Birmingham
has more
flavor.

Five Points South is known for its flavor — in every sense of the word.

This signature mixed-use neighborhood is a true melting pot and one of the oldest, yet liveliest, districts in downtown Birmingham with a successful entertainment district at its core. Five Points South is home to a wealth of experiences. 

Within less than four square miles it has million-dollar homes and student housing; martini bars and brew pubs; late night music clubs and Sunday morning church choirs. The area is a popular living, shopping and recreational community, particularly influenced by its award-winning James Beard restaurants and historically significant architecture.

What’s in a name? We’ll tell you.

Founded in 1887, Five Points South is a district in Birmingham’s Southside. Its name stems from its center on Five Points Circle, an intersection formed into a five-pointed star by the convergence of 20th St. S, 11th Ave. S and Magnolia Avenue. Originally a busy streetcar hub in the then-suburban town of Highland, Five Points Circle has always been an active location and signature landmark within the district.

Experience Five Points South past and present.

Five Points is a place you can see beautiful historic architecture, from its churches to its business facades to its residences. These relics of the past share the streets with modern structures — just swipe through a handful of before and after photos to see for yourself! They are part of what makes this area one of the most unique locales in the Magic City.

Five Points is also part of Downtown BHM’s Business Improvement District (BID). The BID provides the Five Points South community with a framework and tools to solve problems and seize opportunities for the historic business district.

Our team compiles data of interest for developers and business owners seeking to do business in Downtown Birmingham as a whole. Each downtown district has its own personality, and Five Points South is known for its inimitable vibe. If your business checks these boxes, Five Points South may be a good cultural fit for you!

• Fresh – Not previously known or used; new or different – How many times have you scoffed at the sight of two Starbucks coffee houses situated across the way from one another? While the people of Five Points South are no strangers to national chains (you should see the 20th St. Chick-fil-a during a lunch rush), what we don’t welcome is homogeneity. Cookie-cutter. Same-old-same-old. Ideally, any new business making its way to the district should fill a unique or unmet need.  
• Multicultural – Relating to people of many different cultures and nationalities – Five Points South is currently home to businesses representing a wide array of cultures, allowing residents and visitors to experience global fanfare and cuisine in their own backyard. If your business concept transports its patrons to a destination not-yet-explored, we’d be happy to have you!  
• Eccentric – Unconventional and slightly strange (to some) – Five Points South values its eccentrics and eccentricities. Where others might ask “why?” we prefer “why not?” If there were ever a place to bet on an out-of-the-box business concept taking off, this would be it. 

Eager to learn more? 

Our team will help you identify spaces and opportunities to open, move, or grow your business in Five Points South. We can also answer questions about the CAP Clean and Safe program and other Business Improvement District (BID) services.