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Living in Alabama
Friday, May 19, 2023

Discover Hoover, AL – Your Guide to Hoover Real Estate

Hoover City, Alabama

What has an “A+” rating, great schools, and a small-town vibe but is near a big city? Oh, and absolutely oozes Southern hospitality? Hoover, Alabama, of course! This Birmingham suburb ranks as the sixth-best place to live in Alabama on Niche.com, and it’s been ranked by Livability and 24/7 Wall St as a top place to live in Alabama and the nation.

Never heard of Hoover? No worries! Our profile delivers an overview of the history and family-friendly activities. Plus, we’ll look at its cost of living and real estate market to showcase why owning a home in Hoover is so attractive.

Hoover locals rave about its cleanliness, fun activities, and public schools. So let’s learn why this Birmingham suburb delivers big as a place with a high quality of life in Alabama.

About Hoover, AL

Alabama map highlighting the location of Hoover

Part of central Alabama and the Birmingham metro, Hoover is on the southern side and crisscrossed by I-459 and I-65. The location makes it easy to get into downtown and around the greater metro area.

Also, Hoover crosses Jefferson and Shelby Counties, which will matter for your housing value and property taxes.

For decades, Hoover was a residential community where residents would commute to Birmingham for work. As a result, it has more residential amenities, like sports complexes and grocery stories. Its excellent public school system drew families looking for a quiet, suburban lifestyle while still having access to the central city.

What is the cost of living in Hoover, AL?

Alabama has a reputation for being an affordable state, but Hoover is an excellent example of how things can change within a state’s boundaries. Living here has an overall 5% greater cost of living than the national average and about 20% more than the state average. Much of that has to do with the demand for living near Birmingham and the town’s desirable amenities.

Cost of living in Hoover Alabama

Housing expenses drive the overall living costs in Hoover, running about 20% more expensive than the national rate and almost 65% more than what you’d pay in Alabama. Healthcare, grocery, and utility costs are also above national averages.

Is Hoover, AL growing?

Hoover ranks as Alabama’s sixth-largest city. In the last Census count, it gained around 11,000 residents in the last 10-year period. Historical US Census Data shows Hoover’s population is relatively stable. From 2020 to 2021, the Census estimates it lost 0.1% or around 100 people. Back in 2018, the city projected a 2030 population of 106,157 residents. The current numbers show it will likely be close to this forecast by that year.

What is the average price of a home in Hoover, AL?

Hoover had 594 homes for sale as of May 2023. The median list price of $450,000 was actually down about 1.3% year-over-year. The list price per square foot was a median of $181.

At the low end, $20,000 would get you a 4,356-square-foot lot. At the other end of the spectrum, $2.3 million could buy a new construction six-bedroom, 6.5+ bathroom home on about an acre lot.

Are there any condos or townhomes available in Hoover, AL?

Why not stop mowing the yard and go for a maintenance-free living? Hoover has a fair selection, with 80 listings in this housing category as of May 2023. On top of the market were new construction townhomes in Everlee listed at $445,000 for 2,633 sq ft of living space. The development aims to create a walkable resort community. The most affordable condo option was $100,000 for a 725 sq ft unit near downtown.

Some places to look for condos and townhomes include, but are not limited to: Patton Creek, Four Seasons, Sterling Oaks, River Haven, and Hackberry Ridge.

What is the property tax rate for Hoover, AL?

Even though Hoover’s real estate values are more expensive than the going rate in Alabama, it still has generous property tax incentives. For those living on the Jefferson County side of the border, the total property tax rate in 2022 was 72.6 mils. For those in Shelby County, the property tax rate was 66.5 mils. That combines the county, schools, city, and state property tax levies.

What neighborhoods are in Hoover, AL?

Houses in Hoover AL

Ross Bridge

Want to live in a newer home? The Ross Bridge community is an award-winning new home neighborhood developed on approximately 1,700 rolling acres of Alabama countryside. World-class amenities include access to the Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa. In addition, there are 200 acres of preserved green spaces and a landscaped park. Ross Bridge has an impressive combination of home styles across distinctive neighborhoods.

Bluff Park

For several years, Hoover Magazine awarded historic Bluff Park a “best neighborhood” designation. The former resort property is on the Shades Mountain summit, with more dramatic vistas the higher you go. The stone landscape features add to the local character. Grocery shopping and other retailers are centered at Bluff Park Village.

Everlee

Everlee kicked off development in 2022. This residential community on over 800 acres plans for 2,300 homes in all sizes and styles. Designed as a multigenerational community, Everlee will have walkable restaurants, retail, parks, and trails. Everlee Square will serve as a town center, bringing a $10 million amenity center with a state-of-the-art resort-style pool, indoor/outdoor workout facilities, a pickleball court, corn-hole games, and a putting green, among other highlights. The first phase, The Cottages, is attached homes with multiple floor plans, some with garages. Future plans will have single-family homes and an active adult community.

The Preserve

The Preserve is surrounded by lush woodlands yet is minutes away from premier shopping, entertainment, and recreation options. Conveniently located near I-459, Highway 65, and Highway 31, the community leans heavily on authentic Southern hometown architecture, with oversized sidewalks and wide front porches.

Unwind daily at the eight-acre Village Green, complete with a sprawling lawn and refreshing pool. Founder’s Park is ideal for neighborhood cookouts or games of softball. The community has a Junior Olympic-sized pool and is served by award-winning Hoover schools. Nature enthusiasts will love exploring the Moss Rock Preserve’s 350 acres of scenic trails and rock climbing opportunities waiting at The Preserve’s backdoor.

Are there any waterfront properties found in Hoover, AL?

Home in waterfront areas in Alabama

People are drawn to waterfront living for the peaceful views and the potential for boating fun. Who wouldn’t like sitting on their waterfront deck listening to the ducks and geese or coming home from work to take a relaxing kayak around the lake?

Hoover does have some waterfront homes to make that happen. The choices primarily are large retention ponds and lakes.

The most affordable waterfront listing in May 2023 was $99,000 for a reservoir-facing vacant lot in the Lake Cyrus Club development. The most expensive was $1.69 M for a lakeside custom home on a 0.8-acre lot.

How is golf in Hoover, AL?

Hone your game at one of Hoover’s six individual golf courses. Two are located at the Greystone Golf and Country Club, a private club with golf, tennis, and social amenities for its members. The two courses have hosted PGA Tour players and championship events. Fine-tune your skills at the Greystone Golf Performance Center, which offers lessons in a supportive development environment.

Joe Lee designed Riverchase Country Club’s 18-hole golf course. Country club membership includes racket sports, a swimming pool, a fitness center, and a kids club.

Member-owned Hoover Country Club includes a Bill Bergin-redesigned course, tennis, dining, and social amenities. It prides itself on southern hospitality and well-maintained facilities.

Renaissance Ross Bridge is a golf resort and spa open to the public. Built on an old mining site, the course has been named in the nation’s top 50 courses by Golf Digest–and that was before the renovation scheduled for a Fall 2023 completion.

Are there golf course communities in Hoover, AL?

Desire the privacy or amenity access afforded by a golf course community? You’re in luck in Hoover, where Ross Bridge provides a resort-style residential community with custom-built homes on spacious lots. The community includes the sub-neighborhoods of Haddon, Glasscott, and the Hamptons. Home sizes and styles start at 1,800 and have craftsman, traditional, and Mediterranean influences. If you want fairway views, look at the Glasscott division.

But you also have Greystone Legacy, built around the Greystone Country Club starting in the late 1990s. The 1,400 homes are spread across two neighborhoods: Founders and Legacy. Both are gated with 24/7 patrolling security.

Finally, Riverchase Country Club has a community built around its golf course. While it’s not gated, Riverchase was Alabama’s first planned community. The charming homes along cul-de-sac roads were built to blend nature and the landscape. Membership at the country club is optional.

What areas are near Hoover, AL?

Birmingham Alabama, the closest area to Hoover AL

Discover Birmingham, Alabama’s largest city and one of its most historic. Residents have so much to do here. Visit the Birmingham Museum of Art to admire its impressive collection of global masterpieces. Delve into the city’s pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. Catch a concert, a game, or a convention at the modern and impressive Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC). But for sports, the Birmingham Barons play minor league baseball at downtown’s Regions Field. In short, Birmingham has a wealth of cultural, recreational, and educational attractions near Hoover.

South of Hoover, Oak Mountain State Park is Alabama’s largest state park and a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park features over 50 miles of trails and two fishing lakes. Go hiking, mountain biking, swimming, horseback riding, or camping. The 18-hole championship golf course provides stunning views and challenging play. Additionally, the park offers a disc golf course for those who enjoy this popular recreational activity.

What to know about living in Hoover, AL

Visit the Riverchase Galleria, one of the largest shopping malls in the southeastern United States and Alabama’s largest. The 150 stores include major retailers like H&M, Costco, and Macy’s, and the mall features a carousel, Dave and Buster’s, and a food court.

Moss Rock Preserve, a 350-acre nature preserve, is prized by locals for its scenic hiking trails, impressive rock formations, waterfalls, and diverse plant and animal life.

Walk the 30 acres of Aldridge Gardens, especially when the hydrangeas bloom. It’s a popular place for weddings but also holds public events like art walks, garden talks, and summer camps. It’s free, and dogs are welcome.

Attend sporting events like baseball and pickleball at the Hoover Met Complex. This extensive sports and entertainment venue hosts concerts, sports tournaments, summer camps, and expos. And even if it’s not running something, there’s still a playground and popular splash pad for the kids.

As mentioned, schools are a primary draw for living in Hoover. Alabama’s school districts are of mixed quality, but Hoover City Schools often rank among the state’s best.

If you do move to Hoover, be ready for the weather. Summers aren’t just hot but can be downright burning with days over 90F. In exchange for coping with searing July temperatures, you’ll get beautiful, mild weather in January with an average high of 51F. Rainfall is evenly spread throughout the year, which is great news for gardeners.

Living in Hoover, AL

So, how does Hoover sound to you? Learn more with a local real estate agent who specializes in Hoover real estate. Or, check out more about living in Birmingham and its metro.

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Preston Guyton

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