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Vestavia Hills, AL

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Vestavia Hills, AL

Vestavia Hills, colloquially known simply as Vestavia, is a city in Jefferson and Shelby counties in the U.S. state of Alabama. It is a suburb of Birmingham and it is made up of Vestavia, Liberty Park, and Cahaba Heights. As of the 2020 census, its population was 39,102, up from 34,033 in 2010. It moved up from the fifth largest city in Jefferson County in 2000 to the third largest in 2010, behind Birmingham and Hoover.

Vestavia Hills is named for the 20-acre (8.1 ha) estate of former Birmingham mayor George B. Ward. It was situated on the crest of Shades Mountain in what is now the northern edge of the city. Ward's mansion at the Vestavia estate became a landmark in the area as soon as it was completed in 1925. The 2+1⁄2-story house was patterned after the circular Temple of Vesta in Rome, with dark pink sandstone walls encircled by 20 massive white Doric columns surmounted by a carved entablature. The extensive gardens, populated by statuary and peacocks, surrounded a smaller domed gazebo patterned after the Temple of Sibyl in Tivoli.

After Ward's death, the house, something of a tourist stop near the highway between Birmingham and Montgomery, was used as a tearoom and reception hall before being purchased by Vestavia Hills Baptist Church. The church met in the temple-like structure for several years before demolishing a portion of the building in 1971 to make way for a larger building; a central portion of the original building remains. The local garden club moved the gazebo to a prominent outcropping closer to the highway, there to serve as a landmark gateway into the community.

The major industries in Vestavia Hills are diverse, reflecting the economic vitality of the region. While Birmingham, the neighboring city, is a hub for finance, healthcare, and manufacturing, Vestavia Hills contributes to these sectors and also features a robust retail and service industry. The city's strategic location provides residents with access to employment opportunities in Birmingham, contributing to the overall economic prosperity of the area.

Health and wellness are integral aspects of Vestavia Hills' community life. The city boasts a comprehensive healthcare infrastructure of wellness centers, including facilities like the Life Touch Massage LLC, which offers a range of massage therapies for relaxation and pain relief. The Yoga Circle specializes in yoga classes for all levels, promoting physical and mental well-being. Alabama Functional Wellness focuses on functional medicine and holistic approaches to wellness, including nutritional support and lifestyle coaching. The Natural Path, provides naturopathic services, herbal medicine, and nutritional counseling for holistic health. Trinity Wellness, offers chiropractic care, massage therapy, and nutritional counseling for overall wellness. 

Top sites in Vestavia Hills, AL are Birmingham Zoo, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, and Vulcan Park and Museum.

Population: 38,020 (2023). ZIP codes: 35216, 35226, 35242, 35266. Area codes: 659, 205. Elevation: 699 ft (213 m). Area: 20.27 sq mi (52.49 km2).

FAQs

What is Vestavia Hills, AL is known for?

Vestavia Hills is an economically powerful and culturally fascinating community that exemplifies the ideals of fine Southern hospitality. A strong sense of community pride, coupled with top-performing schools and a thriving economy, make Vestavia Hills “A Life Above.” Vestavia Hills is a suburban community with a public school system featuring one high school, one freshman campus, two middle schools, and five elementary schools. The municipality is strong financially with consistently favorable Fitch ratings. Median household incomes are high, and residents demonstrate strong financial support for community programs.

What is the history of Vestavia Hills, AL?

Vestavia Hills is named for the 20-acre (8.1 ha) estate of former Birmingham mayor George B. Ward. It was situated on the crest of Shades Mountain in what is now the northern edge of the city. Ward's mansion at the Vestavia estate became a landmark in the area as soon as it was completed in 1925. The 2+1⁄2-story house was patterned after the circular Temple of Vesta in Rome, with dark pink sandstone walls encircled by 20 massive white Doric columns surmounted by a carved entablature.

Is Vestavia Hills, AL the same as Birmingham?

Vestavia Hills is located in both Jefferson and Shelby Counties in northern Shelby County and is an affluent adjoining suburb of the city of Birmingham. Only a small number of residential properties within the city limits are also within Shelby County. The development of Vestavia Hills as a residential suburb began in 1946 when developer Charles Byrd planned a subdivision for approximately 1,000 persons on the gently sloping southern flank of Shades Mountain.

Sources

City of Vestavia Hills

Wikipedia

Shelby AL

Temple of Vesta

Vhal

Birmingham Zoo

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Vulcan Park and Museum

Life Touch Massage LLC

Yoga Circle

Alabama Functional Wellness

Natural Path

Trinity Wellness

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