Is Brook Highland Safe, Pros and cons of living in Brook Highland

Brook Highland offers a compelling blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced lifestyle. Nestled in Shelby County, this community provides a respite from the hustle and bustle while remaining close to the vibrant offerings of Birmingham. Its appeal lies in its well-regarded public schools, diverse demographics, and a generally safe environment.

The area presents a variety of housing options, from single-family homes to apartment complexes, catering to different preferences and budgets. With a strong sense of community and a commitment to quality of life, Brook Highland stands out as a desirable place to call home. This profile delves into the key aspects of living in Brook Highland, covering safety, cost of living, employment, education, and climate.

Is it Safe to Live in Brook Highland?

Brook Highland boasts a strong safety record, with crime rates significantly lower than both national and state averages. Overall crime in Brook Highland is reported to be 68% lower than the national average (AreaVibes). Violent crimes are particularly low, standing at 65% below the national average (AreaVibes).

This low crime rate contributes to a sense of security for residents, with a reported 1 in 149 chance of becoming a victim of crime (AreaVibes). Year over year, crime in Brook Highland has seen a decrease of 8% (AreaVibes). The community is considered safer than 69% of cities in the United States (AreaVibes). Some specific neighborhoods within the broader Brook Highland area, such as Brook Highland Community, have received an ‘A’ safety grade, indicating virtually no crime (DoorProfit). Other areas like Brook Highland The Cottages and Village at Brook Highland have received an ‘A-‘ safety grade, though crime in these specific pockets can be slightly above the national average (DoorProfit, DoorProfit).

Cost of Living in Brook Highland

The cost of living in Brook Highland is influenced by its real estate market and general expenses. The median home value in Brook Highland was approximately $427,400 in 2024 (Data USA). This figure is higher than the national average, indicating a more substantial investment for homeowners (Data USA).

Rents in Brook Highland are also on the higher side, with the average rental price noted at $2,341 (NeighborhoodScout). This is higher than the average rental cost in 93.7% of Alabama neighborhoods (NeighborhoodScout). The median rent for an apartment in Brook Highland is around $1,315, with a range for one-bedroom apartments between $877 and $2,828, and for two-bedroom apartments between $1,041 and $3,223 (RentCafe). This makes Brook Highland a more expensive place to live compared to many other areas in Alabama (NeighborhoodScout, RentCafe).

Housing Market Trends

The housing market in Brook Highland shows some fluctuation. In March 2026, home prices were down 4.9% compared to the previous year, with a median sale price of $390,000 (Redfin). Homes in Brook Highland typically sell after about 35 days on the market (Redfin). The median property value in Brook Highland was $427,400 in 2024, reflecting a 6.56% increase from the previous year (Data USA).

The homeownership rate in Brook Highland is 46.5%, which is lower than the national average (Data USA). Most residents rent their homes, with 54% of households renting compared to 46% owning (Niche). This could be influenced by the higher median home prices and the availability of rental properties.

Job Market and Economy

Brook Highland’s economy is supported by a diverse range of employment opportunities. The average salary in Brook Highland, Alabama, is approximately $20.62 per hour or $42,886 per year as of May 2026 (ZipRecruiter). The median household income in Brook Highland was reported as $79,904 in 2024 (Data USA, Cubit).

Major employment sectors in the broader Birmingham area, which influences Brook Highland, include Healthcare & Social Assistance, Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, and Accommodation & Food Services (Data USA). The unemployment rate in Brook Highland is notably low, standing at 0.6% (Point2Homes). This is significantly lower than the state average, indicating a robust job market (Point2Homes, Alabama Labor Market Information).

Major Employers

While specific major employers within Brook Highland are not detailed, the larger Birmingham metropolitan area, which Brook Highland is part of, hosts significant companies. Key industries in the Birmingham area include Finance & Insurance, Manufacturing, and Healthcare (Birmingham Business Alliance). The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is a major employer, alongside companies like Regions Financial Corporation, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, and Wells Fargo (Birmingham Report).

Manufacturing is also a strong sector, with Mercedes-Benz having a significant presence. Healthcare is another dominant industry, with numerous hospitals and health systems employing a large workforce (Birmingham Report, Birmingham Business Alliance). These larger employers in the surrounding region provide substantial job opportunities for residents of Brook Highland.

Demographics and Diversity

Brook Highland is a diverse community with a population of approximately 8,146 residents (Data USA, Cubit). The racial and ethnic makeup is predominantly White, accounting for 64.4% of the population, followed by Black or African American at 20.7% (Cubit). Hispanic residents make up 6.9% of the population, with Asian residents at 4.3% (Cubit).

The median age in Brook Highland is 39.1 years (Data USA). The community is home to a mix of age groups, with 15.2% under 15, 13.9% between 15 and 24, 29.1% between 25 and 44, 27.6% between 45 and 64, and 14.2% aged 65 or older (Point2Homes). A significant majority of residents, 94.8%, are U.S. citizens (Data USA).

Climate and Weather

Brook Highland experiences a climate characterized by long, hot, and muggy summers, and short, cold, and wet winters. The temperature typically varies between 36°F and 90°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 22°F or exceeding 96°F (AccuWeather). The hot season lasts from late May to late September, with average daily high temperatures above 83°F (AccuWeather).

July is the hottest month, with highs around 90°F and lows of 72°F (AccuWeather). The cooler season extends from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 61°F (AccuWeather). January is the coldest month, with average lows of 36°F and highs of 54°F (AccuWeather). Average annual rainfall is approximately 57 inches, with minimal snowfall (Livability.com).

Education in Brook Highland

The public schools serving Brook Highland are highly rated, contributing to the area’s appeal for families. Niche.com gives Brook Highland an overall ‘A’ grade for its public schools (Niche). Several elementary schools in the area receive ‘A+’ ratings, indicating excellent performance in academics and student development (Niche).

For example, Vestavia Hills Elementary Dolly Ridge has an ‘A+’ overall Niche grade with 639 students and a student-teacher ratio of 15:1 (Niche). Other highly-rated schools include those within the Hoover City School District, which is ranked as the #6 best school district in Alabama (Niche). The strong performance of local schools is a significant draw for residents seeking quality education for their children.

Pros and Cons of Living in Brook Highland

Brook Highland offers several advantages, including its excellent public schools, which are rated highly by organizations like Niche (Niche). The community also boasts a low crime rate, making it a safe place to live, with crime significantly below national averages (AreaVibes). Residents enjoy a suburban feel with convenient access to urban amenities, and the area is known for its affluent population and low childhood poverty rates (NeighborhoodScout).

However, the cost of living can be a consideration. Housing prices are above the national average, with a median home value of $427,400 (Data USA). Average rents are also higher than the state average, with a median rent of $1,315 for apartments (RentCafe). While the job market is strong, the median household income, though above the state average, may not fully offset the higher housing costs for some individuals.