Is Hoover Alabama a Good Place to Live? 💐 | What You Should Know Before Moving to Hoover
Situated in Central Alabama, just a short drive from Downtown Birmingham, Hoover is a thriving city that offers both big-city amenities and small-town warmth. The city is known for its excellent schools, strong job market, and scenic neighborhoods, making living in Hoover AL amazing. It’s easy to see why people are moving to Hoover with the area’s family-friendly atmosphere and close proximity to outdoor recreation.
Originally developed as a suburb of Birmingham in the 1960s, Hoover has grown into a major city in its own right, while still embracing the Southern hospitality it’s known for. Hoover residents enjoy a high quality of life and easy connections to cities near Huntsville and throughout Alabama. If you’ve been wondering, “Is Hoover Alabama a good place to live?” the answer is a resounding yes. Welcome to the best of Alabama.
Is Hoover Alabama a Good Place to Live?
Yes, Hoover Alabama is a good place to live. Moving to Hoover is popular among families, retirees, and young professionals alike.
Where Is Hoover Alabama?
What county is Hoover AL in? Hoover is in Jefferson County (with parts extending into Shelby County) in north-central Alabama. It’s a key suburb of Birmingham and part of the Birmingham-Hoover metropolitan area, and you’ll be in a well-connected community after moving to Hoover. Located just 10 miles south of Downtown Birmingham, living in Hoover AL offers easy access to big city amenities.
Bordered by smaller Alabama towns like Pelham, Helena, and Vestavia Hills, Hoover enjoys a scenic setting near the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.
Most residents rely on a network of well-maintained roads and major highways after moving to Hoover. Highways I-65 and I-459 are key roads you’ll need to know after moving to Hoover, offering easy access into downtown Birmingham or further into Huntsville. The average commute time hovers at around 25 minutes for those who opt to drive to work.
After moving to Hoover, you can rely on the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority for fixed bus routes, while the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is just a 25-minute drive away, making air travel very convenient.
Hoover AL Population & Demographics
After moving to Hoover, you’ll be a part of a fast-growing, dynamic city. The population of Hoover is 92,459, giving the area a population density of 1,873.4 people per square mile. Additionally, Hoover is the sixth-largest city in Alabama and the largest suburban city in Alabama. Many residents moving to Hoover AL do so to start a family, and the median age is 39.8.
Hoover is home to several notable people, including NFL player George Pickins and soccer player Chris Richards.
Additional Hoover AL Demographics:
- Sex ratio: 52% female, 48% male
- Median household income: $102,009 (compared to Alabama average of $62,212)
- Educational attainment: 97.1% high school degree (or higher), 63.1% bachelor’s degree (or higher)
- Racial & ethnic composition: 72% White (69% non-Hispanic), 17% Black or African American, 8% Asian, 3% two or more races, 1% other race
- Foreign-born population: 8.3%
Before moving to Hoover, you’ll want to consider the crime rate in the area. You’ll be happy to know that Hoover is one of the safest cities in the state. The crime rate is 1,657 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 22.9% lower than the state average and 28.7% lower than the national average. Additionally, the violent crime rate is 73.8% lower than the national average and the property crime rate is 20.2% lower than the national average.
After moving to Hoover, you’ll be served by the Hoover Police Department.
Hoover Cost of Living
Is Hoover Alabama a good place to live if you’re looking to save on monthly expenses? You’ll be excited to know that moving to Hoover AL places you in one of the most affordable Alabama cities. The Cost of Living Index in Hoover is 91.8, meaning that Hoover is 8.2% more affordable than the national cost of living average of 100.
You’ll also need to pay the proper taxes after moving to Hoover. The Hoover sales tax rate is 9.5%, while the Alabama income tax rate ranges from 2% to 5%.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four moving to Hoover would need to earn $101,855 per year to live comfortably in the city.
Typical Hoover Living Expenses
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $16.50
- Pint of beer: $6.00
- Cappuccino: $4.70
- Gallon of milk: $3.98
- Pound of apples: $2.86
- Gallon of gas: $3.00
- Average Hoover utility costs per month: $196.64
Source: Numbeo
Will you be exploring the housing market after moving to Hoover? According to Redfin, the median home value in Hoover is $476,000, which is just above the national average of $446,766. If you’d rather rent Hoover AL real estate, the median rent is $1,243, according to RentCafe.
Neighborhoods in Hoover Alabama | Where to Live in Hoover AL
Whether you’re a growing family, a retiree, or a young professional, moving to Hoover means choosing from a variety of safe, welcoming communities. Here’s a look at the most popular neighborhoods in Hoover.
Bluff Park
One of the most popular neighborhoods among those moving to Hoover AL, the Bluff Park neighborhood sits atop Shades Mountain and offers fantastic views of the surrounding valley. It’s known for its strong sense of community and access to Bluff Park Elementary School and local art events.
Ross Bridge
A master-planned resort-style community, Ross Bridge is ideal for families and young professionals seeking both luxury and convenience. The neighborhood is near the Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa and offers upscale homes, pools, parks, walking trails, and more.
The Preserve
Tucked into a natural setting with Southern-style homes and tree-lined streets, The Preserve is one of Hoover’s most unique and safe neighborhoods. It’s especially popular among young families moving to Hoover who value walkability and outdoor space.
Hoover AL Weather & Climate
Is Hoover Alabama a good place to live in terms of weather? Just like nearby Birmingham, Hoover residents enjoy a humid subtropical climate. This means that after moving to Hoover, you’ll enjoy hot summers and cold to mild winters.
Hoover climate statistics:
- Average Hoover temperature: 36ºF to 90ºF
- Average annual snowfall in Hoover: 1.1 inches
- Average annual rainfall in Hoover: 56 inches
- Average annual sunny days in Hoover: 214
Things to Do in Hoover Alabama
Is Hoover Alabama a good place to live in terms of attractions? Yes! From shopping centers like Riverchase Galleria to popular attractions like Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Hoover Metropolitan Stadium, you’ll never run out of fun things to do in Hoover. Here are a few things to check out after moving to Hoover.
Moss Rock Preserve
A must-see after moving to Hoover, Moss Rock Preserve offers 349 acres of hiking trails with streams and climbable boulders.
617 Preserve Way, Hoover, AL 35226, (205) 739-7141
Aldridge Gardens
This art gallery in a beautiful garden is known for its fantastic outdoor exhibits and bird-watching trails.
3530 Lorna Rd, Hoover, AL 35216, (205) 739-6558
McWane Science Center
A favorite among those living in Hoover AL, this informative science museum features interactive exhibits and an IMAX theater.
200 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203, (205) 714-8300
Additional Hoover Attractions
Hoover Restaurants
After moving to Hoover AL, it’s time to start eating! The city is home to dozens of fantastic restaurants, from classic Southern spots to delicious BBQ joints. These are a few of the best restaurants in Hoover.
Front Porch
After moving to Hoover, make sure you stop by Front Porch, a gastropub serving up burgers, nachos, and ice-cold beer.
2301 Grand Ave #109, Hoover, AL 35226, (205) 436-2072
Farrelly’s Southern Bar and Kitchen
Craving traditional Southern comfort food? Farrelly’s is a local favorite for brunch, offering up classics like chicken and waffles and shrimp and grits.
5532 Grove Blvd, Hoover, AL 35226, (205) 968-1408
Full Moon Bar-B-Que
One of the best places to eat in Hoover, Full Moon is a local chain known for its ribs, chicken, and BBQ sandwiches.
2000 Patton Chapel Rd, Hoover, AL 35216, (205) 822-6666
Jobs in Hoover AL
When moving to Hoover, you’ll find a job market that’s stable, diverse, and full of opportunity, especially in the insurance, finance, education, retail, and tech sectors.
Major employers in the area include:
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama leads the local workforce with approximately 3,900 employees based at their Hoover corporate operations center.
- Regions Bank is another leading employer locally, with around 2,446 team members.
- Hoover City Schools, employing approximately 1,900 staff, plays a core role in local employment and community growth.
- Additional significant employers include Publix (1,011 employees), Walmart & Sam's Club (950 employees), and local tech firms like McLeod Software (about 575).
Source: City of Hoover
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate in Hoover is 2.8%, which is lower than the national average of 6%.
If you’re looking for jobs when moving to Hoover, check out the city job board or do a search on Indeed.
Schools in Hoover
Is Hoover Alabama a good place to live for school-aged children? Yes! If you’re moving to Hoover, you’ll find access to excellent schools through the highly regarded Hoover City School District. The district includes top-rated schools like Hoover High School, Spain Park High School, and Deer Valley Elementary School, one of the standout elementary schools in Hoover Alabama.
Hoover City Schools are known for strong academics, diverse extracurricular activities, and modern buildings. For families considering private education, the area also offers several reputable private schools like Hope Church and Christian School and Westminster Lower School. Living in Hoover AL also means being near higher education options like Jefferson State and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
After moving to Hoover, you can enjoy easy access to the Hoover Public Library.
Hoover AL Statistics & Information
- County: Jefferson, Shelby
- Hoover area: 50.326 square miles
- Hoover zip code: 35022-35244
- Hoover area code: 205, 659
- Hoover elevation: 495 feet
- Hoover time zone: Central Time Zone (UTC -6 and -5)
- Closest airport to Hoover: Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM), 15.1 miles away
Map of Hoover AL
Is Moving to Hoover Right for You?
Is Hoover Alabama a good place to live? Absolutely. Living in Hoover AL offers endless opportunities, making it a great place to settle down and raise your family. If you are thinking about moving to Hoover AL, then give the team at This Side Up Moving a call. Our experienced team is here to help you every step of the way. For a free quote, call our Hoover AL movers today at (205) 484-9360.
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