Gardendale, AL 111 Apartments for Rent

The 1996 Olympic torch passed through Gardendale on its way to the Atlanta Summer Olympic Games. This event is still one of the most talked-about moments in the city's history.

Gardendale is proud that it is a small town, and it lets people "live the good life." If you think the good life consists of high-rise apartment buildings and an exciting nightlife, then move to Atlanta, Georgia. If you want to live in a city that calls itself a town, Gardendale is the place for you. Located 15 miles north of Birmingham, this city-town of 13,893 residents (per the 2010 U.S. Census) mostly brags about its local civic clubs and community spirit. Some might find that kind of uninspiring, while others will think it is paradise found.

Plan and Make the School Marm Proud

Gardendale was called Jugtown in 1825 because there was a jug and churn factory there (makes sense). The local schoolteacher decided the name Jugtown was embarrassing. Jugtown became Gardendale, and now its name is not at all embarrassing. When I-65 was built along the then-western edge of the city in 1985, the little city-town became accessible to Birmingham but was far enough away that its quiet life wasn't corrupted by the big city.

Plan your move to Gardendale well in advance. Getting there is simple since a major interstate cuts through the area. However, there is not an abundance of rental property. There are apartment buildings, but vacancy rates are low. There are houses of all sizes for rent too. An apartment locater could offer some serious help finding the best rentals. Don't wait until the last minute, or you might find yourself homeless.

Renting a Piece of Paradise

There's a good reason to find an apartment in Gardendale. The average rental rates are less than the average national rental rates. Many apartments include water in the rent, but you need to pay for other utilities. If you have good credit, the landlords will love you. Be prepared to pay an application fee so the landlord can verify you are honest, loyal, and trustworthy -- at least with creditors.

Should you land one of the Gardendale rental gems, you'll have to cough up the first month's rent and a security deposit as a minimum. Then you can move into one of the city apartments and say, "I'm home!"

Few Neighborhoods Means Easy Decision-Making

This is a great place to move to if you're indecisive because there is not a whole lot to make a decision about. That's just part of its charm. People live here precisely because it's small.

Fieldstone Road: The area surrounding Fieldstone Road, between Mt. Olive Road and Shady Grove Road and west of I-65, is where the action is (such as it is). There are newer houses and duplexes for rent since this is where most of the development is taking place.

North of Mt Olive Road: Gardendale annexed some of the unincorporated area of Mt. Olive and now the land forms the north side of Gardendale. I-65 separates Gardendale and the un-annexed portion of Mt Olive. This is a good area for finding home rentals.

Between Highway 31 and I-65: Naturally, many of the businesses and apartment complexes are found close to highways. The southern edge almost reaches Fultondale, another quiet community. Valley Green Shopping Center on Highway 31 is built where the original jug and churn factory was located. Are you impressed?

Eastern section: Take Tarrant Road off Highway 31 (Decatur Highway) to find lightly populated residential areas on the north and south side of the road. It's a good place to find a home for rent.

Living the Good Life

One of the most exciting experiences in the city of Gardendale was when the 1996 Olympic torch ran through town. The good life here means enjoying time with neighbors. The Gardendale Civic Center is the town's hot spot, hosting events like the Summer Concerts series and the Magnolia Festival Pooch Parade. You can't make this stuff up! Gardendale is ranked as "exceptionally livable," which is nice. You can get one of the best hamburgers ever served at Hamburger Heaven (remember this is paradise). You can always drive to Birmingham when craving a fix of white tablecloths.