Tanglewood is one of Vestavia Hills’ most popular neighborhoods, thanks in large part to its strong family appeal.
The highly walkable neighborhood features plenty of large backyards and low-traffic streets. Its houses are affordable, usually ranging from $400,000 to $800,000.
“Most of them fall in the $500,000s, so it meets a lot of people’s budgets who are in Vestavia,” said RealtySouth agent Mike Wald. “It has a strong appeal; you’ve got some empty-nesters who live there, but it’s primarily attractive to families.”
Within Walking Distance…
Mudtown Eat & Drink
This restaurant’s name pays tribute to the banks of the nearby Cahaba River, which was reportedly referred to as “mudtown” by Creek Indians in the early 19th century. Mudtown’s menu, though, is decidedly modern, with a wide selection of sandwiches, salads, entrees and specialty cocktails.
Twisted Root Burger Co.
Located just down Rocky Ridge Road is this gourmet burger restaurant, the Texas-based chain’s only Alabama location. Twisted Root offers a plethora of specialty burgers, many with a Southwestern twist, and an option for “exotic” meats such as buffalo and wagyu beef – and sometimes, lamb, ostrich, camel, beaver and kangaroo burgers as well.
The Ridge Eat & Drink
Also located on Rocky Ridge Road, this restaurant and bar features fare such as wings, burgers, hot dogs and tacos. Despite a sign hanging inside urging customers not to tell anyone about the Ridge (“We have no time for strangers,” the sign claims), the word has gotten out. Last year, the Ridge was voted best casual dining and friendly service spot by Vestavia Hills Magazine.
Schools
Tanglewood is zoned for the Vestavia Hills School System, with younger students attending either Vestavia Hills Elementary’s East or Dolly Ridge locations. From there, students can attend Vestavia Hills Pizitz Middle School and Vestavia Hills High School, the latter of which was named as the eighth-best public high school in the state and the fourth best for college prep.
Local Landmark
The Vestavia Country Club, just north of Tanglewood, has existed since the late 1940s and boasts that it provides a “resort-like experience just minutes from home” for its members. That includes an 18-hole golf course, 9-hole par 3 course, tennis courts, a fitness center, pools, child care and formal dining options. In 2017 a $6.5 million project to rebuild the golf course put it on Gold Digest’s list of 2018 Best New Courses.
Advice to the Buyer
The Tanglewood housing market is “pretty tight,” Wald said, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to buy there. You just have to come prepared.
“Tanglewood is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Vestavia,” Wald said. “People need to know that they need to be ready to compete when they buy there.” But if you’re willing to put in a little elbow grease, more options will open up.
“If a buyer is willing to do a little bit of work on a house – maybe be willing to paint or redo the floors – they won’t have to compete quite as much,” he said.
Houses with good lots and big backyards sell the quickest, he added.
