Homewood, Alabama, sits just south of downtown Birmingham and has a population of a little over 27,000 residents. The city began taking shape in the early 1800s, though population growth remained limited until the late nineteenth century. After Birmingham experienced a major cholera epidemic in 1873, people began purchasing land outside the city and developing nearby communities. Areas such as Rosedale, Grove Park, Edgewood, and Oak Grove emerged during this period, with Edgewood seeing the most rapid development. By 1911, an electric railway connected Edgewood to downtown Birmingham, followed by the construction of a man-made lake in 1915. In 1926, residents of Rosedale, Edgewood, and Grove Park voted to incorporate as Homewood, with Hollywood annexed in 1929 and Oak Grove added in 1955.  

Samford University plays a visible role in daily life. The campus spans hundreds of acres and features Georgian-style architecture, open green space, and pedestrian paths that connect naturally to surrounding neighborhoods. University events, lectures, performances, and athletic activities bring consistent movement into nearby streets, restaurants, and shops.

Food is a central part of how people spend time here. Gianmarco’s Restaurant is widely known for Italian dishes such as handmade pasta, veal, seafood, and classic desserts, drawing diners for both casual evenings and special occasions. Saw’s Homewood serves barbecue staples including pulled pork, ribs, and smoked chicken, with a casual counter-service setup that stays busy throughout the week. 

Local businesses add depth to everyday errands. Homewood Toy & Hobby has served the area for decades, stocking games, model kits, puzzles, and specialty items that encourage hands-on play and browsing. O’Henry’s Coffees operates as a long-standing café and gathering place, offering roasted coffee, baked goods, and seating that fills with students, professionals, and residents throughout the day. 

Outdoor space is used daily. Central Park sits at the center of downtown and functions as one of the most active public spaces in the city. The park includes paved walking paths that loop through landscaped areas, open lawns used for casual seating and community events, and permanent benches that stay occupied throughout the day. A covered bandstand anchors the space and regularly hosts live music, public performances, and city-sponsored gatherings that draw crowds from surrounding neighborhoods and nearby restaurants. Nearby Patriot Park includes playground equipment and open areas that support family use and neighborhood activity.

Arts, events, and local traditions shape the calendar. The Star Spangled Celebration draws large crowds each summer for fireworks, live music, and food vendors. Sidewalk Film Festival events frequently spill into nearby venues, tying the city into Birmingham’s larger cultural scene while keeping activity local. Seasonal markets, pop-up events, and university-related gatherings keep downtown active throughout the year.

One of the quieter pieces of folklore centers on the Homewood Public Library, where staff and late-night visitors have shared stories for years about unexplained activity after closing. The most common tale involves lights turning on in empty rooms and the sound of footsteps moving through the stacks when the building is otherwise silent. Some employees have reported books found out of place the next morning, relocated to different tables or shelves without any record of overnight access. 

Stories like that remind people how easily unexplained things get blamed on the unknown. In homes, strange sounds or changes in airflow often have very real causes hidden out of sight. At Kirby Dryer Vent Cleaning, we focus on clearing dryer vents where lint buildup can quietly create problems over time. Don't hesitate to contact us today for an estimate.