Buying a Home in Birmingham, Michigan

It is easy to understand why so many are interested in buying a home in Birmingham, Michigan. Just a short drive from most of Metro Detroit, Birmingham is known for its award-winning schools, excellent parks and recreation opportunities, and vibrant downtown area. The city offers a charming, small-town atmosphere, with many locally-owned restaurants and shops, and residents share a strong community spirit.

However, with the demand for Birmingham homes comes limited home inventory and fierce competition, making it difficult to find a good deal on a local home. Of course, the best way to find a Birmingham home that meets all your needs and preferences is to find the right agent. Even so, you will still need to communicate with your agent what you are looking for in a Birmingham home, and this guide can help get you started.

Birmingham is known for its picturesque downtown, sense of community, and prime location. Residents also enjoy access to excellent schools, beautiful weather, and intermittent festivals.

Families looking for a solid educational foundation often consider buying a home in Birmingham, Mich. From elementary school through 12th grade, students improve through rigorous curricula emphasizing core academic subjects, the arts, and extracurriculars. Access to Birmingham schools lets students participate in clubs, sports, and various social activities in a supportive environment.

For example, at the middle school level, anyone attending a school like Derby Middle School benefits from strong academic standards. As students mature, they improve their problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills. Already they can refine their interests via extracurriculars like robots, chess, and drama. Teachers throughout Birmingham are known for their commitment.

Buying a home in Birmingham, Michigan opens up many recreational opportunities. With its mild summers, Birmingham is a prime setting for golf, and the city features two nine-hole courses. A local favorite since 1964, Lincoln Hills Golf Course features rolling hills, beautiful city views, and exceptionally well-maintained fairways for such a busy course. Meanwhile, Springdale Golf Course is another nine-hole course right in town. Dating back to 1929, Springdale is known for its wide fairways and large greens — a course that balances difficulty and fun.

For a different outdoor experience, visit Linden Park and St. James Park, which provide beautiful outdoor areas for walking, picnicking, and playing. These parks have plenty of green space; St. James also has soccer fields, baseball diamonds, and tennis courts. And the Birmingham Ice Sports Arena is a great way to cool off, even during summer. The arena features a large ice rink, locker rooms, and a snack bar.

One of the most popular activities in Birmingham is the summer Park Concert series, which features performances by local and international musicians in Shain Park. The city also boasts a vibrant art gallery scene with galleries and museums such as the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center and the David Klein Gallery.

Birmingham also hosts various festivals throughout the year, including the Birmingham Street Art Fair, the Birmingham Film Festival, and the Ya'ssoo Greek Festival. These events provide an opportunity to learn about different cultures and experience various entertainment. Birmingham also has several historical sites, such as the Birmingham Museum, where visitors can explore the city's past and appreciate its history and culture.

Birmingham occupies about five square miles, and its constituent neighborhoods are among the best in Greater Detroit.

Quarton Lake Estates is an affluent neighborhood with close access to downtown. The streets are lined with mature trees that shade homes and residents. Area houses are typically well-maintained, and the neighborhood has excellent schools. Birmingham West is also very close to several parks, lakes, and golf courses, making it easy to stay active and enjoy the outdoors.

The Barnum Park neighborhood is peaceful and secluded, a perfect escape from the city. The streets are lined with lush greenery and quaint homes, and residents have ready access to parks and trails perfect for biking, walking, or jogging. In addition, the area’s schools are highly rated, and the community is friendly and welcoming.

Birmingham Southwest provides excellent proximity to shopping and other amenities while maintaining a quiet, semirural atmosphere. The streets have well-manicured lawns, and the local parks offer plenty of outdoor activities. The area also features highly-rated schools and a close-knit community. Additionally, the neighborhood is close to various attractions, including museums and theaters.

As you hone in on your preferred neighborhood in Birmingham, consider these tips on the homebuying process.

Birmingham's median house price is typically in the high six figures, while the best single-family homes regularly sell for over $1 million. As a suburb, Birmingham enjoys a higher homeownership rate than most of Greater Detroit. And as of February 2023, homes tended to stay on the market for about two months.

Like many other communities, Birmingham residents receive two yearly property tax bills. However, unlike other areas of the country, the tax bill is split disproportionately. Residents pay about $34.26 per $1,000 in July but only about $4.32 per $1,000 on their December bill.

The first step for anyone considering buying a home in Birmingham, Mich., is always finding the right real estate agent. Experienced agents such as Kevin Cristbrook will ensure you find a home you can love for years and a purchase price and terms you can love just as much. Reach out to Kevin today as the vital next step toward homeownership in Birmingham.