Welcome to Hoover, Alabama
Hoover, Alabama is a thriving suburban gem in central Alabama. Being the fifth-largest city in the state of Alabama, Hoover offers a unique blend of suburban comfort and urban amenities. Located just minutes from Birmingham, Hoover has become a sought-after destination for families and professionals alike. As of 2025, Hoover boasts a population of 92,532, with a median age of 38.3 years.The city's diverse population comprises 67.3% White, 19.5% Black, and 5.8% Asian residents. Hoover's strong economy is reflected in its impressive median household income of $107,822, significantly higher than the national average.
Things to Do in Hoover, AL
Hoover, Alabama offers a diverse range of attractions and activities for both residents and visitors:
Aldridge Gardens
30-acre botanical garden featuring hydrangeas and native plants
Includes a 7-acre lake with walking trails
Free admission
Hosts public lectures and educational activities throughout the year
Hoover Metropolitan Complex
Home of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Baseball Tournament
Hosts sporting events, concerts, and banquets
Features a 10,000-seat stadium
Offers banquet facilities, concessions, and luxury suites
Adjacent RV park available for rent year-round
Moss Rock Preserve
Natural area with hiking trails and unique rock formations
Perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts
Veterans Park
Features a 5K cross-country trail, playgrounds, and beach volleyball courts
Includes a large veterans' memorial
Surrounded by a four-acre lake and one-acre pond
Recently added 8 new outdoor pickleball courts
Additional Attractions
Riverchase Galleria: One of the largest shopping centers in the Southeast that includes national chains and small businesses.
Hoover Recreation Center: Offers 4 indoor pickleball courts for members, indoor swimming pool and lessons, basketball courts, a game room for children, and a full gym.
Patton Creek: Shopping center under revitalization that includes a movie theatre, multiple restaurants and dessert shops, a Barnes and Nobles, and many more amenities.
The Finley Center: Located next to the Hoover Metroplex, the Finley center is Hoover’s newest sportsplex. Contains basketball courts, tennis courts, baseball fields, pickleball courts, and an indoor Rock Climbing gym.
Hoover's attractions cater to various interests, from nature enthusiasts and sports fans to shoppers and history buffs, making it a vibrant destination for locals and tourists alike.
Shopping in Hoover, Alabama
Hoover, Alabama boasts a diverse and extensive shopping landscape, offering residents and visitors alike a wide array of retail experiences. Here's an expanded look at the shopping complexes in Hoover:
Riverchase Galleria
The Riverchase Galleria remains the crown jewel of Hoover's retail scene:
Super-regional mall with almost 200 specialty stores
Anchored by Macy's, Belk, Von Maur, JCPenney, and Dave & Buster's
Includes restaurants, a hotel, and a 17-story office tower
Outparcel destinations include Home Depot and Costco
Patton Creek Shopping Center
Patton Creek has undergone significant changes:
Recently rebranded as "The Village at Patton Creek"
Ongoing redevelopment to create a more modern, mixed-use destination
New additions include an AMC movie theater, replacing the former Regal Cinema
Stadium Trace Village
This new 43-acre development along I-459 (exit 10) and Alabama Highway 150 is rapidly becoming a popular destination:
Designed as a walkable urban center
Features 225,000 square feet of retail and commercial space
Includes:
Cajun Roux: Offering authentic Cajun cuisine
Taco Mama: A popular local chain known for its fresh tacos and margaritas
Aldi: National grocery store chain
Chipotle: National Tex Mex chain
Cookie Cutters: Local haircut salon for toddlers
Walk On’s Sports Bistro: National sports bistro chai featuring cajun cuisine
Big Whiskey’s: National American cuisine chain & sports bar
Village Green at Stadium Trace
A new addition to Stadium Trace Village:
Family-oriented arts and entertainment lifestyle venue
Features an amphitheater stage, multi-purpose pavilion, and outdoor recreation area
Designed to be a hub for arts, culture, and community events
Other Notable Shopping Areas
The Grove: Anchored by Target, with several other businesses
Village of Lee Branch: A lifestyle center in the Inverness/280 area
Tattersall Park: Another shopping option in the Inverness/280 portion of the city
Bluff Park shopping area: Look for the caboose under the water tower for a mix of local shops and historical attractions
Hoover's retail landscape continues to evolve, with new developments and redevelopments ensuring a diverse and modern shopping experience for all visitors. The city's strong economic growth and strategic location have made it a retail hub not just for the Birmingham-Hoover Metro Area, but for the entire state of Alabama
Annual Events In Hoover, Alabama
Hoover, Alabama, hosts a variety of annual events that reflect the city's vibrant community spirit and diverse interests. Here are some of the key events that take place throughout the year:
Celebrate Hoover Day
This annual city-wide celebration is free to the public and includes live entertainment, food vendors, and activities for children. It's a great opportunity for residents to come together and celebrate their community.
SEC Baseball Tournament
Held at the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium, this prestigious college baseball tournament attracts teams from across the Southeastern Conference. The event features several days of exciting baseball and is a highlight of the local sports calendar.
Christmas Tree Lighting
This festive event marks the beginning of the holiday season in Hoover. It typically includes music, refreshments, and a visit from Santa Claus, making it a family-friendly occasion.
Magic City Wine Fest
This popular festival on May 3, 2025 features wine tastings from various regions, live music, and local food vendors. It's a great way for wine enthusiasts to explore new flavors while enjoying a lively atmosphere. Held in the Hoover Met Stadium.
Beer, Band & BBQ
This event on March 29, 2025 combines live music with delicious BBQ and craft beer, showcasing local culinary talents while providing a fun environment for attendees. Hosted at Brock’s Gap Brewing.
Patton Creek Art Festival
This local festival held April 11th - 12th, 2025 features local artists displaying their work, live music performances, and food vendors, creating a vibrant atmosphere celebrating local talent. Hosted at Patton Creek in the heart of Hoover, Alabama.
Annual Spring Market at Ross Bridge
A Ross Bridge community market held on April 25, 2025 featuring local artisans and vendors selling handmade goods, fresh produce, and unique crafts. This event fosters local entrepreneurship while providing residents with an enjoyable shopping experience.
These events not only highlight Hoover's strong sense of community but also provide opportunities for residents and visitors to engage with one another in meaningful ways. Whether through sports, arts, or seasonal celebrations, Hoover's annual events contribute significantly to the city's vibrant lifestyle.
Communities in Hoover
Hoover offers diverse neighborhoods to suit various preferences:
Ross Bridge
An award-winning neighborhood in Hoover, Alabama, developed in 2004 on approximately 1,700 rolling acres. The community is named after a Civil War-era stone bridge that served as a railway supply line for the Confederate army. Home values range from the low $200,000s to over $1 million, giving residents access to Over 200 acres of parks, green spaces, lakes, the Shades Creek Preserve, & a strong sense of community with "front porch-friendly" neighborhood design.
Greystone
A prestigious community in Hoover, Alabama, nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Developed in 1989, it offers a blend of natural beauty and upscale living. Greystone offers 24 hour gated security, with home values ranging from $300,000 to $4,000,000. Greystone offers residents a luxurious lifestyle with a focus on outdoor amenities and a strong community atmosphere, making it one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the Birmingham area.
Bluff Park
Known for its historic homes and tree-lined streets, along with its stunning views of Hoover, Alabama. In the heart of Bluff park is a growing community center, including cafes, restaurants, and an arts organization. Home of the iconic tip top grill.
Blackridge
A new and growing community in Hoover, Alabama, offering residents a blend of natural beauty and modern amenities. The development is situated along the Cahaba River, providing a tranquil and scenic environment. Blackridge offers residents a unique combination of lakeside living, modern amenities, and easy access to urban conveniences, making it an attractive option for those seeking a high quality of life in the Hoover area.
Trace Crossings
A well-established, family-friendly neighborhood located in the heart of Hoover, Alabama, just off I-459. The area is known for its diverse sub-communities, each with its own unique characteristics. Contains multiple shopping centers, the Hoover Metroplex, the Finley Center, & Brocks Gap Brewery. In the heart of Trace Crossings is Hoover High School & Trace Crossings Elementary School.
Lake Cyrus
A well-maintained, family-friendly neighborhood located in Hoover, Alabama. It is a relatively new subdivision that offers residents a scenic backdrop with its lake and beautiful landscapes. Lake Cyrus offers residents a blend of suburban tranquility and modern conveniences, making it an attractive option for families and individuals looking for a high quality of life in the Hoover area. Homes range from $180,000 to $1.3 million, featuring gated and non gated communities within it.
Local Lifestyle
Hoover residents enjoy a high quality of life with a strong emphasis on community:
Outdoor Recreation: With 25 public parks and 605 acres of parkland, Hoover offers ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and water activities along the Cahaba River.
Arts and Culture: The city has a growing arts community, centered around the historic Bluff Park neighborhood and supported by organizations like the Hoover Arts Council.
Family-Friendly: Numerous community events and family-oriented activities throughout the year.
SCHOOLS
Hoover, Alabama is served by Hoover City Schools, which offers its students extraordinary academic and extracurricular enrichment opportunities, including an Advaced Placement and International Bachelaureate curriculum. With this in mind, it’s no wonder why so many families choose to settle in the area. Highlights include:
Deer Valley Elementary School, Green Valley Elementary School, Shades Crest Elementary School, and Trace Crossings Elementary School
Brock’s Gap Intermediate School, Bumpus Middle School, Berry Middle School, Simmons Middle School
Hoover High School, Spain Park High School