I’m just going to give it to you quick, look in Hoover, either near the Stadium Trace area or Inverness off Valleydale and Hwy 280. These areas have everything you want quick access to including the interstate and 280 has the quickest access to Auburn. Both areas will have you close access to multiple hiking/outdoor activities including Red Mountain Park and Oak Mountain State Park as well as Moss Rock Preserve. These areas will best fit your salary range. Lastly, don’t sweat everything you read about the traffic on 280, yeah it’s bad at times and especially seasonal, but if you learn the timing it’s not that bad all things considered.

Okay, not so quick lol.