Welcome to Vestavia Hills, Alabama
Nestled in the heart of Jefferson County, Vestavia Hills stands out as a thriving suburb of Birmingham, offering residents an exceptional quality of life with top-rated schools, upscale amenities, and a strong sense of community. As of 2025, this desirable city boasts a population of 37,650, & remains one of Alabama's most affluent communities, with a median household income of $127,582, significantly surpassing the state average. The city's economic landscape is dominated by white-collar professions, with an impressive 92.69% of the workforce engaged in such occupations. Notably, 13.71% of residents are entrepreneurs, contributing to the city's dynamic business environment. This combination of high-earning potential, professional opportunities, and a family-friendly atmosphere continues to make Vestavia Hills one of the most sought-after residential areas in the Birmingham metropolitan region.
Things to do in Vestavia Hills, Alabama
Moss Rock Preserve & Waterfalls:
This natural gem features over 12 miles of hiking trails and cascading falls. It's a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts and hikers of all levels.
Wald Park
Recently redesigned, this park now boasts two pools, three baseball/softball fields, a miracle league field, a large playground, green space, a walking trail, and an amphitheater. Future additions include tennis/pickleball courts and a dog park
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Located nearby, these gardens offer 67 acres of lush landscapes and over 12,000 different plant varieties, providing a serene escape for nature lovers.
Boulder Canyon Nature Trail
A hidden gem along US 31, this wooded hike connects the Library in the Forest to Vestavia Hills Elementary Central
McCallum Park
A passive park featuring pavilions, trails, restrooms, and an open field. It's perfect for lazy days, with grills for cooking and Little Shades Creek meandering through.
Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest
This state-of-the-art, LEED-certified facility spans 35,000 square feet and is set on nine wooded acres. It offers events for all ages and serves as a community hub
Vulcan Park & Museum
Located nearby, this park features the world's largest cast-iron statue and provides panoramic views of Birmingham.
Birmingham Zoo
Home to over 950 animals, this popular attraction is just a short drive away. Read more about the Birmingham Zoo here.
Vestavia Hills truly offers something for everyone, from outdoor adventures and cultural experiences to family-friendly activities and fitness programs. This vibrant city is renowned for its natural beauty, with numerous parks that provide scenic walking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, and dog parks.
Annual events in Vestavia Hills, Alabama
Dogwood Festival
The Dogwood Festival, celebrating its 61st year in 2025, is the longest-running festival in Alabama. This multi-faceted event encompasses various activities throughout Vestavia Hills, including Wing Ding, Heights Hangout, Dogwood Days, Concerts in the Park, and Battle of the Bands. The festival offers a diverse range of experiences, from art markets to outdoor concerts, and family-friendly activities like the Easter Eggstravaganza. With its rich history and wide array of events, the Dogwood Festival continues to be a cornerstone of Vestavia Hills' community celebrations.
Holiday Parade and Party in the Park
The Holiday Parade and Party in the Park is a festive event that takes place in early December. The parade begins at Liberty Park Middle School, winding its way through the community before concluding at the Liberty Park Sports Complex. Following the parade, attendees can enjoy a lively party featuring food vendors and entertainment, creating a joyful atmosphere to kick off the holiday season.
Tree Lighting Festival
As part of the Holiday in the Hills celebrations, the Tree Lighting Festival is a cherished annual event held at City Hall. This festive gathering brings the community together to witness the illumination of the city's Christmas tree, followed by various holiday-themed activities and entertainment.
RISE Day (VHHS)
RISE Day is a community-wide festival that celebrates the fundraising efforts of Vestavia Hills High School (VHHS) for cancer research and support. This inspiring event features live performances by student bands and culminates in a touching luminary ceremony honoring those who have battled cancer, showcasing the community's commitment to making a difference.
Deck The Heights
Deck the Heights is a festive holiday event held annually in Cahaba Heights, Vestavia Hills, Alabama. The day begins at 10:00 AM with pop-up shops at Heights Village, featuring local artists and small businesses offering unique gifts like jewelry and woodworking items. From 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM, free trolleys known as the Heights Express run through Cahaba Heights, allowing attendees to visit multiple stops without needing to drive. Each stop offers free activities such as inflatables for kids, train rides with Santa and the Grinch, mechanical bull rides, face painting sessions, live music performances, and a snow machine adding a magical touch. The event spans across key locations including Cala Coffee & Mudtown and Flip Flops & What Nots. Admission is free for this family-friendly event designed to be enjoyable for all ages.
Communities in Vestavia Hills, Alabama
Liberty Park
Liberty Park is a planned community featuring upscale homes and extensive recreational facilities, making it attractive to those seeking a high-end suburban lifestyle. The area is home to several dining options, including Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe, which offers Mediterranean flavors in a serene setting, and On Tap Sports Cafe, a local chain known for its sandwiches and sports viewing atmosphere. Visitors can also enjoy hospitality services at the nearby Hilton Garden Inn. An ideal day in Liberty Park might begin with a morning walk or jog on the community trails, followed by lunch at Taziki's. Afternoon activities could include a visit to the nearby Barber Vintage Motorsports Park & Museum, and the evening could be spent enjoying drinks and dinner at On Tap Sports Cafe while watching a game.
Cahaba Heights
Cahaba Heights is cherished for its small-town feel and charming antique shops, with recent growth adding new dining options and a Piggly Wiggly store while maintaining its quaint character. Local dining spots include Olive Branch for Mediterranean cuisine and Chick-fil-A Cahaba Heights for a quick meal. An ideal day in Cahaba Heights could involve browsing antique shops in the morning, lunch at Olive Branch, and afternoon shopping at local boutiques. Dinner might be enjoyed at a local restaurant, followed by dessert from Ashley Mac's Kitchen. The area also offers easy access to nearby attractions like The Summit, providing a mix of upscale shopping and dining options.
Rocky Ridge
Rocky Ridge offers a neighborhood ambiance with a variety of specialty shops and restaurants, including The Ridge, a popular family dining spot known for its American fare and friendly atmosphere. Masaman Thai Kitchen is another local favorite for those craving Thai cuisine. An ideal day in Rocky Ridge might start with a morning hike in a nearby nature preserve, followed by lunch at The Ridge, where you can enjoy their daily specials. Afternoon activities could include shopping at local specialty stores, and the evening could be spent enjoying drinks at The Ridge's roomy bar while watching a game on one of their six televisions.
Vestavia North
Vestavia North features the City Center, which provides residents with diverse dining and shopping options, making it ideal for commuters due to its proximity to major highways. Nearby restaurants include The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, Samurai Japan for Japanese and sushi options, and First Watch for a popular breakfast and lunch spot. An ideal day in Vestavia North could involve starting with morning coffee at First Watch, followed by shopping at the City Center. Lunch might be enjoyed at The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, with the afternoon spent at the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest. Dinner could be savored at Samurai Japan, rounding off a day filled with convenience and variety.
Vestavia South
Vestavia South is primarily known for its professional services, office parks, and car dealerships, catering more to businesses and commercial activities. Local dining options include FoodBar, offering farm-to-table American casual fine dining, and Cajun Seafood House, which serves authentic Cajun cuisine. An ideal day in Vestavia South for a business professional might include morning meetings at one of the office parks, lunch at FoodBar, and afternoon client meetings or car shopping. Evening dinner could be enjoyed at Cajun Seafood House, providing a satisfying conclusion to a productive day.
These neighborhoods collectively contribute to Vestavia Hills' reputation as a desirable suburb, offering good schools, nice communities, and relatively reasonable home prices compared to some other upscale Birmingham suburbs.
Schools in Vestavia Hills, Alabama
Vestavia Hills City Schools is consistently ranked among the top school districts in Alabama, boasting multiple National Blue Ribbon Schools, high graduation rates, and exceptional college readiness scores. The district, which includes Vestavia Hills High School, Pizitz Middle School, and several elementary schools such as Vestavia Hills Elementary Liberty Park and Vestavia Hills Elementary East, is renowned for its diverse curriculum and dedicated teachers. With a graduation rate of 96% and average SAT and ACT scores of 1320 and 28 respectively, the district demonstrates a strong commitment to academic excellence. Additionally, Vestavia Hills schools place a strong emphasis on extracurricular activities and sports, offering students a well-rounded education. The district's success is further evidenced by its high rankings, with Vestavia Hills City Schools rated 5 out of 5 stars by SchoolDigger and ranked 2nd out of 137 school districts in Alabama.