Is Hollywood safe?
Birmingham, Alabama · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Hollywood as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Hollywood
“Go. Hollywood is an exceptionally safe, affluent historic enclave within Homewood in the Birmingham metro. Violent crime is extremely rare and visitors can comfortably stroll the scenic, tree-lined streets day and night. Standard basic awareness regarding vehicle security is all that is necessary.”
About the area
Hollywood is a picturesque historic neighborhood in Homewood, Alabama, famous for its 1920s Spanish Revival and English Tudor cottages nestled beneath mature hardwoods. It offers a tranquil, storybook residential atmosphere just minutes from downtown Birmingham and vibrant downtown Homewood shopping districts.
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Affluent & Quiet
- Family-Friendly
- Architectural Gem
Walking and biking in Hollywood
Walk score: 46/100 · Bike score: 42/100
The Shades Creek Greenway is easily accessible a short distance south along Lakeshore Drive, though Hollywood's interior streets lack dedicated bike lanes.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Substantially lower violent and property crime rates compared to broader Jefferson County
- High median household incomes and exceptionally well-maintained owner-occupied housing stock
- Dedicated, responsive municipal policing provided by the City of Homewood Police Department
- Peaceful, shaded neighborhood streets with very low through-traffic
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic crimes of opportunity, such as unlocked car break-ins
- Lack of continuous sidewalks on several interior residential streets
- Mostly residential with limited commercial dining directly within neighborhood boundaries
Homelessness: Visible homelessness and street encampments are virtually nonexistent in this residential neighborhood, with support services located further north in downtown Birmingham.
What Hollywood is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with dog walkers, joggers, and neighbors out in a very safe environment.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet, sunlit residential streets with minimal vehicle traffic and high overall safety.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and pleasant for an evening walk, though some interior streets have subdued lighting.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely quiet and safe, though visibility is reduced due to tree cover and low ambient lighting.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is limited; the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA / MAX Transit) operates infrequent bus routes in nearby arterial corridors, but the area is primarily car-dependent.
Free residential curbside parking is straightforward and readily available throughout the neighborhood with no metered spaces or parking garages.
Things to do in Hollywood
- Take a self-guided architectural walking tour to admire the 1920s Spanish Colonial and Tudor Revival homes
- Walk or jog along the nearby Shades Creek Greenway (Lakeshore Trail)
- Explore the boutique shopping and local dining in adjacent Downtown Homewood along 18th Street South
Local favorites
- Ash Neighborhood Bar & Grill · American Restaurant · 4.6★ (460)Wood-fired neighborhood eatery serving elevated Southern comfort dishes and craft cocktails just down the road in West Homewood.
- Homewood Bagel Company · Bakery & Cafe · 4.5★ (520)Beloved local breakfast and lunch spot serving fresh, scratch-made bagels and creative cream cheese spreads.
- Sam's Deli and Grill · Mediterranean & Sandwich Shop · 4.7★ (380)Longtime casual neighborhood corner deli known for hearty gyros, sandwiches, and friendly service.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.