The Alabama Guide
Homewood, AL
A walkable Over the Mountain city just south of Birmingham, home to Samford University and three small, lively downtown districts.
56 places This weekend in Homewood
Today in Homewood
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Homewood was incorporated in 1926 and grew as one of the first suburbs over Red Mountain from downtown Birmingham. It still has the feel of a close-knit town, with tree-lined streets, historic homes in the Hollywood Historic District, and sidewalks that lead to real places. Downtown Homewood along 18th Street South works like a main street, SoHo Square gathers City Hall, shops and restaurants around a central plaza, and Edgewood’s few blocks at Broadway and Oxmoor Road are some of the most walkable in metro Birmingham. Samford University adds a college crowd without taking over, and downtown Birmingham is only a few minutes away over the mountain.
Come hungry. Homewood packs a lot of locally owned restaurants into a small footprint, from easy breakfast and brunch spots to neighborhood coffee shops and ice cream counters. Edgewood and 18th Street are good for browsing boutiques and antique stores. When you need to walk it off, the Shades Creek Greenway runs along Lakeshore Drive with paved paths that are popular with runners, cyclists and dog walkers, and West Homewood has its own park, pool and farmers market.
Homewood questions, answered
What is Homewood known for?
Walkable neighborhoods and a strong local food scene. Homewood is one of Birmingham’s Over the Mountain cities, known for its three small downtown districts, good schools, Samford University and community events like We Love Homewood Day and the Fourth of July festival on 18th Street. It is a favorite with Birmingham residents looking for a casual dinner or a stroll.
How do I get to Homewood?
Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) is about 15 to 20 minutes away. US 31 runs north into downtown Birmingham over Red Mountain, US 280 skirts the eastern edge toward Mountain Brook, and I-65 runs along the west side. Downtown Birmingham is about 10 minutes away by car, and Hoover is about 15 minutes south.
Is Homewood walkable?
Within each district, very much so. Edgewood, Downtown Homewood on 18th Street and SoHo Square are each easy to explore on foot, and the Shades Creek Greenway is made for walking and biking. Getting between the districts or to Samford is easiest by car, bike or rideshare.
Where should I stay near Homewood?
Homewood has a handful of hotels near SoHo Square and along the US 280 and Lakeshore Drive corridors, and it makes a convenient base for both downtown Birmingham and Hoover. See our places to stay section for locally owned options around the area.
When is the best time to visit Homewood?
Spring and fall are ideal for walking the districts and the greenway. Early summer brings We Love Homewood Day and the Fourth of July festival downtown, and October has the Homewood Witches Ride, a local Halloween tradition. Summers are hot, so plan walks for mornings and evenings.
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