The U.S. News & World Report recently came out with their list of 250 best cities to live in throughout the U.S. for 2025–2026, ranging from small cities like Johns Creek, Georgia to major hubs such as Frisco, Texas. They ranked the locations based on four qualifications: housing affordability, quality of life, growth rate, and safety. Other factors also contributed to the overall ranking, including the population size, median age, transportation options, job market, and even the weather. Hoover, Alabama ranked #25, with a total score of 6.7/10. According to the report, Hoover is the #1 best place to live in Alabama and #17 in “Best Small Cities to Live.”
While those living in Birmingham know the wonderful community and amenities Hoover offers its residents, the report names the job market statistics as a weighty factor: “The job market in Hoover is better than the national average [and] unemployment in Hoover is lower than the national average.” The age distribution and marital status is also pretty evenly distributed, making it an enjoyable city for people of all ages. To see the full list of rankings, visit realestate.usnews.com. To learn more about all Hoover has to offer, go to hooveralabama.gov.
