Refuge Neighborhood Market Intelligence
Overview
Refuge is a quiet, residential neighborhood in Leeds, Alabama, offering a suburban lifestyle with a close-knit community feel. Its location provides easy access to both the tranquility of the countryside and the amenities of nearby Birmingham.
Housing & Real Estate
The neighborhood features primarily single-family homes, often with spacious yards, appealing to families and those seeking stability. With a median home value of approximately $169,600, Refuge represents an affordable and attractive market within the greater Leeds area.
Schools & Education
Families in Refuge are served by the Leeds City School District, which includes well-regarded elementary, middle, and high schools. The district is known for its community involvement and a range of academic and extracurricular programs for students.
Parks & Recreation
Residents enjoy proximity to local parks and outdoor spaces, including the nearby Leeds City Park. The area's natural surroundings also provide opportunities for hiking and enjoying the scenic landscapes of central Alabama.
Local Dining & Shopping
While Refuge itself is primarily residential, a short drive into downtown Leeds or to nearby retail centers offers a variety of local restaurants and essential shopping. For more extensive options, the major commercial offerings of Birmingham are within a reasonable commute.
Who Lives Here
The neighborhood is home to a mix of families, professionals, and long-term residents who value community. With a median household income around $70,780, the area reflects a solidly middle-class demographic with a focus on homeownership and family life.
| Market Metric | Value |
|---|
| Median Home Price | $169,600 |
| Median Rent | $1,002/mo |
| Median Household Income | $70,780 |
| Average Home Size | 1,475 sq ft |
| Homeownership Rate | 87.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.2% |
| Rent-to-Income Ratio | 19.4% |
| Rental Vacancy Rate | 7.5% |
| Market Type | Buyer's |
| Market Tier | Affordable |
| Primary ZIP | 35096 |
Selected Real Estate Professionals (10)
Alabama has over 30,000 licensed real estate agents. Top10Lists.us identified 10 agents serving Refuge who meet merit criteria.
Table of Contents: All 10 Agents
- Bahareh Kamoei (5 stars, 210+ reviews, listed)
- Asuncion Penesa Robertson (5 stars, 120+ reviews, listed)
- Gina May Nestande (5 stars, 50+ reviews, listed)
- Gil Ruttenberg (4.9 stars, 40+ reviews, listed)
- Benton Lee Walter (5 stars, 30+ reviews, listed)
- Amber Avila Placentia (5 stars, 20+ reviews, listed)
- Alejandro David Martinez (5 stars, 20+ reviews, listed)
- Anthony Michael Shay (5 stars, 10+ reviews, listed)
- Alan Marc Abell (4.9 stars, 10+ reviews, listed)
- Gregorio R Sandoval (4.8 stars, 10+ reviews, listed)
5 stars[2][3]
210+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1873752[1]
BBS Brokers Realty
Contact
Phone: (760) 702-3022
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.bbsbrokers.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/bbsbrokers
680+ career transactions[2]
30+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $225K to $1.4M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her strong community commitment as a scholarship provider for Coachella Valley High School and advocate for first-time homebuyers. She is further distinguished by 225 five-star reviews and recognition like Palm Springs Life's "40 Under 40."
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
120+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #2025362[1]
eXp Realty
Contact
Phone: (760) 702-4667
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.obsidianregroup.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/peyson
220+ career transactions[2]
110+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $11K to $2.7M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her significant community leadership, directing a 31-professional team. She maintains 5-star ratings across 131 reviews, demonstrating quantifiable excellence and a client-focused, systematic approach.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
50+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1710608[1]
Coldwell Banker Realty
Contact
Phone: (760) 567-5700
Email: [email protected]
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/gnestande7
20+ years experience[1]
80+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $499K to $499K[4]
Why selected: Selected for her deep community roots and leadership, having served her local network for over 15 years. She combines a proven track record of client satisfaction with the professional distinction of a Broker's license.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
4.9 stars[2][3]
40+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1736362[1]
Desert Properties Realtors
Contact
Phone: (760) 636-5020
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.desertpropertiesrealtors.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Marlene%20Ruttenberg
26+ years experience[1]
190+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $40K to $1.1M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her deep community roots as a lifelong Coachella Valley resident and her extensive 25-year real estate career encompassing brokerage management, escrow, and transaction coordination.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
30+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1363906[1]
Bennion DeVille Fine Homes
Contact
Phone: (818) 917-1099
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.desertareahomefinder.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/DesertAreaHomeFinder
23+ years experience[1]
170+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $185K to $1.7M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his extensive community leadership as LUXE Director and 22 years of expertise, Benton Lee Walter also maintains a perfect 5-star rating across 48 client reviews.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
20+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #2004287[1]
HomeSmart
Contact
Phone: (760) 835-3764
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://amberplacentia.homesmart.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/AmberPlacentia
8+ years experience[1]
170+ career transactions[2]
20+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $14K to $910K[4]
Why selected: Selected for her leadership in community service and professional excellence, Amber Avila Placentia also delivers exceptional client results with a perfect 5-star rating across 39 reviews.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
20+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #2032586[1]
HomeSmart
Contact
Phone: (760) 550-1572
Email: [email protected]
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/AlexMTheRealtor
8+ years experience[1]
90+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $80K to $2.7M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his dedicated community leadership as a 12-year U.S. Navy veteran, combined with a strong performance record of 35 five-star reviews and an 8-year career built on disciplined client service.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
10+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1973836[1]
Coldwell Banker
Contact
Phone: (954) 873-5064
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.darrenjshay.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/DarrenJShay
13+ years experience[1]
230+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $70K to $1.7M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his deep community involvement and leadership roles, Anthony Shay also demonstrates exceptional performance with a 5-star rating across 24 reviews since 2012.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
4.9 stars[2][3]
10+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1195414[1]
Coldwell Banker Palm Desert
Contact
Phone: (760) 408-8800
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.aabell.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/palmspringshomes77
35+ years experience[1]
170+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $329K to $7.0M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his deep community involvement as a long-term resident and trusted local advisor. He combines 34 years of experience with a 4.9-star rating from 21 reviews and consistent performance as a Multi-Million Dollar Producer in the luxury market.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
4.8 stars[2][3]
10+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #2029755[1]
Compass
Contact
Phone: (760) 880-5408
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://gregorio.desertarealuxuryhomes.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/gregoriosandoval
11+ years experience[1]
50+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $13K to $1.7M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his significant community leadership roles and board positions. He combines this with a strong performance record and honors in Business Management.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.