Meadowbrook is a great community within a great Alabama city: Birmingham. "Birmingham, Birmingham. The greatest city in Alabam'. You can travel 'cross this entire land. There ain't no place like Birmingham." (Randy Newman, 'Birmingham')
Near Birmingham and in Shelby County, the community of Meadowbrook is unincorporated, but is growing and thriving
Meadowbrook is a great community within a great Alabama city: Birmingham. "Birmingham, Birmingham. The greatest city in Alabam'. You can travel 'cross this entire land. There ain't no place like Birmingham." (Randy Newman, 'Birmingham')
Near Birmingham and in Shelby County, the community of Meadowbrook is unincorporated, but is growing and thriving. Meadowbrook has an exceptional ability to maintain a steady pace while it pushes forward and advances. On most days, Meadowbrook whistles to its own beat, and seems content just doing what it pleases. Yet there is much fun to be had. Surrounded by pristine nature, the bustling city of Birmingham, and ample shopping, residents have it all at their fingertips. The housing is pretty nice, too. Sleep in comfort and play at your own speed. That's what's cool about Meadowbrook.
On top of all those sweet characteristics mentioned in the previous paragraph, Meadowbrook also has a low crime rate and a good nearby school system. All of this has combined to make Meadowbrook an attractive spot. As a renter moving to town, you have to make the proper preparations.
Trends to Note
16.0% of the city's properties are being leased, which is significantly lower than Alabama's average. On average, Meadowbrook does not have as many openings as most towns in Alabama. Additionally, 77.7% of homes are detached houses, which indicates you'll have the most success searching for rental houses in Meadowbrook. All of these numbers may have you scratching your head and wondering how you'll land your condo for rent if that is you want. Well, there is a solution if you keep scratching and formulate a plan.
Arrive on Time
Like any small community within a metropolitan area, the school year plays somewhat of a role in when people transition between homes. If you are able, come at a time when there are more places to rent in Meadowbrook, which is just before and during summer vacation (May through August). You should be aware that it can get quite hot during such months, so spring or fall may be a more pleasant time to search.
Stay Flexible
If you can only accept a certain kind of place, you may find that you can't locate what you need. Be more open to any kind of house. If you only want a one bedroom pad, consider a small two bedroom house or town home. Don't be picky! You may find that your gold awaits at an unforeseen destination. That's what sweet home Alabama is all about.
Begin Searching Early
Regardless of when you arrive, it's best to start your research from your desktop, laptop, or mobile device roughly one month before you make your move to Meadowbrook. If you don't have one month, then start now! If you are searching for 3 bedroom houses for rent, for instance, find three to five you think look good and contact the appropriate people. This ensures that when you arrive, you have a place waiting for you, and you won't have to crash at a motel off Interstate-459 and sing along to the Charlie Daniels Band all night.
You've Got Bills to Pay
The Birmingham area experiences hot summers, and you will have to pump that air-conditioning. All bills paid apartments aren't really an option in Meadowbrook, but with the right amount of luck and negotiation skill, you could get free heating and air-conditioning. Don't pass up on such a deal if offered!
Be the Best Potential Tenant You Can Be
Put your hat on straight and your pants on right. Grab your great credit report, bring past landlord references, and get your checkbook for one month's rent and a deposit. In order to nab the home you want in this market, you can't take a few days to think it over and you certainly must be able to provide all the necessary info and upfront fees. By preparing all that prior to touring homes, you show your reliability and trustworthiness.
At only 4.2 square miles large, you may think that Meadowbrook is just one community. And it is. However, its growing population has led to the development of various sub-neighborhoods within town. Choose the pocket that holds you best.
Major 'Hoods
Inverness: Inverness Plaza, Milo's Hamburgers, and lots of housing define this section. The area is walkable for a few things, but a car is the way to get from point A to point B.
Meadowbrook Center: This area is strictly for living, and very car-dependent. Oak Mountain State Park is a great day retreat and is within a short drive.
Valleydale Road/Meadow Drive: In the south part of town, this neighborhood requires a car, but does showcase a nice amount of quality housing. Dig in, and get yours! Veterans Park is nearby.
Top Apartment Communities
Inverness Cliffs: The apartment homes here showcase a patio, vaulted ceilings, and a fireplace. The grounds have a lake, nature trail, and three salt water pools.
Inverness Landing Apartments: Near Heather Lake, this complex has spacious apartment homes and is near some shopping.
Unless you are training for the Tour de France, bring your car. That is the way to move from one place to another here. You can bike to a few bus lines, but that may not be feasible during extremely hot days. Walking is only possible for a few errands, depending on where you reside.
Driving in and around Meadowbrook should lead you to one conclusion: you should have perfect teeth after living here. You will no longer have any excuses! Putting all jokes to the side, Meadowbrook is truly a great spot to live within the Birmingham area. If you are thirsting for action, head to the Birmingham Museum of Art, attend a show at the Alabama Theatre, or tour the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. When you just want to stay near Meadowbrook and have fun, though, activities like drinks at On Tap Sports Cafe, shopping at The Village at Lee Branch, and trekking through Oak Mountain State Park answer the call. Great fishing spots and golf courses are also within striking range. When it comes down to it, Meadowbrook offers wonderful rest and quality entertainment. It is, as one famous band would say, a sweet home...in Alabama!
