Vestavia Hills 83 Exceptional
Vestavia Hills Livability #2 ranked city in Alabama#754 ranked city in the USARanks better than 97% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Vestavia Hills

PROS
  • Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • Crime

    This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.

  • Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Schools

    The high score in the schools category can be attributed to outstanding test scores, elevated graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.

CONS
  • Amenities

    The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.

  • Cost Of Living

    This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.

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What's it like Living in Vestavia Hills?

Vestavia Hills, Alabama is a medium-sized city with a population of 34,482 inhabitants. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (86% White). Given that fact, Vestavia Hills could be considered less diverse than other cities. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Vestavia Hills. With an average one way commute time of only 21 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, moving to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Vestavia Hills, Alabama could be a good experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Finding the best places to live in Vestavia Hills and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes cost of living, commute, employment and other important metrics.

Using data and statistics Vestavia Hills has received a livability score of 80 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 95th percentile when compared to all other cities. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Vestavia Hills could be a great choice! Vestavia Hills also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Vestavia Hills has higher than average grades for the following: crime (A+), education (B) and housing (A+). On a less positive note, Vestavia Hills does not have favorable grades for the following: amenities (F) and cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. Low crime rates can have a positive impact on things like home prices, home appreciation rates and can help foster positive community dynamics and social cohesion. Vestavia Hills has a violent crime rate of 78 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Vestavia Hills, the unemployment rate stands at 1.1%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.

Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Vestavia Hills, the average school test scores reached an impressive 81%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Vestavia Hills an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Vestavia Hills market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Vestavia Hills is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Vestavia Hills come in at $380,600, which is 196.2% higher than the Alabama average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Vestavia Hills, the home price to income ratio is 3.5, which is 20.7% higher than the Alabama average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Vestavia Hills

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Compare Vestavia Hills, AL Livability

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      Vestavia Hills transportation information

      Statistic Vestavia Hills Alabama National
      Average one way commute21min25min26min
      Workers who drive to work83.9%85.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool5.4%8.8%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%0.4%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.1%0.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.0%1.1%2.8%
      Working from home10.2%2.9%4.6%
      Source: The Vestavia Hills, AL data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).