Hoover

About Hoover

As one of Birmingham's largest suburbs, Hoover has earned the title of one of Alabama's most popular places to live. Thanks to its large variety of amenities and attractions, active job market, top schools and reasonable cost of living, Hoover is one of the top places to live in the nation. You'll find plenty of things to do, ranging from a stroll through the Aldridge Botanical Gardens or a baseball game at the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium to a day of shopping at the Riverchase Galleria.

The History of Hoover

William H. Hoover, an insurance-company entrepreneur, moved his business from Birmingham to the Hoover area in the mid-1950s. He purchased land near the Bluff Park neighborhood and sold portions of it to his workers. Over the next decade, the area, especially its residential developments, expanded quickly. When the city was officially incorporated in 1967, it was named Hoover after its founder.

The Hoover malls, along with many other retail businesses that provide a range of attractive amenities, opened in the early 1970s. Hoover's economy expanded and diversified, with growing sectors including service businesses, education, health care and manufacturing. Since the 1970s, the city has annexed several surrounding communities and expanded its footprint as well as its influence. Golf courses, gardens, public parks and other outdoor spaces encourage people to make friends and enjoy nature, while restaurants and shops help the local economy thrive.

Things to Do in Hoover

From libraries and entertainment to public transportation and fitness centers, there are a wide variety of amenities in Hoover. One of its most notable attractions is the Riverchase Galleria, one of the largest shopping complexes in the American Southeast. With over 1.5 million square feet of space, the mall offers something for everyone, and it also has a number of restaurants, making it easy to spend an entire day at the mall.

At the Aldridge Botanical Gardens, you can enjoy 30 acres of lush gardens and a large lake. Originally founded by local nursery owner Eddie Aldridge, the gardens prominently feature an extensive variety of hydrangea plants. Here, you can also attend a variety of educational events to learn more about the local flora and fauna.

Other Hoover attractions include the Hoover Metropolitan Arena, the Moss Rock Preserve and the Library Theater.

Hoover Schools

The Hoover City Schools District manages all public schools in the city, with many of its campuses earning national recognition for high academic performance. Private school options are fairly limited in Hoover, but there are a variety of choices in nearby Birmingham.

If you're planning to pursue higher education in the city, there are a handful of local college campuses. In addition, the University of Alabama at Birmingham is a short drive away.

Resources for Moving to Hoover

Here's a quick guide to help make your move to Hoover as easy as possible:

• Utilities: Alabama Power is the city's central electricity provider, while the city manages public water and sewer services.
• Garbage and Recycling: The city provides curbside collection of trash twice a week and picks up recyclables once a week. You can request bulky-item pick-up, as well as take advantage of leaf collection services during the fall.
• Transportation: The Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority facilitates public transit in and around Hoover, including connections to nearby Birmingham.

Housing in Hoover

The median home price in Hoover is higher than the national average, due in part to its proximity to Birmingham. Housing options include detached, single-family residences as well as multi-family dwellings such as apartments and condos.