Is Anderson Place Historic District safe?
Birmingham, Alabama · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Anderson Place Historic District as “Go, stay aware”.
Gogo's take on Anderson Place Historic District
“Go with care. Anderson Place Historic District is a quiet, architecturally charming residential enclave nestled in Southside Birmingham near UAB. While the neighborhood itself is relatively secure and tight-knit, standard urban vigilance is recommended due to opportunistic property crime and occasional spillover incidents from nearby nightlife corridors.”
Citywide initiatives in Birmingham to address localized gun violence and vehicle thefts continue to focus increased patrol presence around the greater Southside and Five Points South corridors.
About the area
Anderson Place Historic District is a scenic residential neighborhood in Birmingham's Southside, filled with historic Craftsman bungalows, Victorian houses, and leafy streets. Its proximity to UAB and Five Points South makes it popular among medical professionals, university faculty, and students. Visitors will find a tranquil, historic atmosphere situated right alongside vibrant urban dining and culture.
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- University-Adjacent
- Architectural Charm
- Quiet Residential
Walking and biking in Anderson Place Historic District
Walk score: 78/100 · Bike score: 62/100
The district has moderate bikeability with access to neighborhood streets connecting to the Rotary Trail and Jones Valley Trail network further north toward downtown.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Higher median household income and educational attainment compared to city averages due to proximity to UAB
- Well-maintained historic housing stock with high residential pride and active neighborhood preservation
- Tree-lined sidewalks offering immediate access to Southside and Five Points South amenities
- Lower rates of violent crime compared to Birmingham's overall municipal baseline
Cons
- Frequent vehicle break-ins and opportunistic property theft typical of urban university-adjacent zones
- Occasional late-night noise and spillover activity from adjacent commercial and nightlife areas
- Higher rental turnover and student density creating fluctuating occupancy
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal within the interior residential streets of Anderson Place, though panhandling and unhoused individuals are regularly seen along the 20th Street South corridor and near Five Points South transit stops.
What Anderson Place Historic District is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and pleasant with residents walking dogs and joggers heading toward Southside parks.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and safe with steady residential activity, delivery services, and student foot traffic.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Active and generally safe, though increased foot traffic toward Five Points South nightlife requires standard awareness.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet residential streets become dark; stick to well-lit paths and avoid leaving valuables visible in parked cars.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is operated by the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA / MAX Transit), with frequent bus service along nearby 20th Street South and University Boulevard connecting to central downtown.
Street parking along residential roads is generally accessible and free, though some streets near UAB may have time-restricted zones during weekday business hours.
Things to do in Anderson Place Historic District
- Take a self-guided architectural walking tour to view early 20th-century Craftsman bungalows and Spanish Revival residences
- Walk to the neighboring Five Points South circle to explore local landmarks like the iconic Storyteller Fountain
- Stroll through nearby Brother Bryan Park for a peaceful green space experience
Local favorites
- Chez Fonfon · French Bistro · 4.7★ (1280)Celebrated French bistro known for its classic cuisine, courtyard seating, and famous hamburger.
- Bottega Cafe · Italian Restaurant · 4.6★ (1150)Upscale Italian-inspired cafe and trattoria serving wood-fired pizzas and fresh pastas.
- Filter-Coffee Parlor · Coffee Shop · 4.7★ (560)Multi-level modern coffeehouse serving specialty brews, pastries, and lunch items in Southside.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.