Is Vestwood Hills safe?
Birmingham, Alabama · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Vestwood Hills as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Vestwood Hills
“Go. Vestwood Hills is an exceptionally safe, affluent suburban residential neighborhood in the Vestavia Hills area of metro Birmingham. Violent crime is extremely rare and visitor risks are virtually nonexistent beyond standard suburban vehicle security.”
About the area
Vestwood Hills is a quiet, tree-canopied enclave of single-family homes situated in the foothills just south of Birmingham. It offers a tranquil suburban atmosphere with quick access to the retail, dining, and scenic overlooks along Highway 31 and Montgomery Highway.
- Suburban / Quiet
- Affluent
- Tree-Lined
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Vestwood Hills
Walk score: 18/100 · Bike score: 12/100
There are no dedicated bike lanes or bike-share stations in Vestwood Hills, and the steep topography makes casual cycling challenging.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Virtually non-existent violent crime rates and very low property crime compared to national averages
- High household median incomes exceeding $110,000 with low poverty rates
- Well-maintained, established residential housing stock with high homeownership rates
- Close proximity to the commercial corridors of Vestavia Hills and Highway 31
Cons
- Completely car-dependent layout with lacking pedestrian infrastructure
- Narrow, winding, and hilly residential roads without dedicated sidewalks
- Occasional opportunistic crimes of opportunity, such as unlocked car break-ins
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Vestwood Hills or the surrounding residential sections of Vestavia Hills.
What Vestwood Hills is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with residents jogging and walking dogs along quiet neighborhood streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Very calm with light residential traffic and full visibility throughout the area.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and safe, with families returning home and ambient residential lighting.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely dark and silent with negligible pedestrian activity, remaining remarkably safe.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is virtually nonexistent in this residential neighborhood; Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA MAX) provides limited regional bus service along main commuter corridors nearby, but a personal vehicle or rideshare is essential.
Residential parking is abundant and free via private driveways; commercial areas along nearby Highway 31 feature large, free surface parking lots.
Things to do in Vestwood Hills
- Visit the nearby historic Sibyl Temple overlooking Shades Crest for panoramic views
- Explore the walking paths and recreational facilities at nearby Wald Park
- Enjoy casual dining and boutique shopping along the Montgomery Highway corridor
Local favorites
- Klingler's European Bakery & Cafe · Bakery & Cafe · 4.6★ (850)Long-running German-style bakery and cafe famous for pastries, cakes, and hearty breakfasts.
- Mugshots Grill & Bar - Vestavia Hills · American Restaurant · 4.4★ (1100)Lively local spot serving gourmet burgers, sandwiches, and beer in a casual setting.
- The Ridge Eat & Drink · Southern Restaurant & Bar · 4.5★ (620)Neighborhood eatery offering elevated pub fare, craft beers, and patio dining.
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.