Community

Iwas incredibly fortunate to be born and raised in a close-knit community. I knew my neighbors, went to the same school from elementary to graduation and shared in the rhythms of my friend's families who felt as safe and welcoming as my own. That sense of continuity and belonging was woven into the fabric of my upbringing—and what a gift it has been.

In my early twenties, I moved to Boston for five years. The urban neighborhood I lived in was at the beginning stages of gentrification. Experiencing that firsthand taught me how fragile community can be, and how vital it is to know your neighbors and stay involved.

When I returned home to Birmingham, I searched for an affordable house and found one in Crestwood. Once again, I was incredibly lucky. The neighborhood was filled with 1930s bungalows and Tudors, and it had been preserved from both urban renewal and decay by long-term residents who had raised their families there and were now moving into retirement homes. I arrived at just the right time. I bought the worst house on the block and set about restoring it. That same year, I earned my real estate license. As young first time buyers looked beyond pricier areas “over the mountain,” many discovered Crestwood. Together, we built something special. Today, Crestwood remains one of the most popular neighborhoods in Birmingham.

The relationships formed during that period remain some of my deepest connections. As neighbors, we created the Friends of Crestwood Park group, a community garden, a neighborhood kids’ group, and annual traditions like a Halloween “city hayride” and Christmas photos at the park with Santa. We started supper clubs, book clubs, and a co-op daycare. When a zoning crisis hit, we came together to work with the City of Birmingham. The mayor and city council ultimately sold us a house for one dollar, which neighbors worked together to restore and turned into the first artist residence—providing a working artist and their family a home that they owned.

These experiences seared into me the true power of community. They continue to guide my work as a real estate agent, reminding me that it is about more than selling properties—it is about fostering a community where people feel they belong.

For years, I've wanted to live in The Black Belt of my home state. Each visit drew me in with its natural beauty, rich history, and incredible people. In August 2023, I moved to Greensboro, and I've already grown to love it. I've witnessed the strength of this community and hope to contribute to building on the foundation that’s already here.

Pride Forney

Founder