Pelham Alabama: The Complete Guide
3 Reasons to Move to Pelham Alabama
Pelham is one of the prominent suburbs of Birmingham that exudes an easy-going charm. Boasting Oak Mountain State Park, as well as Oak Mountain Amphitheatre and the Pelham Civic Center (home of the Birmingham Bulls), Pelham is full of not only wonderful neighborhoods, but plenty of ways to unwind and have fun! Pelham has it all—nature’s beauty, entertainment, and those delightful hidden gems along the way. Trust me, you will love it!!! Here are a few reasons:
Every Restaurant Imaginable
Now, as you cruise along Interstate 65 and Highway 31, you’ll notice the landscape adorned with large chain stores and restaurants. Amidst the hustle and bustle, discover some charming cafes and comfort food spots that add a touch of coziness to the scene. Pelham is quite famous for its premiere Mexican restaurant just off 1-65 and 119, Margarita Grill. If it is relaxation and craft beer you’re looking for, stop off at the Beer Hog.
Oak Mountain Stata Park & Oak Mountain Amphitheater
Two favorite features of Pelham are Oak Mountain Stata Park and Oak Mountain Amphitheater. Oak Mountain State Park is an absolute dream for nature lovers. It consists of over 50 miles of pure outdoor paradise, wrapped up in a breathtaking 9,940-acre park. It’s a haven for anyone who thrives on the joys of hiking, biking, or even exploring on horseback. Now, let me dive into the details. The park boasts an extensive network of trails, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Fun fact—those mountain biking trails are a real gem, certified by none other than the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA). So, if you’re into the thrill of biking through nature’s wonders, this is your playground. Picture yourself navigating those trails, surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors. In addition to hiking and biking, you can also picnic, grill, fish, paddle boat, and even golf! It’s an experience that speaks to the nature and sports lover in all of us.
While Oak Mountain State Park is designed more for the adventure side, Oak Mountain Amphitheater plays towards the arts. As the largest outdoor amphitheater in Alabama, the facility hosts a variety of musicians, bands, and performers. It can seat 10,000 patrons for reserve seating and boasts the highest quality food and drinks while you are being entertained. Some of the great artists you can see at Oak Mountain Amphitheater are rock legends, Third Eye Blind, Hootie & the Blowfish, Creed, Nickelback, Alanis Morissette, and Robert Plant, and they even have music festivals, such as the outlaw music festival. Country music fans enjoy singers such as Luke Bryan, Cody Jinks, and the famous Doobie Brothers. The amphitheater has even held a wonderful sing-along concert for kids called Disney Encanto. In other words, there is fun for everyone of all ages at Oak Mountain Amphitheater in Pelham.
Pelham Civic Center and Ice Arena
Pelham Civic Center and Ice Arena is itself its own entity—a one of a kind center that houses Birmingham’s hockey team, the Birmingham Bulls. A fun night is going to see the Bulls play hockey so close to you–and there is not a bad seat in the house. Additionally, one can enjoy the ice-skating rink and ice-skating lessons at the Pelham Skate School, as well as get all suited up at the pro shop. Additionally, there is Broomball and some special events, such as Big #1 Motorsports Suzuki Presents Xtreme International Ice Racing. The Civic Center can also be used to host private events, banquets, and birthday parties.
PELHAM LOCATION & SHOPPING
Pelham is easily accessed off I 65, Highway 119, or Highway 31. The location also houses fabulous eateries with many famous restaurants, such as Burdett Farms Market and Café, the Beer Hog, Oak Mountain Brewing Company, Ballantrae Golf Club, Creekside Barbecue, as well as all the standard favs and chains. Whether you want to move to Pelham or just come in town for a weekend of fabulous relaxation, outdoor activities, music, entertainment, or golfing, the Pelham area offers a variety of lodging, such as Hampton, Marriott, and other hotels, as well as cabins at Oak Mountain State Park. The area also has tremendous clothing boutiques and antique stores, as well as mainstream stores such as Lowe’s, Walmart, Target, Publix, and many more. Going down Highway 31 or Highway 119 and hitting I-65, you are also just minutes away from many areas within Birmingham.
LIVING IN PELHAM, ALABAMA
As a long-time resident of Birmingham, I know from experience that Pelham is a great place to be. My first introduction to Pelham was through a roommate at college, whose family resided in Pelham. Pelham has a unique mixture of nature’s beauty, sprawling neighborhoods, successful restaurants, lodging and dining, as well as many well-established businesses. In Pelham, recreation unfolds as a delightful blend of indoor and outdoor adventures. The city warmly supports both large enterprises and local businesses, thereby creating a harmonious tapestry of opportunities. Consider embarking on the unique journey that Pelham offers—an array of experiences that stand out for their richness, affordability, and unmatchable progress.
PELHAM WEATHER
The weather in Pelham is mostly average for southern cities, with temperatures ranging from the high 90s in mid-July to the low 30s around December. Just like other cities surrounding Birmingham, due to the location up from the Gulf, Pelham is typically warm and humid and welcomes the rainy season, which begins mid-October through some of December. However, Pelham residents enjoy mostly mild weather year around.
PELHAM POPULATION
The recent 2024 census states that Pelham’s population is 25,391. In 2020 (the last official US Census) recorded the population at 24,458.
WHERE IS PELHAM, ALABAMA?
Pelham is located to the south just outside of Birmingham, Alabama. Burrowed next to Oak Mountain, Pelham borders Helena, Alabaster, Hoover, and Saginaw. Pelham. which sits at coordinates 33°18′16″N 86°47′5″W, covers about 38.3 square miles, 89% of which is water. Pelham is also home to Alabama’s largest state park, Oak Mountain State Park.
PELHAM MAP
PELHAM HISTORY
Originally named Shelbyville, in 1964 the area was renamed Pelham in honor of Major John Pelham, a Civil War hero.
Pelham is in the central area of Shelby County south of Birmingham by about 15 miles.
What Pelham is most known for is a mix of indoor and outdoor fun, as well as sporting events, golf trails, tennis clubs, and beautiful sprawling neighborhoods.
For more in-depth information on the city of Pelham, CLICK HERE.
PARKS IN PELHAM
Here is a list of Pelham parks and recreation facilities:
- Oak Mountain State Park
- Pelham City Park
- Carroll Park
- Greenway Trail Project
- Coker Park
- Creekview Park
- Fun Go Holler Park
PELHAM NEWS & EVENTS
One of best ways to see all about current events and happenings in the Pelham area is through a few local publications, such as the Pelham Reporter, the Pelham Pathway, as well as the Shelby County Reporter. To keep up with everything Pelham, Alabama, CLICK HERE.
PELHAM SCHOOLS
The Pelham Schools consists of five schools: 2 elementary and 1 middle school, all feeding into Pelham’s one and only high school:
- Pelham Oaks Elementary
- Pelham Ridge Elementary
- Pelham Park Middle School
- Pelham High School
PRIVATE SCHOOLS LOCATED IN PELHAM:
- Faulkner University
- Jeff State Community Shelby Campus
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT LIVING IN VESTAVIA HILLS?
Feel free to call me anytime to learn more about living in Pelham, Alabama.
For the Pelham, Alabama: The Complete Guide, CLICK HERE.
