged 16 and older are married, which is notably lower than average. This could suggest a community with a younger, more transient population—perhaps made up of students, professionals, or renters. It may also reflect a neighborhood that attracts singles or couples without children, contributing to a more independent, urban lifestyle.

With only 16% of people over 16 having children, you can expect an easygoing environment that tends to attract residents seeking a quieter lifestyle. The atmosphere here leans more toward adult-oriented living. Without the constant rhythm of school schedules or kid-centered events, the community maintains a slower, more relaxed pace. This makes it especially appealing to singles, couples, and empty nesters who appreciate tranquil streets, and recreation on their own terms.

Penfield Park demographics offer valuable insights into the character and lifestyle of the neighborhood, helping you understand who lives there and what daily life might feel like. Home to only about 274 residents, Penfield Park is notably smaller than many other Birmingham neighborhoods, creating a more peaceful and community-oriented atmosphere. Its lower population can translate to quieter streets, a more relaxed pace of life, and easier access to local amenities — all without sacrificing the vibrant urban lifestyle the city is known for.

With a lower than average population density of 672 people per square mile, Penfield Park offers a more open and spacious environment compared to many other Birmingham neighborhoods. This often means quieter streets, less congestion, and a relaxed atmosphere — all while still providing access to the amenities and conveniences of city living.

Home to a population with a higher-than-average age of 51, this area offers a calm and refined atmosphere shaped by experience and tradition. The neighborhood’s more mature demographic fosters a strong sense of community, a relaxed pace of life, and an environment that’s both welcoming and well-established — making it an especially appealing choice for retirees seeking comfort, stability, and connection.

The Penfield Park crime map uses detailed block group boundaries from address-based crime data to visualize crime patterns across the neighborhood, highlighting both low-crime zones and areas with higher levels of reported crime. This crime heat map helps paint a clearer picture of local safety trends, showing how crime can vary from one part of the community to another. Keep in mind that areas with higher activity on the map don’t always equate to dangerous conditions — locations near entertainment districts, major roads, or tourist destinations often see more reports simply due to the larger number of people passing through.

Housing trends offer valuable insight into the accessibility and character of a neighborhood. In Penfield Park, the median home price is $127,675, which is less than many surrounding areas. This affordability makes it an attractive option for first-time buyers, young families, or anyone looking to enter the housing market without a significant financial barrier. Looking at appreciation rates and past market trends in Penfield Park can offer valuable insight into the neighborhood’s investment potential. Understanding how home values have changed over time helps buyers gauge future growth, assess long-term stability, and make more informed real estate decisions.

The median rent is around $1,049, which is on par with many comparable neighborhoods. This balanced pricing offers a mix of affordability and value, making it a practical choice for a wide range of renters.

School ratings in Penfield Park combine factors like student performance, graduation rates, and standardized test scores to provide a clear picture of overall educational quality. The use of NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) scores adds valuable context by offering a consistent national benchmark to see how local schools compare on a broader scale. Additionally, understanding the overall education level achieved by residents in Penfield Park can give insight into the community’s priorities and opportunities, helping families make more informed decisions about where to live and how well local schools may support long-term student success.