Center Point, AL
- About the city
- Geography
- Climate and Weather
- Landmarks
- Transport
- Sport and Sporting Legends
- Universities and Educational Institutions
- Healthcare Facilities
Center Point is a city in Jefferson County, Alabama, United States. It is a suburb of Birmingham with a population of 16,406 as of the 2020 census.
About the city
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
The city's official name is Center Point. It is a city located in Jefferson County, in the north-central part of the state of Alabama, USA . It is an integral part of the Birmingham-Hoover Metropolitan Area, one of the largest metropolitan regions in the southeastern United States, known as a major center for banking, medicine, and industry in the South .
Historical Names and Nicknames
Center Point has always been known by its current name, which dates back to the late 19th or early 20th century. The name was coined by a local store owner who described his location as the midpoint between the roads leading to the nearby communities of Chalkville and Pinson . At its peak in 1967, before its incorporation, it was known as the largest unincorporated community in the United States .
Date of Founding and Age
The first non-indigenous settlers, the Reed family from North Carolina, arrived in the area around 1816 . The town's modern development, however, began much later. A reliable water supply was discovered in 1947, which triggered significant growth . Center Point officially incorporated as a city in March 2002 to manage its own affairs and prevent annexation by the City of Birmingham . This makes it a relatively young city, just over 20 years old in its incorporated form.
Geographical Position and Coordinates
Center Point is situated in the northeastern part of Jefferson County. Its geographical coordinates are 33°38′41″N 86°41′07″W . The city lies at an elevation of approximately 850 feet (260 meters) above sea level . Geographically, it is part of the Appalachian foothills, characterized by gently rolling terrain. It is located about 12 miles (19 km) northeast of downtown Birmingham .
City Type and Economic Specialization
Center Point is primarily a residential suburb and a community hub within the Birmingham metropolitan area. Its economy is locally focused, with major employment sectors for residents being educational services, health care, social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade . The city itself provides municipal services and maintains a parks system.
Population and Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population of Center Point was 16,406 . This makes it a medium-sized suburb within the Birmingham metro. The city has undergone a significant demographic shift since 2000; in 2020, the racial makeup was approximately 73.96% African American and 17.06% non-Hispanic White .
"Visiting Card" of the City
Center Point is a resilient Birmingham suburb with deep historical roots, known for its strong sense of community, local parks, and its unique status as a town that incorporated to preserve its identity. It offers a quieter, residential alternative to the nearby urban center, with a focus on local events and outdoor family recreation .
Geography
Water Bodies (Rivers, Creeks)
The city is part of the Five Mile Creek Greenway Project, a significant environmental and recreational initiative. Five Mile Creek and its tributaries flow through the area, and the city's parks are connected to this greenway, offering opportunities for walking and enjoying the natural riparian environment .
National and Nature Parks
While not a national park, Center Point Community Park serves as the city's primary outdoor destination. It features four baseball fields, a playground, a walking track, a community center, and a popular splash pad for children. The park is also home to the Veterans Memorial Plaza, which honors local armed forces members .
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Center Point has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) , characterized by long, hot, muggy summers and short, mild to cool winters. The city experiences significant precipitation throughout the year and is partly cloudy year-round .
Average Monthly Temperatures
Temperatures vary widely with the seasons.
- Hottest Months: July and August, with average daily highs of 89°F (32°C) and average lows around 71-72°F (22°C) .
- Coldest Months: January, with average highs of 53°F (12°C) and average lows of 35°F (2°C) .
Precipitation and Humidity
The average annual rainfall in Center Point is substantial, at about 49 inches (1248 mm) . Snowfall is very rare, averaging less than an inch per year . March is typically the wettest month, while August is often the driest . The humidity is highest during the summer months, contributing to the muggy conditions .
Sunny Days and Best Time to Visit
Based on the tourism score, the best times to visit Center Point for warm-weather activities are from late April to mid-June and from late August to mid-October .
- Spring (April-May): Mild to warm temperatures and blooming foliage make it ideal for visiting parks like Center Point Community Park .
- Summer (June-August): Very hot and humid, perfect for enjoying the splash pad at the community park .
- Fall (September-October): Comfortable temperatures and clearer skies provide excellent conditions for outdoor recreation .
- Winter (November-February): Cool and wet, with occasional freezing nights. The city may have holiday lights and decorations at the park .
Landmarks
Center Point City Hall
The City Hall is a unique local landmark housed in the historic Rock School, a building constructed from native stone in 1924 . It stands as a symbol of the community's history, having served as the area's first elementary school before being repurposed as the seat of city government after incorporation .
Veterans Memorial Plaza
Located within Center Point Community Park, this plaza is a significant monument dedicated to all veterans who have served in the United States armed forces. It serves as a focal point for community remembrance and patriotic events .
Historic Center Point Baptist Church and Cemetery
This site dates back to the early 1800s and is one of the oldest religious congregations in the area. The associated historic cemetery provides a tangible link to the region's first settlers and is a point of interest for those exploring local history .
Transport
Main Airports
The primary airport serving Center Point is Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) . It is located approximately 6 miles (10 km) southwest of the city, providing convenient access for residents and visitors . The airport offers connections to major hubs across the United States.
Major Highways and Roads
Center Point's road network provides easy access to the wider region.
- Interstate 59 (I-59) runs southwest-northeast and is located about two miles southeast of the town, linking it to Birmingham and cities in the northeast .
- Alabama State Route 79 runs along the city's northwest border, providing another major artery through the area .
- Alabama State Route 75 runs north-south directly through the center of the city .
Local Transportation
Public transportation options within Center Point are limited. However, ride-sharing services like Uber are available throughout the city, offering connections to local destinations such as the Walmart Neighborhood Market or for travel to and from the airport . The city is also home to local trucking and logistics companies, reflecting its role in the regional transportation network .
Sport and Sporting Legends
Local High School Sports: The Center Point Eagles
The heart of local sports in Center Point is undoubtedly the Center Point High School Eagles. The school's football team is a central part of the community's identity, representing the city in the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) as a Class 6A team .
The Eagles play their home games at Bowman Field, located at 1000 Eagle Way . Game days are a key community event, with a regular home kickoff time of 7:00 p.m. and an admission fee of $7.00 . The team's colors are red, white, and blue, and their last playoff appearance was in 2022 .
Several players from Center Point have received recognition for their on-field performances in recent years. Quarterback Therman Deon Moore has been a standout, earning multiple "Player of the Week" nominations in 2023 for his passing and rushing touchdowns . In the 2022 season, running back Troy Bruce was a key offensive player, rushing for over 200 yards and multiple touchdowns in several games, while linebacker Malik Brown was recognized for his defensive efforts, including a game with 3.5 sacks .
Universities and Educational Institutions
Colleges and Universities Near Center Point
While Center Point itself does not host a university, its location in the Birmingham metropolitan area places it within a short drive of numerous higher education opportunities. There are over 50 colleges within a 100-mile radius of the city .
The closest college to Center Point is Jefferson State Community College, located just 1.4 miles away in Birmingham . This public, two-year institution offers a variety of associate degree programs and serves as a key access point for higher education and workforce training in the region. It has an open admission policy, making it an accessible option for local residents .
For those seeking a four-year degree, several major universities are within a reasonable driving distance:
- Samford University in Birmingham is the highest-rated college in the area .
- The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa is the largest in the area, with nearly 40,000 students .
- Auburn University and the University of North Alabama are also within approximately 100 miles of Center Point .
Healthcare Facilities
Center Point has local healthcare options for primary care, and residents have access to several major hospitals in nearby Birmingham.
Local Primary Care Clinics
For day-to-day medical needs, residents can visit clinics located directly in Center Point.
- Christ Health Center, located at 2152 Old Springville Rd, is a multi-specialty clinic offering a wide range of services, including Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Sports Medicine .
- Oak Street Health Center Point, at 1687 Center Point Parkway, is a primary care clinic specifically focused on adults with Medicare. They offer preventive care, chronic disease management, and on-site lab services . Patients have rated the clinic highly, with particular praise for providers like Dr. DeVance .
Major Hospitals Nearby
For emergency care, specialized treatment, and hospital services, residents of Center Point are served by the extensive medical network of Birmingham. These hospitals, often listed as serving the Center Point area, include :
- St. Vincent's East: Located at 50 Medical Park Dr E in Birmingham, this hospital is a major facility close to Center Point, offering emergency care, surgical procedures, cardiology, and orthopedics . The St. Vincents East Family Practice is also specifically listed as a rural general acute care hospital provider in Center Point .
- UAB Hospital: Affiliated with the University of Alabama at Birmingham, this is a leading academic medical center known for cutting-edge research and specialized care in areas like cancer, neurology, and transplant services .
- Brookwood Baptist Medical Center: A comprehensive healthcare facility offering a full range of services, including maternity and rehabilitation .
- Grandview Medical Center: A state-of-the-art hospital with advanced technology in cardiology, neurology, and oncology .
- Birmingham VA Medical Center: This facility is dedicated to providing primary care, mental health services, and specialty care to veterans .