Homewood, AL
Homewood is an inner suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, known for its historic districts, the Red Mountain Expressway Cut, and being home to Samford University.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
The full official name of the city is Homewood. It is a city in Jefferson County, Alabama, United States . Homewood is an inner suburb of Birmingham, located just south of the downtown area on the other side of Red Mountain . It operates under a mayor–council form of government .
Historical Names and Nicknames
Homewood was formed in 1926 from the merger of several smaller communities, including Rosedale, Grove Park, and Edgewood . In 1929, the town of Hollywood, Alabama, was annexed . The name "Hollywood" lives on in the Hollywood Historic District, known for its distinctive Mission Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival architecture . The area's development was spurred by a slogan enticing Birmingham residents "Out of the Smoke Zone, Into the Ozone" .
Date of Foundation and Age
The first settlers arrived in the area around 1800, though significant growth didn't occur until after the 1873 cholera epidemic in Birmingham . The city of Homewood was officially incorporated on December 29, 1926 . From that date, the city is currently 97 years old.
Geographical Position and Coordinates
Homewood is located in north-central Alabama at coordinates 33.4683° N, 86.8081° W . It sits in Shades Valley, just south of Red Mountain, which separates it from downtown Birmingham . The elevation of the city is approximately 667 to 705 feet (203-215 meters) above sea level . Shades Creek, a tributary of the Cahaba River, runs through the city .
City Type and Economic Specialization
Homewood is primarily a residential suburb and a commercial center for the surrounding area . Its economy is bolstered by its location near Birmingham and as the home of Samford University, a top private university in the state . The downtown area features a mix of boutiques and restaurants, contributing to a vibrant local economy .
Population and Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population of Homewood was 26,414 . It is classified as a small city. The city is characterized by a highly educated population, with nearly 70% of adults holding a college degree . The estimated median household income is high, at around $108,000 .
The City's "Visiting Card" (Briefly)
Homewood offers a blend of historic charm and modern suburban convenience. Visitors are drawn to its walkable downtown, the architectural beauty of the Hollywood Historic District, and its proximity to Birmingham's major attractions like the Vulcan statue and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens . The Red Mountain Expressway Cut, a National Natural Landmark, provides a unique glimpse into the region's geological past .
Geography
Mountains and Mountain Ranges
Homewood is situated at the base of Red Mountain (Red Mountain) , a long ridge that is part of the Appalachian Mountains' Ridge-and-Valley region . The mountain's name comes from the red hematite iron ore that stained its rock faces . The Red Mountain Expressway cut, a major highway passing through the mountain on the edge of Homewood, exposes geological strata millions of years old and is a designated National Natural Landmark . The summit of Red Mountain reaches about 1,025 feet (312 meters) . Red Mountain Park, one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. at 1,500 acres, is located nearby .
Water Bodies (Rivers, Lakes, Creeks)
Shades Creek (Shades Creek) , a 56.4-mile long stream and part of the Cahaba River system, flows through Homewood . Historically, the creek was dammed near Columbiana Road from 1915 to the 1940s to create Edgewood Lake, a popular recreational spot for swimming and boating during the 1920s and 30s . Today, the Shades Creek Greenway offers a walking trail along its banks .
National and State Parks
While there are no national parks within the city limits, Oak Mountain State Park, the largest state park in Alabama, is located just 9.5 miles from Homewood . The park offers over 167 campsites, scenic landscapes, and extensive hiking and biking trails.
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Homewood has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) , characterized by hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters.
Average Monthly Temperatures
Summers are hot, with average high temperatures in July and August reaching 31.9°C (89.4°F) . Winters are mild, with average January highs around 12.2°C (54.0°F) and lows near 2.3°C (36.1°F) .
Precipitation and Humidity
The city receives significant rainfall throughout the year, with an annual average of 1272 mm (50 inches) . Snowfall is rare, averaging just 7mm (0 inches) annually . The humidity is typically highest during the summer months.
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Homewood is during the spring (April-May) and fall (October-November) , when temperatures are most comfortable for outdoor activities. Average highs in April are a pleasant 24.0°C (75.2°F), and in October around 24.3°C (75.7°F) .
Landmarks
The Vulcan Statue and Museum
Overlooking Homewood and Birmingham from its perch on Red Mountain is the iconic Vulcan statue (Vulcan statue) . It is the world's largest cast-iron statue and symbolizes Birmingham's industrial roots, having been created for the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair . The adjacent museum tells the story of the region's iron industry.
Hollywood Historic District
The Hollywood Historic District (Hollywood Historic District) , roughly bounded by U.S. Highway 31, U.S. Highway 280, and Lakeshore Drive, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places . Developed in the late 1920s, it is known for its well-preserved homes in the Mission Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival styles, designed by architect George P. Turner to evoke the glamour of early Hollywood, California .
Red Mountain Park
A major attraction is Red Mountain Park (Red Mountain Park) , a sprawling 1,500-acre urban park offering over 15 miles of trails for hiking and biking . Visitors can also explore remnants of the area's iron ore mining past, including historic mine sites, or enjoy zip line adventure courses .
Samford University
Samford University (Samford University) , founded in 1841, is one of Alabama's top private universities and adds an academic and architectural flair to the community . Its beautiful Georgian Colonial campus frequently hosts cultural events, lectures, and artistic performances open to the public.
The Red Mountain Expressway Cut
This massive highway cut through Red Mountain is a significant geological and historical landmark . Designated a National Natural Landmark in 1987, it exposes a rich cross-section of rock strata spanning millions of years, including the seams of iron ore that fueled Birmingham's industrial growth. A new species of Silurian trilobite, Acaste birminghamensis, was first discovered here .
Transport
Main Airports of the City and Region
The primary airport serving Homewood is Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM / KBHM) . Located about 9 miles from downtown Homewood, it handles the majority of commercial flights for the region .
Public Transportation System (Bus)
Homewood is connected to downtown Birmingham by the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) bus service. The SOUTH POWDERLY bus line provides a direct route from stops in Homewood, such as at Mayfield Ave and Montevallo Rd, to the Central Station in Birmingham, with a travel time of around 38 minutes .
Main Highways and Roads
Several major highways serve Homewood and connect it to the broader region. U.S. Highway 31 (US-31) and U.S. Highway 280 (US-280) are key arteries running through and around the city . The Red Mountain Expressway, part of the U.S. Route 31 corridor, is a crucial cut through Red Mountain that links Homewood and other southern suburbs directly with downtown Birmingham .