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        <title>Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>https://www.raypoynor.com/blog/</link>
        <description></description>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.raypoynor.com/blog/top-three-walkable-neighborhoods-in-homewood/</guid>
    <link>https://www.raypoynor.com/blog/top-three-walkable-neighborhoods-in-homewood/</link>
        <author>emyrick@raypoynor.com (Ray &amp; Poynor)</author>
        <title>The Top 3 Walkable Neighborhoods in Homewood</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Walkability can be a major factor when deciding where to buy your next home. Buyers value the convenience of being able to access daily needs without the use of a vehicle, the benefits of greater connection with their local community, and often higher property values. 


Out of all the over-the-mountain communities in the Greater Birmingham area, Homewood has some of the highest concentration of walkable neighborhoods. Three of the most walkable neighborhoods include Edgewood, Hollywood, and West Homewood, which are each defined by their own community character, available real estate, and access to specific amenities. 


Walkable Neighborhoods at a Glance










Neighborhood





Build Styles





Nearby Amenities










Edgewood






Single-family homes: bungalows, cottages, new construction






Oxmoor Road, Homewood Central Park, Edgewood Elementary








Hollywood






Historic single-family homes: Spanish Colonial Revival, Mediterranean Revival, English Tudor 






Downtown Homewood, SoHo Square, Shades Cahaba Elementary








West Homewood






Mid-century homes, ranch-style properties, updated cottages






Patriot Park, West Homewood commercial strip











Edgewood


Edgewood is considered one of the most walkable neighborhoods in the city. It is quite common to see strollers, dog walkers, and kids walking to the local Edgewood Elementary School in this family-friendly community. Residents are close to the shopping district along Oxmoor Road, which almost exclusively features local businesses and restaurants. Some of the more popular neighborhood staples include Saw’s BBQ, Taco Mama, and Big Spoon Creamery. Homewood Central Park is also nearby and features six pavilions with picnic tables, tennis courts, and a playground. 





Hollywood 


Located east of Edgewood, this neighborhood was originally developed in the 1920s and is characterized by historic single-family homes in Spanish Colonial Revival, Mediterranean Revival, and English Tudor build styles. Shades Cahaba Elementary is the local school, which is walkable from most parts of the neighborhood. Most shopping is found on the 18th Street South Corridor, which features boutique shops, including Little Professor Bookshop and Alabama Goods. The mixed-use SoHo Square development features several restaurant options, including Soho Standard, The Battery, and Jinsei Sushi.





West Homewood


In recent years, this neighborhood has seen increased buyer interest thanks to new commercial development and climbing prices in Edgewood and Hollywood. Patriot Park and the adjacent commercial strip are focal points for the local community. The commercial strip features several local restaurants, including Seeds Coffee, Pizzeria GM, and Buka. 





Homewood City Schools


The three elementary schools that serve the city, Edgewood, Shades Cahaba, and Hall-Kent, are all strategically located within these neighborhoods so that students can travel to and from class on foot. The Homewood City School system is independent of Jefferson County, with all elementary schools feeding Homewood Middle School and Homewood High School. Families are able to take advantage of a unified and highly rated school system, which has an overall graduation rate of 94 and high proficiency in mathematics and reading.


Looking to move to Homewood?


Homewood has some of the greatest concentration of walkable neighborhoods in Greater Birmingham, offering residents better connection to their local community and often increased property value. Edgewood, Hollywood, and West Homewood have their own distinct character and unique access to specific amenities and schools. Finding the best neighborhood for you and your family often comes down to the school zone and what amenities you want direct access to day-to-day. 


If you're ready to explore available homes in Homewood's most walkable communities, contact our team today to start your search.




 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2026 15:25:00 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.raypoynor.com/blog/guide-to-greater-birmingham-al-school-districts/</guid>
    <link>https://www.raypoynor.com/blog/guide-to-greater-birmingham-al-school-districts/</link>
        <author>emyrick@raypoynor.com (Ray &amp; Poynor)</author>
        <title>Guide to Greater Birmingham, AL School Districts </title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
School zoning is one of the most important factors for families looking for a new home in the Greater Birmingham area. The region features a unique educational organization structure. 


While many major metropolitan areas rely on one massive county school system, the Greater Birmingham area is defined by a mix of independent city school systems and county districts. The roots of this structure go back to school desegregation in the 1960s and 1970s and migration patterns between Birmingham and neighboring cities. 


This guide will help you understand which neighborhoods feed into which school districts so you can narrow down your search and find your next home. Let’s start with the following comparison chart before digging into each district in greater detail: 










School District





Communities Served





High Schools





Highlights










Mountain Brook City Schools






Mountain Brook






Mountain Brook High






Well-regarded, independent city system with a tight-knit, community-school focus








Vestavia Hills City Schools






Vestavia Hills, Liberty Park, Cahaba Heights






Vestavia Hills High






Nationally recognized for academic excellence with all students feeding into a central high school 








Homewood City School District 






Homewood






Homewood High






Highly walkable neighborhood elementary schools feeding into a diverse, centralized high school








Hoover City Schools






Hoover






Hoover High, Spain Park High






Home to two of the best-ranked high schools in the country, strong focus on instructional technologies &amp; extracurricular opportunities








Shelby County Schools






North Shelby






Calera High, Chelsea High, Helena High, Montevallo High, Oak Mountain High, Shelby County High, Vincent High 






Highly rated county system offering a suburban/rural blend








Trussville City Schools






Trussville






Hewitt-Trussville High






Consistently ranked as one of the top 10 districts in the state, with high test scores in Math, Science, and English 








Jefferson County Schools






Gardendale, Fultondale






Gardendale High, Fultondale High






The second-largest district in the state, strong athletic programs at both high schools








Birmingham City Schools






Downtown Birmingham, Crestline Park, Crestline Gardens






Varies by zone






Fourth largest school district in the state, urban district serving the downtown core and historic boundary neighborhoods 










The &quot;Over the Mountain&quot; Independent City Districts


The four “over the mountain” cities of Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, and Hoover all have their own independent school systems after a historic break from the Jefferson County Schools system. Each district operates differently based on the character of its respective community, though they share a reputation for academic excellence. 


Mountain Brook City Schools: This city runs a neighborhood-based elementary school attendance zone model. Students in Crestline, Cherokee Bend, and Brookwood Forest attend designated elementary schools in each community. Post-elementary, all students attend Mountain Brook Junior High and Mountain Brook High. 


Homewood City School District: Homewood's three elementary schools (Edgewood, Hall-Kent, and Shades Cahaba) are all within walking distance of most areas of the neighborhood. All students feed into Homewood Middle and High School, with the district meeting and exceeding standards in reading and mathematics, along with a high graduation rate. 


Vestavia Hills City Schools: Attendance zones for this district include Central Vestavia, Cahaba Heights, and Liberty Park, which all eventually funnel into Vestavia Hills High School. Vestavia Hills High is well-known for its available AP courses and championship athletics.


Hoover City Schools: The largest of the independent city systems, featuring two of the highest-ranked high schools in the country (Hoover High and Spain Park High), both with strong athletic programs. 


Shelby County Schools


North Shelby is part of Shelby County, the sixth-largest county in the state, with schools run by the Shelby County School District, which serves 22,000 students. The Oak Mountain school system within the district includes an elementary, intermediate, middle, and high school, comprehensive AP and athletics programs. 


Trussville, Leeds, &amp; Moody


Buyers looking to move northeast of Birmingham choose between Trussville, Leeds, and Moody, which are served by different education boards depending on the attendance zone. 


Trussville City Schools: Trussville operates its own highly desirable independent system, feeding all students into Hewitt-Trussville High School. This school system has consistently ranked as one of the top 10 districts in the state with high test scores in Math, Science, and English. 


Leeds City Schools: Leeds also operates its own independent city school district.


St. Clair County Schools (Moody): Across the county line, the rapidly growing community of Moody is served by the St. Clair County School system.


Jefferson County Schools: The Northern Suburbs


Jefferson County Schools is the second-largest system in Alabama and serves many areas that do not have independent city schools.


Families buying in Gardendale are zoned for Gardendale Elementary, Bragg Middle, and Gardendale High School. Fultondale residents are zoned for Fultondale Elementary and Fultondale High. Both areas offer highly competitive real estate pricing for young families.


Birmingham City Schools: Downtown &amp; Boundary Neighborhoods


Birmingham City Schools is the fourth-largest school system in Alabama and includes 35 public schools. Family homes of all property types qualify for attendance zoning in the Birmingham City Schools system including condos and historic homes in the downtown core fall under Birmingham City Schools. 


As an important note for buyers, while Crestline Village is zoned for Mountain Brook City Schools, the popular, more affordable adjacent neighborhoods of Crestline Park and Crestline Gardens are actually zoned for Birmingham City Schools or Jefferson County (depending on the attendance zone). 


Conclusion


Depending on the priorities for your family, there is a school district in Greater Birmingham that will fit your needs. Those seeking a walkable school network are drawn to Homewood, while those seeking schools with strong athletics programs are drawn to Vestavia Hills and Hoover. 


Navigating attendance zones in Greater Birmingham can be tricky. Ready to find the perfect home in the right district for your family? Contact our team today. 


 





 

 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 14 Aug 2026 17:20:00 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.raypoynor.com/blog/what-its-like-to-live-in-mountain-brook/</guid>
    <link>https://www.raypoynor.com/blog/what-its-like-to-live-in-mountain-brook/</link>
        <author>emyrick@raypoynor.com (Ray &amp; Poynor)</author>
        <title>What It’s Like to Live in Mountain Brook </title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Mountain Brook is one of the most desirable “over the mountain” residential communities in the Greater Birmingham area. The city was originally planned in 1929 by Robert Jemison Jr. as a “garden suburb,” with the community reflecting this history to this day. Neighborhoods in Mountain Brook feature curving tree-lined streets, generous lots, and preserved natural terrain.


Positioned along the southern slope of Red Mountain, Mountain Brook residents enjoy a picturesque suburban lifestyle while retaining proximity to downtown Birmingham and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.


The city is composed of three walkable villages that serve as distinct commercial hubs. Learn more about each village in the chart below: 


Comparison Chart: The Villages of Mountain Brook










Village





Available Real Estate





School Zoning





Key Amenities










Crestline Village






Renovated traditional single-family homes on smaller lots.






Crestline Elementary






Crestline Park, O’Neal Library, walkable downtown shopping district








Mountain Brook Village






High concentration of historic English Tudor, Georgian Revival, and Colonial estates. Selection of available condos/townhomes.






Mountain Brook Elementary, Mountain Brook Junior High, Mountain Brook High School






Jemison Park, Shades Creek, Lane Parke, 10-minute drive to the Birmingham Zoo and Botanical Gardens








English Village






Historic cottages and mid-century builds.






Varies by attendance zone






Overton Park, walkable commercial center










What are the villages like in Mountain Brook?


The three villages that make up Mountain Brook distinguish the city’s historic character. Each village features its own architectural character and available amenities. 


Crestline Village


This neighborhood is often considered the most walkable and family-focused of the villages. It features the highest concentration of local restaurants and retail options. Single-family homes often sit on smaller lots.


Mountain Brook Village


This is the historic commercial center of the city with several businesses lining Cahaba Road and Country Club Road. It has the greatest concentration of historic builds in English Tudor, Georgian Revival, and Colonial styles. Residents have the most convenient access to major retail shopping at Lane Parke, the Birmingham Zoo, and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. 


English Village


This neighborhood is the smallest and quietest of the three, ideal for buyers looking for a more laid-back, peaceful atmosphere. The local real estate market features historic cottages and mid-century builds, with the cosy commercial district having a European-inspired charm. 


What schools make up Mountain Brook?


Mountain Brook is home to one of the most well-regarded school systems in Alabama. The Mountain Brook School System operates independently from Jefferson County and provides a unified system in which all students transition through Mountain Brook Junior High to the nationally recognized Mountain Brook High School. Attendance zones determine elementary placement between Crestline, Cherokee Bend, Brookwood Forest, and Mountain Brook Elementary. 





What amenities &amp; activities are available in Mountain Brook?


Mountain Brook features several parks, shopping and dining options in all three villages, and easy access to major attractions in nearby Birmingham. 




Parks &amp; Greenspace: Crestline Park in Crestline Village, Overton Park in English Village, and the Jemison Trail system near Shades Creek in Mountain Brook Village. 


Cultural &amp; Family Attractions: Convenient 10-minute drive to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and the Birmingham Zoo. 


Private Clubs &amp; Golf: Membership opportunities at the Country Club of Birmingham and Mountain Brook Club.




Commuting from Mountain Brook


Mountain Brook is conveniently located a 10- to 15-minute drive to downtown Birmingham and UAB via US-280, US-31, or Red Mountain connector roads. Additionally, the neighborhood is approximately 20 minutes away from the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM).


Looking to move to Mountain Brook?


Mountain Brook has a lot to offer buyers looking for a new home in one of the “over the mountain” communities in Greater Birmingham. The historic “garden suburb” design features mature tree-lined streets and walkable commercial districts ideal for families and buyers seeking a quieter suburban community. Downtown Birmingham is a relatively short distance, meaning that major attractions and urban amenities remain within easy access even outside of the city proper. 


Are you ready to find your next home in Mountain Brook? Contact our team today.



 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 07 Aug 2026 16:24:00 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.raypoynor.com/blog/top-family-friendly-communities-in-vestavia-hills/</guid>
    <link>https://www.raypoynor.com/blog/top-family-friendly-communities-in-vestavia-hills/</link>
        <author>emyrick@raypoynor.com (Ray &amp; Poynor)</author>
        <title>Top Family-Friendly Communities in Vestavia Hills</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
For young families looking for a home in the Greater Birmingham area, Vestavia Hills is one of the more popular choices thanks to its strong school system, green space access, and youth recreation opportunities. It is the third-largest city in Jefferson County, with three core neighborhoods (Liberty Park, Cahaba Heights, Vestavia), each with a unique neighborhood feel, varied available real estate, and access to different amenities and activities. 


Learn more about which neighborhood is the best fit for your family:


Community Comparison: Vestavia Hills at a Glance










Neighborhood





Available Real Estate





School Zoning





Amenities &amp; Activities










Liberty Park






Master-planned community including modern townhouses, garden homes, luxury estates






Vestavia Hills Elementary - Liberty Park, Liberty Park Middle School 






Liberty Park, The Bray Town Center, Liberty Park Sports Complex








Cahaba Heights






Established community with updated cottages and traditional single-family homes






Vestavia Hills Elementary - Cahaba Heights






The Heights Village, The Summit Shopping District 








Vestavia






Classic ranch style, updated cottages, and larger traditional estates.






Vestavia Hills Elementary - East, Vestavia Hills Elementary - West, and Vestavia Hills Elementary - Dolly Ridge






Aquatic center, tennis courts, soccer fields at Wald Park, McCallum Park, 10-minute drive from downtown Birmingham 










Schools in Vestavia Hills


The Vestavia Hills School System has been nationally recognized for high quality and excellence in reading, mathematics, and athletics. The city includes five elementary schools organized by attendance zones. Families in Cahaba Heights can walk or take a short drive to Vestavia Hills Elementary - Cahaba Heights. Vestavia is served by East, West, and Dolly Ridge elementaries, while Liberty Park features its own elementary and middle school. 





What are the neighborhoods like in Vestavia Hills?


Compared to the other two over-the-mountain communities of Mountain Brook and Homewood, Vestavia Hills covers a larger geographic area and offers a wider variety of new construction builds at a broader price range. Each neighborhood is defined by its own character and price points:


Liberty Park


This master-planned community operates almost like its own self-contained town, featuring the walkable Bray Town Center shopping district and an expansive local park. Real estate ranges from modern townhouses and low-maintenance garden homes to expansive, custom-built luxury estates near the Old Overton Club.


Cahaba Heights


This neighborhood is known for a small-town vibe featuring boutique shopping in The Heights Village and a quieter, residential atmosphere. The real estate market here is characterized by slightly more accessible price points, featuring updated cottages and older traditional homes with mature trees and large yards.


Vestavia


This is the historic heart of the city, featuring year-round recreation facilities at Wald Park and ease of access to downtown Birmingham via US-31 N. Build styles include classic ranch style, updated cottages, and larger estates set on spacious lots. 





What after-school activities and amenities are available?


Vestavia Hills provides families access to several parks, youth sports leagues, and urban amenities while retaining the advantages of a more relaxed, residential lifestyle.




Parks and Playgrounds:  Vestavia Hills Park, McCallum Park, and Wald Park are the three major parks in the city, providing locals with access to public pools, playgrounds, and walking trails.  


Youth Athletics:  For families involved in sports, year-round youth recreation is available at the Liberty Park Sports Complex.  


Shopping and Dining:  Each neighborhood features a shopping district, with Cahaba Heights one of the most popular with locals. Upscale retail can be enjoyed at The Summit. 


Golf:  Golfers can choose from private clubs and public courses within and nearby the city, most notably the championship course at the Vestavia Country Club. 


Nearby Attractions:  The city is a convenient 10 to 15 minute drive to the Birmingham Zoo and Botanical Gardens, two of the most popular family-friendly attractions in the region.




Commuting from Vestavia Hills


Vestavia Hills is a convenient location for Birmingham commuters. Downtown Birmingham is a 15-minute drive from most parts of the neighborhood via US-31, US-280, or I-65. Additionally, the University of Alabama, Birmingham (UAB), the largest employer in the state, is only a 15- to 20-minute drive away.


Which neighborhood is right for you?


Choosing the right neighborhood in Vestavia Hills depends on your desired lifestyle for your family. Liberty Park provides residents with the perks of a master-planned community featuring a walkable shopping district and an expansive park. Cahaba Heights is ideal for those seeking small-town vibes while maintaining ease of access to nearby amenities. Vestavia offers first-hand access to outdoor activities and recreation facilities and the shortest commute to downtown Birmingham.


Ready to find your new home in Vestavia Hills? Contact our team today. 



 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 17 Jul 2026 14:05:00 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.raypoynor.com/blog/where-to-buy-a-home-if-you-work-at-uab/</guid>
    <link>https://www.raypoynor.com/blog/where-to-buy-a-home-if-you-work-at-uab/</link>
        <author>emyrick@raypoynor.com (Ray &amp; Poynor)</author>
        <title>Where to buy a home if you work at UAB</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) provides a range of employment opportunities for residents of the metropolitan Birmingham area. The university is the largest employer in the state, with more than 27,302 faculty and staff and over 53,000 jobs. Available positions include faculty and staff roles, as well as healthcare jobs with UAB Medicine. The campus is integrated into the Southside neighborhood of downtown Birmingham, providing faculty and staff ease of access to many urban conveniences.


If you are currently working or looking to work for UAB, proximity to campus is often a high priority. Healthcare professionals and staff often work long hours, and an extended commute is less than desirable. Fortunately, downtown Birmingham and neighboring cities feature robust real estate markets and community amenities that encourage healthy work-life balance. Learn more about Downtown Birmingham, Homewood, Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills, and Hoover, and find out which city is the best fit for your needs.


Community Comparison: Living Near UAB










Community





Distance from UAB





Available Real Estate





Amenities &amp; Activities










Downtown Birmingham






5 to 10 minutes






Cottages, ranch, and Prairie-style homes in South Titusville. Condos, townhouses, and single-family Craftsman and Tudor Revival styles in Glen Iris.






The City Walk BHAM, Pepper Place shopping and dining, and live entertainment at Five Points South and the Alabama Theatre.








Homewood






5 to 10 minutes






Brick bungalows, cottages, Tudor, Mediterranean-style, mid-century, and newer builds. Condos and townhomes near commercial districts.






Boutique shopping and dining at SoHo Square, Edgewood, and downtown Homewood. Homewood Central Park and Red Mountain Park.








Mountain Brook






10 to 15 minutes






Single-family homes: Classic English Tudor, Georgian Revival, Colonial, Mid-century, and newer estates.






Three walkable commercial villages. The Jemison Trail for cycling and walking. Easy access to the Birmingham Zoo and Botanical Gardens.








Vestavia Hills






15 to 20 minutes






Primarily single-family homes with some townhouses and condos. Classic ranch style, updated cottages, and larger estates.






Three major parks with pools and trails. Liberty Park Sports Complex. Golf courses including Vestavia Country Club. Shopping in Cahaba Heights.








Hoover






20 to 30 minutes






Classic cottages, brick ranch-style, and mid-century modern properties in Bluff Park. Craftsman and traditional Southern homes in Riverchase and Ross Bridge.






Moss Rock Preserve for hiking and rock climbing. Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail and Oxmoor Valley. Riverchase Galleria, Hoover Metropolitan Complex, and Library Theatre.










Downtown Birmingham


The core of the city boasts a rich history, diverse economy, and numerous entertainment, dining, and shopping options. Attractions and amenities are shared between 23 communities and 99 neighborhoods. Specific housing types are available with greater density in certain neighborhoods.


Real Estate Highlights


The UAB campus is bordered by many neighborhoods, though South Titusville and Glen Iris tend to be the most popular with university employees. South Titusville is an up-and-coming neighborhood that is a 5-10 minute drive to campus and is served by the MAX Transit system.


Housing stock in this community includes cottages, ranch and Prairie-style homes. Glen Iris is one of the most in-demand neighborhoods with a more varied housing selection including condos, townhouses, and single-family homes in Craftsman and Tudor Revival styles.


Amenities and Activities


Residents are able to enjoy everything that Birmingham has to offer, including outdoor recreation at The City Walk BHAM and several other parks and greenspaces, shopping and dining at Pepper Place, and live entertainment at Five Points South and the Alabama Theatre.


 





Homewood


Located 5-10 minutes directly south of UAB across Red Mountain, Homewood provides residents with walkable urban density, established residential neighborhoods, and three major commercial districts.


Real Estate Highlights


Compared to the other two “over the mountain” cities of Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills, Homewood has a much more architecturally varied housing stock. Between five major neighborhoods, you can find classic brick bungalows and cottages, Tudor and Mediterranean-style homes, mid-century homes, and newer builds. Condos and townhomes are most commonly found near the commercial districts.


Amenities and Activities


Between SoHo Square, Edgewood, and downtown Homewood, locals and visitors enjoy boutique shopping, major retail, and specialty restaurants in one of the most active commercial scenes in the Birmingham metropolitan area. Outdoor recreation and community events can be found at Homewood Central Park, with hiking and biking available at Red Mountain Park.


Mountain Brook


One of the most established and historical residential communities, Mountain Brook features three walkable commercial villages and a well-regarded local school system. UAB is a 10 to 15 minute drive from most parts of the city.


Real Estate Highlights


Housing stock in Mountain Brook is primarily composed of single-family homes, which are available in a range of builds. These build types include Classic English Tudor, Georgian Revival, Colonial homes, Mid-century, newer estate properties, and renovated traditional homes.


Amenities and Activities


The Mountain Brook, English, and Crestline villages host most shopping and dining options in the city along with seasonal events and holiday celebrations. The Jemison Trail is popular with cyclists, runners, and walkers year-round, connecting visitors to the Cahaba River. Additionally, Mountain Brook is a 5 to 10-minute drive from the Birmingham Zoo and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, two of the most popular family-friendly attractions in the region.


 





Vestavia Hills


Located 15-20 minutes away from UAB, Vestavia Hills is an established residential community known for its variety of parks, trails, and green space. The city is made up of three distinct neighborhoods (Liberty Park, Cahaba Heights, Vestavia), each with access to different amenities.


Real Estate Highlights


Like Mountain Brook, the local real estate market is dominated by single-family homes, though some townhouses and condos are available. Build styles include classic ranch style, updated cottages, and larger estates.


Amenities and Activities


Vestavia Hills features three major parks with access to public pools, playgrounds, and walking trails. Year-round youth recreation is available at the Liberty Park Sports Complex. Golfers can choose from private clubs and public courses within and nearby the city, most notably the championship course at the Vestavia Country Club. Each neighborhood features a shopping district, with Cahaba Heights Village one of the most popular centers for locals.


Hoover


Hoover is a 20-30 minute drive from UAB and offers some of the widest variety of build options and amenities between Homewood, Mountain Brook, and Vestavia Hills. The city is made up of 25+ neighborhoods, with three of the most popular including Riverchase, Bluff Park, and Ross Bridge.


Real Estate Highlights


Classic cottages, brick ranch-style homes, and mid-century modern properties can be found in the sought-after Bluff Park community atop Shades Mountain. Craftsman and traditional Southern homes are more common in master-planned neighborhoods like Riverchase and Ross Bridge.


Amenities and Activities


As the largest suburban city and the 6th largest city in Alabama, Hoover has a lot to offer those who are seeking recreation and entertainment outside of downtown Birmingham. Outdoor recreation, including hiking and rock climbing, can be found at the 350-acre Moss Rock Preserve. Championship-calibre golf courses are available at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail and Oxmoor Valley. The Riverchase Galleria is one of the largest shopping centers in the area, offering a wide variety of dining and shopping options. Other attractions include the Hoover Metropolitan Complex and the Library Theatre.


Which community is right for you?


If you work for UAB, choosing the right community for you depends on several factors, including preferred housing type and lifestyle.


Downtown Birmingham provides you with direct access to the city’s many urban amenities and a mix of property options including condos and townhomes. The three “over the mountain” cities have their own unique characteristics, with Vestavia Hills offering more new construction along with a broader range of price points, Mountain Brook seeing higher average home prices in more historic neighborhoods, and Homewood offering a more urban, walkable feel and generally more accessible price points. Hoover benefits from a broad range of build options and access to amenities outside of the downtown core.


Ready to find your new home in the Birmingham metro area? Contact our team today.




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    <pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2026 14:08:00 -0500</pubDate>
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