Often mistaken for Birmingham’s quieter cousin or simply “another part of Alabama,” Hoover has a distinct character that blends big-city amenities with small-town warmth. 

It’s pretty easy to assume Hoover is part of Alabama’s general blend of Southern suburbs, but this city has a vibe that’s all its own.

Not Birmingham, not Huntsville, and certainly not rural Alabama!

The truth is moving to Hoover, AL is saying yes to a close-knit community that’s constantly expanding and evolving. 

While it may seem like not the top city to choose in Alabama, it has its perks that makes life here quite lovely.

Let’s take a closer look at the nitty-gritty of what life in Hoover is like before moving here. 

Southern Hospitality is the Culture

Newcomers often fall in love with Hoover’s warm, welcoming community. 

The friendly people; a mix of young families, professionals, and retirees, all creating a vibrant social scene. 

Yet, some people (especially newcomers) find distinguishing between Hoover and Birmingham in Alabama difficult. 

Well, in their defense, both cities are less than a 20-minute drive away!

• Population: 92,448

• Median Age: 38.3 years

Cost of Living: A Comfortable Balance

One of the best things about Hoover is that it offers a balance between quality of life and affordability. 

Compared to the national average, Hoover’s cost of living is 13% lower. As a single person, your monthly expenses will be roughly around $4,067.

When compared against that of Birmingham, though, the cost of living in Hoover is slightly higher. 

However, the advantage of moving to Hoover, AL, rather than Birmingham, is that you get a safer environment and well-maintained infrastructure.  

The housing market is healthy, with about 59% of homes renting for prices between $751 to $1500 per month. Plus the option to choose from a variety of housing arrangements, such as houses, condos, and apartments.

• Average House Rent: $1,231
• Median Home Value: $410,500

If you need help settling in, there are plenty of reliable movers in Hoover, AL, who know the area well and can make your move hassle-free.

Note:

For dining out or grocery shopping, expect to spend a bit more compared to smaller Alabama towns but less than in bigger cities like Huntsville.

Sales Tax Rate: 9.5%

Economy and Job Market: Thriving and Diverse

Hoover has a stable, thriving economy largely fueled by healthcare, finance, retail, and education sectors. 

Home to companies like Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, Hoover’s job market is a mix of large employers and small businesses, giving a range of opportunities. 

• Median Household Income: $101,765
• Unemployment Rate: 2.9%
• Poverty Rate: 5.4%

Also, with its proximity to Birmingham (the second largest city in Alabama), it’s easy for residents to commute if they work in industries with larger job hubs. 

But is this a convenient option? How far is Hoover, Alabama, from Birmingham?

Well, if you don’t mind commuting a distance less than 10 miles between Hoover and Birmingham, you will have no trouble working in either city.

Pro Tip: 

If you’re moving to Hoover without a job lined up, start by exploring opportunities in healthcare and finance. These sectors are particularly strong here.

Crime Rate: Is Hoover Safe to Call Home?

Is Hoover, Alabama, a good place to live in terms of crime and safety?

Well, safety and security are a top priority when moving to any city.

…and Hoover shines in this aspect as both its property and violent crime rates are lower than the national average. 

With a lower crime rate than many Alabama cities, Hoover is known for its safe neighborhoods and responsive police force. 

 

per 1,000 residents	Hoover Average	Alabama Average	National Average
Violent Crime	0.97	4.09	4.0
Property Crime	15.61	17.39	20.0

Remember…

Like any city, some areas are a lot safer than others. For instance, neighborhoods like Indian Springs Village, Elvira, Oxmoor South, and Hoover Southeast lead the charge in terms of safety and security.

Transportation: Convenient but Car-Centric

One of the things to know before moving here is that Hoover is a suburban city. 

While you can get around without a car, it’s much more convenient to have one!

More than 85% of the city’s residents drive themselves. Less than 1% each use public transportation, walk, or ride a bike. As such, the city has a few public transit options.

Average Commute Time: 22 minutes.

For those working in Birmingham, it’s an easy 20-minute drive at most. This is thanks to major highways like I-65 and I-459 that keep things accessible.

The Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) serves Hoover, but the coverage is limited.

Note:

Hoover’s neighborhoods are generally walkable, with parks and shopping nearby. However, biking isn’t common in most areas except for some of the city’s scenic parks.

Strong Programs, Great Education Quality, and Outcomes

If you are moving to Hoover, AL, with kids, Hoover’s education options are a dream come true. 

The Hoover City School District is one of Alabama’s top-rated districts. Its school quality rating is better than 90.6% of all U.S. school districts and better than 95.9% of all Alabama school districts.

Hoover’s schools are highly rated, but certain neighborhoods feed into different schools. If schooling is a priority for you, look into zoning before settling on a specific neighborhood.

The two main high schools are Hoover High School and Spain Park High School. Both boast strong academic reputations and competitive sports programs. 

Other top schools in Hoover include:

• Deer Valley Elementary School
• Pizitz Middle School
• Shades Mountain Elementary School
• Oak Mountain Intermediate School
• Robert F Bumpus Middle School
• Oak Mountain High School

Final Words on Moving to Hoover, AL

Moving to Hoover, AL is an exciting step into a community offering the best of Alabama’s Southern charm and a safe, family-friendly environment. 

You can count on the quality schools for your child’s education, its diverse economy for gainful employment (hint: the median income is higher than the national average), and the lush parks you didn’t know you needed.

Hoover is a city that balances everything!

The cost of living is higher here than in Birmingham, but it’s still lower than in other parts of the country. For peaceful living and community, don’t hesitate to try Hoover; it might just steal your heart.