The Smart Choice: Why Buying Beats Renting in Tuscaloosa and Birmingham

Vikki Grodner

Buying vs Renting: Why buying is a smart investment in towns with strong universities.


Are you a parent considering buying or renting for your college student? Are you looking for a smarter way to invest in this accommodation, especially in towns with strong universities, like Tuscaloosa and Birmingham? Vikki and Ken Grodner from the Hospitality Network Group at Keller Williams are here to shed light on why buying real estate in Alabama is a game-changer.


Vikki’s Perspective: Making Space Your Own



As an interior designer and top Realtor® in Tuscaloosa, I've witnessed the transformative power of turning a house into a home. But beyond aesthetics, there's a compelling financial argument for buying over renting, particularly in college towns like Tuscaloosa. Let's talk about important events — Families and fans flock to Tuscaloosa for football game days, parents’ weekends and special events like graduation. In the process, they shell out exorbitant sums for temporary accommodations during their visits. Instead of bleeding cash on rentals, imagine having your own space to retreat to—a place to bunk with your kid or, as we joke, "kick them out" to stay with friends during a big game day weekend, for example, against an SEC rival. Not only does this save you money, but it also offers the potential to rent out your property, either during peak times, or as a long-term rental to your student’s roommates.


Ken’s Insight: Crunching the Numbers


Renting isn't just pricey; it's a financial dead-end. Let's break it down. In Tuscaloosa, rental costs soar annually, typically averaging $800 to $1,500 per room. Factor in extended college stays—hello, fifth or sixth-year seniors—and you're looking at a hefty sum with nothing to show for it. Contrast that with purchasing a property. For instance, a two-bedroom condo near campus could cost around $250,000 to $275,000, with three-bedrooms ranging from the low to mid-$300,000s. By putting down a reasonable down payment and renting out spare rooms, you offset mortgage costs. Plus, during high-demand events like football weekends, your property becomes a lucrative asset. Fast forward a few years, and what do you have? Equity. Appreciation. Options. Whether you continue renting it out or decide to sell, you're in control of your investment.


The Power of Ownership


It’s clear that buying real estate isn't just about having a place to call home—it's about securing your financial future. Ken and Vikki have helped dozens of parents and clients reap the numerous benefits of buying vs renting, which is why they are so passionate about it. So why throw away money on endless leases when you can invest in something tangible? Ready to make the switch from renting to owning? Give us a call today. No obligations!




By Vikki Grodner September 19, 2025
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At Hospitality Network Group at Keller Williams, we believe our mission goes beyond real estate—it’s about investing in people, purpose, and progress. Whether through homeownership or community service, we are committed to helping neighborhoods grow in meaningful and lasting ways. Recently, Recently, we took great pride to be part of an initiative that reflects those very values: the creation of Alabama’s first public Holocaust Memorial, now open to all at Birmingham’s historic Elmwood Cemetery. This powerful new monument was spearheaded by Barbara Bonfield, a visionary leader whose dedication and persistence brought the project to life ( Barbara’s moving interview can be seen in the dedication video ) . Funded by members of Birmingham’s Temple Beth El, including Vikki and Ken Grodner and others in the greater Birmingham community , the memorial stands as a tribute not only to the memory of those who perished in the Holocaust, but also to the survivors who found the strength to rebuild their lives and legacies in new places—including right here in Alabama. When Terry Holzman, a friend and client, approached Ken and Vikki to support this effort, they immediately felt called to contribute. Ken joined the initiative with gratitude and purpose—helping lead outreach efforts and encourage others to support this historic moment. The result is an 8-foot-tall, 700-pound steel sculpture in the form of a dead tree, resting on rusted railroad tracks. The tracks—originally used during the era of slavery in Alabama—evoke a chilling duality: a local legacy of oppression and the haunting memory of the trains that carried millions to Nazi extermination camps. In its starkness, the sculpture demands reflection. Yet, in its permanence, it offers a call to remember, learn, and ensure “never again” truly means never again. The memorial is not just a place of mourning—it is also a place of resilience and renewal. It honors those who survived the Holocaust, rebuilt their lives, started families, and continued their traditions in the face of unimaginable loss. For Ken, Vikki, and all of us at Hospitality Network Group, this project exemplifies our mission to uplift and support causes that enrich the communities we serve. We’re proud to stand behind efforts like this that preserve history, promote understanding, and inspire future generations to act with compassion and courage. We invite you to visit the memorial at Elmwood Cemetery and to learn more by reading the Alabama News Center’s coverage. Thank you to Barbara Bonfield, Terry Holzman, and all those who contributed to making this vision a reality. Together, we’re not only remembering the past—we’re building a stronger future that safeguards pride, protects honor, and upholds the integrity of all people. Hospitality Network Group at Keller Williams – Client focused . Performance driven The Hospitality Network Group at Keller Williams is honored to be part of a company that fosters a culture of excellence, empowering its agents to deliver unmatched service and expertise. This commitment to excellence is why Keller Williams agents consistently achieve results that set the standard in the industry. Whether you're buying, selling, or investing, our team is here to ensure your goals are not only met but exceeded. Trust the Hospitality Network Group at Keller Williams to guide you through every step of your real estate journey. Contact us today to learn how we can help you achieve your real estate dreams.