You’re driving down Broadway, and the smell of Saw’s BBQ is basically hitting you like a freight train. To your left, a group of toddlers is practicing soccer on a tiny patch of grass, and to your right, someone is walking a Goldendoodle that looks more groomed than most humans. This is Homewood. It’s the kind of place where people move for the "vibe" but stay because they realized their commute to UAB is only seven minutes.
Finding homewood homes for rent right now isn't like it was three years ago. Back then, you could stumble into a charming Tudor and sign a lease on a handshake. In 2026, the market has settled a bit—rent is actually down about 5% over the last twelve months—but the competition for a good school zone is still fierce. Honestly, if you aren't ready to move the day a listing hits Zillow, you're probably already too late.
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The Neighborhood Divide: Edgewood vs. West Homewood
Most people looking for a rental here think "Homewood is Homewood." It’s not. There is a massive difference between living in the Hollywood section and the "new" West Homewood.
If you want the classic, storybook experience, you look at Edgewood. You’ve got the sidewalks. You’ve got the walkable access to Taco Mama. But you also have 1940s plumbing and maybe one closet for an entire family. Rent for a three-bedroom house here is routinely hitting $2,550 a month, and that’s if you’re lucky.
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- Hollywood: Think Spanish Moss and historic Tudors. It’s gorgeous. It’s also expensive.
- West Homewood: This is the current "it" spot. It used to be the more affordable cousin, but with Patriot Park and the Gianmarco’s Pizzeria crowd, it’s booming. Renters here get a bit more yard space for their money.
- Rosedale: Often overlooked, but it’s literally minutes from SoHo and the Piggly Wiggly.
Why the Schools Change Everything
Let's be real: people rent here for the schools. Homewood City Schools are currently ranked #1 in Alabama for 2026. That isn't just a trophy; it's a price driver.
I’ve talked to parents who chose to rent a two-bedroom apartment at Valora or The Brookwood—spending $1,400 to $1,800—just to ensure their kids get into Edgewood Elementary or Shades Cahaba. They could buy a 4,000-square-foot mansion in a different county for the same monthly cost, but they don't. The education "premium" is baked into every rental price in the 35209 zip code.
The Reality of the "Deal"
You’ll see listings for "cheap" apartments in Homewood, usually hovering around the $1,100 mark for a one-bedroom. Take those with a grain of salt.
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Often, these are older complexes off Valley Avenue. While the location is great for access to the Vulcan Trail, some of these units haven't seen a renovation since the Reagan administration. If you’re looking for modern luxury, you’re heading toward SoHo Square or the newer builds on 18th Street. Expect to pay closer to $2,800 for a townhome there.
Is it worth it? Sorta. You're paying for the ability to never use your car on a Saturday. You can walk to the library, hit the Central Park pool, and grab a coffee at Seeds without ever hitting I-65.
Managing the Hunt
If you're serious about finding a place, stop just refreshing the big apps. A lot of the best single-family homes are managed by local outfits like Decas Group or Mega Agent Rental Management. They often have their own internal lists that move faster than the public portals.
Also, watch out for the "Birmingham vs. Homewood" address trap. A lot of rentals list as "Homewood" but are actually in the city of Birmingham. If you care about the school district or the specific trash pickup (Homewood’s is legendary), double-check the tax records. If you aren't paying Homewood city taxes, you aren't in the school district. Simple as that.
Practical Steps for Potential Renters
- Check the School Map: Use the official Homewood City Schools boundary map before signing. Don't take a landlord's word for it.
- Budget for Utilities: Many of the older rentals lack modern insulation. That "charming" 1930s cottage will cost a fortune to cool in July.
- Tour at 3:00 PM: If you're renting near the schools, drive the neighborhood during pick-up time. Traffic can be a nightmare on narrow streets like Roseland or Oak Grove.
- Look for Private Landlords: Sometimes you can find a better rate in the "For Rent" signs stuck in yards in West Homewood. These owners aren't always tech-savvy enough for the big sites.