Living in Hoover, AL offers a suburban lifestyle with a strong emphasis on community and quality of life. Known for its excellent schools and family-friendly environment, Hoover is one of the fastest-growing cities in Alabama. The Riverchase Galleria, one of the largest shopping centers in the Southeast, is a focal point of the city, offering a wide range of retail, dining, and entertainment options.
Hoover’s dining scene is diverse and vibrant, with a variety of options from Southern comfort food to international cuisine. The city’s annual Hoover Restaurant Week showcases the best local eateries, offering residents and visitors a chance to sample the culinary delights of the area. The Hoover Met Complex is another major attraction, hosting sporting events, concerts, and community gatherings throughout the year.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Hoover provides plenty of opportunities for recreation. The city’s parks, including Moss Rock Preserve and Aldridge Gardens, offer scenic trails, waterfalls, and botanical gardens, perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and family picnics. The nearby Oak Mountain State Park, Alabama’s largest state park, offers even more outdoor activities, including camping, fishing, and mountain biking.
Hoover is also known for its strong sense of community and active lifestyle. The city hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Hoover Hayride and Family Night, which brings residents together for a night of fun and fellowship. The local schools are highly regarded, making Hoover an attractive place for families.
For those considering a move to Alabama, Hoover offers a perfect blend of suburban comfort, community spirit, and modern amenities. Whether you're drawn by its outdoor activities, cultural events, or family-friendly atmosphere, living in Hoover, AL provides a fulfilling and enriching lifestyle.
Commute
A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.
Crime
The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.
Employment
This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Schools
The schools category boasts a high score thanks to factors like excellent test scores, impressive graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.
Nothing Found
There are no cons identified for this area, as none of the categories received a poor score.
Located in the state of Alabama, Hoover is a medium-sized city with a population of 85,386 inhabitants. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (72% White). Given that fact, Hoover could be considered less diverse than other cities. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Hoover, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 25 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Hoover, Alabama could be a great experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. The best areas in Hoover and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, cost of living, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Alabama and national averages.
Hoover has a livability score of 79/100 and is ranked #4 in Alabama and #1,648 in the USA. This is a phenomenal score, as Hoover ranks well in multiple categories! Hoover has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. For each of the livability categories, we know that Hoover ranks very well for amenities (B-), crime (B+), employment (A+) and housing (A+). Hoover does not fare well for the following: cost of living (D-). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Hoover, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Hoover undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Hoover are: Riverchase Galleria, Aldridge Botanical Gardens, and Moonlight on the Mountain.
Ensuring a sense of security is paramount for the majority of residents in any area. Low crime rates exert a positive influence on various aspects, including home prices, rates of home appreciation and the cultivation of positive community dynamics and social cohesion. In the case of Hoover, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 97 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.
The Hoover unemployment rate of 2.73% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.
Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Hoover schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 67%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Hoover an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Hoover market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Hoover. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Hoover are affordable. The median home price for Hoover homes is $298,400, which is 132.2% higher than the Alabama average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Hoover, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.2, which is 10.3% higher than the Alabama average.
| Statistic | Hoover | Alabama | National |
| Average one way commute | 25min | 25min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 81.6% | 85.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.1% | 8.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.1% | 0.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.5% | 1.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 8.9% | 2.9% | 4.6% |
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