Is Cunningham safe?
Birmingham, Alabama · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Cunningham as “Caution”.
Gogo's take on Cunningham
“Go with care. Cunningham is a quiet, primarily residential neighborhood in northeastern Birmingham that sees relatively few tourist visits. While it does not experience the intense violent crime rates of some inner-city Birmingham neighborhoods, visitors should remain mindful of property theft and avoid walking after dark.”
About the area
Cunningham is a modest, mid-century residential community located within Birmingham's East Lake area near Parkway East. Characterized by single-family ranch homes and mature trees, the neighborhood is largely detached from the city's main entertainment and business corridors.
- Residential
- Quiet
- Car-Dependent
- Suburban Feel
Walking and biking in Cunningham
Walk score: 38/100 · Bike score: 32/100
There are no dedicated bike lanes, greenways, or bike-share stations in the neighborhood, and roads lack cycling-specific infrastructure.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Lower density and quieter residential streets compared to core urban neighborhoods
- Convenient access to the I-59 corridor and Parkway East commercial amenities
- Predominantly single-family housing stock with modest traffic on interior streets
Cons
- Property crime and vehicle break-in rates are elevated relative to national averages
- Above-average residential vacancy rates and neglected properties in adjacent pockets
- Very limited commercial activity or walkable amenities within neighborhood borders
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is low within the interior residential streets of Cunningham, though occasional panhandling and unhoused individuals may be seen near bus stops and commercial plazas along Parkway East.
What Cunningham is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and quiet as residents commute to work; walking dogs or jogging along local roads is generally fine with basic awareness.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Remains calm with minimal through-traffic, though typical caution regarding vehicle security is recommended.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Activity winds down quickly as daylight fades; street lighting is inconsistent, so caution is advised when outside.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Streets are deserted and poorly lit; walking around after midnight is not recommended due to safety and visibility concerns.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is operated by the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (MAX Transit), with local bus routes running along nearby thoroughfares like Parkway East and 1st Avenue North, though service frequencies are limited.
Street parking is free and readily available throughout residential streets, with ample private driveway space and free surface lots at area strip malls.
Things to do in Cunningham
- Stroll around the lake or visit the historic pavilion at nearby East Lake Park
- Play a round of public golf at the historic Roebuck Golf Course just east of the area
- Sample regional soul food and barbecue along the Parkway East commercial corridor
Local favorites
- Jake's Soul Food Cafe · Soul Food Restaurant · 4.3★ (820)Down-home neighborhood staple serving generous portions of oxtails, fried chicken, and traditional southern sides.
- Ken's Hickory Pit Barbecue · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.4★ (430)Longtime local spot known for classic slow-smoked pork, ribs, and savory barbecue sauce.
- Taqueria Juarez · Mexican Restaurant · 4.2★ (165)Casual eatery serving authentic street tacos, tortas, and hearty combination platters.
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.