Alabama Real Estate & Relocation Guide

Vestavia Hills, Alabama

Population: 31,051

Located in Jefferson County

The City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama was recently referred to as a "cottage community," one that has it all and is known to many for its many accomplishments and community involvement. Known as ³The Jewel City² atop Shades Mountain, a large part of Vestavia Hills' distinction lies in its unique beauty and picturesque location in the foothills of the Appalachian Chain. If you¹re in the area, be sure to visit the magnificent Sebyl Temple at the northern gateway to the city. The panoramic view from this vantage point is breathtaking and one you will never forget.

Vestavia Hills is a special Alabama city because the residents participate in community activities and work together for continuous improvement of quality of life. In the last six years, the city has been selected twice as one of the best places to live, and more recently, was recognized for its good management. The excellent school system here serves grades K-12 and is known as one of the foremost systems in the south. The Vestavia Hills school system enjoys a high level of parent and community support. Parent-Teacher Associations typically involve 96 to 100 percent of the parents in their campus-based organizations. All schools are located within residential neighborhoods helping to make them easily accessible and a short walking distance from many of the families and communities that they serve.

The housing market in Vestavia Hills provides everything from rental apartments to condominiums, town homes, garden homes, single-family homes, and estate-size homes. The prices currently vary from $129,000 to more than $3.2 million with the average sale price of $400,000 in the current market. While other cities have had major drops in price points from previous years, Vestavia Hills resale homes remain strong with the average sale price slightly increasing, as opposed to the national average of decreasing. Currently, there are only two foreclosed homes on the market, mostly due to the fact that Vestavia Hills has a very strong housing market that has continued in this economic downturn. Approximately 93 percent of homes that enter the market are resale homes as compared to 7 percent that are newly constructed. The age the homes here vary from new construction to 60+ years old. The city has residents who have lived here for many years, some who have gone to college and returned with renewed interest in their community.

Churches, health care, and premier shopping are conveniently located throughout Vestavia Hills. When one lives in the Hills, the time-saving advantages are great. Check out the new state-of-the-art library and all the fantastic recreational services from the city¹s Parks and Recreation Department. All the emergency services - fire, medic, and police - are excellent. Vestavia Hills is known as one of the safest cities in the country. The median household income here is estimated to be $75,000. More than 60 percent of the population is over age 25 and holds at least a bachelor¹s degree. Furthermore, Vestavia Hills enjoys a low unemployment rate of 1.7 percent and a negligible poverty rate.

Vestavia Hills is centrally located close to all major highways and roads, as well as the world-renown UAB Medical Center, Children's Hospital, Spain Rehabilitation Center, Lakeshore Hospital, St. Vincent's Hospital, Baptist Medical Centers, Brookwood Hospital and the Kirklin Clinic.

Environmentalism and conservation are important to the Vestavia Hills residents. This can be seen through activities such as SybilGoesGreen.com and KeepVestaviaGreen.org. Furthermore, Vestavia Hills is building Alabama¹s first LEED Library in a unique project that will combine the benefits of a library with trails and outdoor educational opportunities. Trails and greenways are a key feature in many of the projects currently underway (Library in the Forest, Little Shades Creek Park, Athletic Fields at Patchwork Farms, and others).

Vestavia Hills is best known for its Dogwood Festival in late March through April. Vestavia has the nation¹s second oldest Dogwood Trail, and its residents take great pride in the dogwood and azalea blooms and Vestavia Belles.