What was to become Vestavia Hills began in the 1920s with one road, the original road of Vestavia Hills, Smyer Road. Smyer twists and turns from the base of Shades Mountain to the crest that became Shades Crest Road. Estates were built along the crest as the wealthy, including Birmingham’s mayor, George Battey Ward, began to move away from the noise and pollution of the industrial city center.
After Mayor Ward died in 1940, his 20-acre estate, named Vestavia for the Roman goddess Vesta, eventually was purchased by the developer, Charles Byrd who planned a community of 1,000 homes south of Shades Crest he named “Vestavia Hills Atop the Mountain”.
Incorporated in 1950, Vestavia Hills has expanded by the annexations of the Rocky Ridge and Altadena areas in the 1980s, Liberty Park in 1992 and Cahaba Heights in 2002 growing both the population and the commercial base. Each area of Vestavia possesses its own character and charm. Vestavia city planners are not through yet. In the works now is the potential annexation of the Altadena Valley Country Club.
This new Vestavia neighborhood would include 65 acres of public park, athletic fields, and exercise trails. An additional 30 acres would be used for 60-70 family homes and commerce. If this plan comes to fruition, public demand will be passionate for the homes in this new development!
Vestavia Hills is a desirable place to live because of its central locale, unique neighborhoods, strong city planning, schools and community services for all ages.
The Vestavia Hills school system has been recognized as one of the best in the state and the nation, from its academics and extracurricular programs to the baseball team and the band.
The Library in the Forest is a hub of activity for children and adults alike where patrons can find much more than books and movies. The facility offers classes on computers, filmmaking, and crafts, and plays host to story-tellers, camps, gaming tournaments and events for all ages.
The city’s parks and sports facilities offer space for community gatherings, playgrounds, athletic events and more. One of the most anticipated events is the annual Dogwood Festival, a month-long celebration of the arrival of spring as the dogwood trees bloom. Events include parades, pageants, art shows, food and more.
Become a regular at the Diplomat Deli, where you can choose from more than 100 beers and sample the soup of the day, or transport yourself to a small European village by tasting the German fare at Klingler’s European Bakery.
Whether you’re looking for a small starter home or a luxurious home, you will feel at home in Vestavia.
Vestavia Hills High School is ranked 14th in the state by U.S. News and World Report and received a Silver Medal. 41% of students are in AP classes and 89% of these students pass the AP exams for college credit. The enrollment is listed at 1970 and the student to teacher ratio is 15:1. In 2016 the senior class had 8 National Merit finalists, 1 National Merit semi-finalist and 13 National Merit commended students. 66% of the graduating seniors were offered scholarships and accepted in the amount of 10.6 Million dollars. Vestavia has excellent choral and band programs. 17 of 21 athletic teams qualified for the state playoffs and the school won state titles in Wrestling, Girls Tennis and Girls Soccer and 12 individual state champion athletes in Track and Field and Swimming. The Varsity Rebelettes Dance Team won state and placed 3rd at Nationals. The Vestavia Hills School System Annual Report is full of specifics on each of the area schools.
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