Hoover, ALBest Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023
Hoover’s Southern charm enchants residents – coupled with its affordability, championship golf courses, low crime rate and well-maintained parks, which all help to create a family-friendly atmosphere. Residents take pride in their city, and the community spirit here is strong.
More About Living in Alabama
Hoover, AL, Is One of the Best Cities To Live in America
Hoover, AL, is a small town with big southern charm — and it just keeps getting bigger. With a population of 90,000 and growing, it’s clear that residents new and old alike appreciate the city’s top-rated public school system (which ranks in the highest 10% of the whole state), and its enviable outdoor amenities like Moss Rock Preserve and Aldridge Gardens, all making it one of the best places to live in the U.S.
Outside of the highly-rated schools, Hoover is very family-friendly, and the assortment of community centers, recreational opportunities and playgrounds make the city an excellent place for families with children. The arts and culture scene is thriving, too. The Hoover Library and the Aldridge Gardens are among the many museums, galleries and performing arts venues available to residents.
Although Hoover has many accolades, it especially has bragging rights to a healthy economy. For example, the unemployment rate in the Birmingham-Hoover metropolitan area was 2.2% in February 2023 (the national average was 3.6% at the time), and it’s home to several corporate headquarters, including AT&T Alabama, BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama, and Regions Financial Corporation.
And with its proximity to bustling Birmingham, Hoover also has access to world-class medical facilities like Children’s of Alabama, which is the third-largest pediatric hospital in the country. In Hoover itself, residents can receive care at two stand-alone emergency rooms.
Hoover, AL Quality of Life LivScore
Hoover, AL Top Categories
Economy
Housing & Cost of Living
Transportation
Hoover ranks highest for economy, housing and transportation.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Hoover, AL
Like the rest of Alabama, Hoover’s summers are as long as the Southern drawls. But winters are very mild and short (with lows averaging a downright balmy 35 degrees). The average highs and lows are 90°F and 70°F (summer) and 54°F and 35°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Hoover is around 1 inch. While the city may experience occasional frost or freezing temperatures during winter, snowfall is extremely rare.
The average annual rainfall in Hoover is 56 inches. The wettest months are March through June, and thunderstorms and heavy rain showers are common during the summer months.
Hoover averages 214 sunny days a year.
Surround yourself with nature at Moss Rock Preserve, a 349-acre nature preserve with waterfalls, rock formations, wildlife and 12 miles of gorgeous trails.
Hoover Weather
214 days
Average Annual Sun
56 inches
Average Annual Rain
1 inch
Average Annual Snow
Things To Do in Hoover, AL
Meander around Aldridge Gardens, which is the dreamiest landscape dotted with gorgeous blooms like the Snowflake Hydrangea — the official flower of the city of Hoover.
The Hoover Met Explore Playground and Splash Pad is a technicolor, whimsical play area that was designed to be accessible for all children to have fun and splash.
Pick out some buried treasure at Hoover Antique Gallery, a multi-vendor retail spot in the heart of the city.
Sweet potato casserole, stewed oxtails and mouthwatering classic Caribbean dishes await you at Jake’s Soulfood Cafe.
The Local and State Economy in Hoover, AL
Hoover has a diverse economy with a mix of industries, including health care, retail, and finance and insurance. Thanks to the city’s proximity to Birmingham, several companies have a significant presence in the city. Major employers include Regions Bank, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Alabama and Hoover City Schools.
In 2023, the sales tax rate in Hoover is 9.5%.
Yes, Alabama has a state income tax.
Hoover residents have immediate access to world-class health care thanks to the 11 hospitals in Jefferson and Shelby counties. Two notable providers include the UAB Hospital, the third-largest public hospital in the United States, and Children’s of Alabama, the third-largest pediatric medical facility in the country.
Although there aren’t any major colleges or universities located in Hoover, there are several higher-education institutions in nearby Birmingham.
Quick Facts About Hoover, AL
- Median Household Income
- $87,917
- Median Home Value
- $315,845
- Average State Property Tax
- $646
- Total Population
- 92,574
- Median Rent/Mo.
- $950
- Average Commute
- 21.77 minutes
Hoover’s top-rated public schools, thriving arts scene and world-class medical facilities helped make it the only Alabama city to earn a spot on the list. Learn more about Hoover and other affordable cities in Alabama. Not yet settled on Alabama but like the region? Here are 25 great places to live in the Southeast.
