Question 1

Is 35242 a safe area?

Accepted Answer

ZIP code 35242 in Birmingham has a crime score of 50/100, which is roughly average for the region. Reported incidents per 1,000 residents track close to the Birmingham city median. Both violent and property crime fall within the expected range for an urban ZIP code. Reviewing the Full Crime Report for 35242 and checking the local police department's crime mapping tool for current incident patterns before making decisions is recommended.

Question 2

What are the best schools near 35242?

Accepted Answer

ZIP code 35242 has a school score of 100/100, based on NCES EdFacts math and reading proficiency data for public schools in and near ZIP 35242. Schools in this area perform significantly above state averages — proficiency rates consistently outpace both the city and national benchmarks. For families prioritizing public school quality, 35242 ranks among the stronger ZIP codes in Birmingham. Scores reflect SY 2020-21 EdFacts assessment data; individual school performance may vary, and reviewing each school's most recent state report card is recommended.

Question 3

What is the average home price in 35242?

Accepted Answer

The median home sale price in 35242 is approximately $564K, based on recent Zillow Research ZHVI data. This places 35242 near the metro median for comparable neighborhoods. Median rent in 35242 is available in the Full Market Report. Prices fluctuate with market conditions; Zillow data reflects trailing sale prices, not current listing prices.

Question 4

Is 35242 a good place to live?

Accepted Answer

ZIP code 35242 has an overall NeighborScore of 61/100, placing it in the moderate range for Birmingham. The score combines crime rate (40% weight), school quality (35%), and relative property value (25%), each normalized to the metro area. At 61/100, 35242 scores similarly to the middle tier of Birmingham neighborhoods — neither among the strongest nor the weakest performers. Individual priorities (commute, school age, budget) should guide how much weight you give this composite vs. the component scores.

School	Grades	Students	Math ↓	Reading
Greystone Elementary School	PK–05	—	68%	81%
Spain Park High School	09–12	—	51%	54%
Berry Middle School	06–12	—	32%	70%
Oak Mountain Middle School	06–08	—	—	—
Oak Mountain Intermediate School	04–05	—	—	—
Oak Mountain High School	09–12	—	—	—
Inverness Elementary School	PK–03	—	—	—
Oak Mountain Elementary School	PK–03	—	—	—
Mt Laurel Elementary School	KG–05	—	—	—
Vestavia Hills Elementary Liberty Park	PK–05	—	—	—
Liberty Park Middle School	06–08	—	—	—

Birmingham — ZIP 35242

Real Estate Snapshot

Crime Overview

Nearby Schools

Demographics

Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Nearby Neighborhoods