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Hoover on the move 09/03/2006

T aylor Hicks might be a recent cause of the City of Hoover's place in the spotlight, but the 2006 American Idol winner isn't the only reason his hometown of more than 67,000 has taken center stage through the years. This former bedroom community - now a bustling city in its own right - recently was touted as one of the country's "50 Fabulous Places to Raise Your Family" by Kathleen Shaputis, author of the so-entitled book, and this month was ranked 75th in Money magazine's 2006 list of "100 Best Places to Live in America."

Hoover not only is home to a growing residential population and award-winning schools but also is a place with loads of shopping venues and a variety of outdoor activities. The new planned community of Ross Bridge offers homes, a spa, resort and golf course. It also is providing residents with a popular Saturday morning farmers' market, known as Fresh Market on the Green. "It's just been fabulous for the residents of Hoover," said Audrey Alverson, producer of the event for Daniel Homes, Ross Bridge developer. "Everyone is looking for the hometown feel, and we can offer this market in our hometown rather than having to go into another area or city." Shoppers will find everything from freshly picked vegetables, herbs and flowers to honey, free-range eggs and handcrafted jewelry - all Alabama grown, produced or crafted.

There also are fun activities for children at every market event, along with cooking demonstrations and entertainment. The market is open from 8 a.m. to noon the first Saturday of each month through October. Hoover residents also can enjoy numerous parks, including Aldridge Botanical Garden and Moss Rock Preserve. The Hoover Met is home to the Birmingham Barons minor league baseball team and other events, including SEC baseball, professional beach volleyball and family reunions.

It is also home to Riverchase Galleria, one of the largest shopping malls in the Southeast, and Alabama's most-visited tourist destination. Additionally, residents of Hoover have a lot to crow about when it comes to their school system. Later this month, Sports Illustrated is expected to name Hoover High School as the top high-school football program in the state, according to Pat Morrow, public relations coordinator for Hoover City Schools. That honor is just the beginning of student/parent and staff accomplishments. Morrow said the system expects "good things" from Spain Park High School's new head coach, John Grass, and that Spain Park's band is already preparing for its trip to New York City, where it will march down Broadway in the city's Veterans Day Parade. Morrow said the system is also expecting continued academic success. About $34 million in scholarship funds were distributed to Hoover High and Spain Park High School seniors last May. Test scores continue to rank these schools among the top four systems in the state. And, Cameron McKinley, an Integrated Technology teacher at Riverchase Elementary School, is the 2006-2007 Alabama Teacher of the Year. McKinley was cited by State Superintendent Joseph B. Morton for her "commitment to education, zest for technology and infectiously cheerful spirit." Those looking to move to Hoover have numerous housing choices. Existing neighborhoods continue to offer rising home values, and new communities continue to open.