I know a couple of people in N. Al. that grow it. It does well in 7b.

my next door neighbor grew a hops vine several years ago. it seemed to do very well in full sun, auburn area.
he was a student of horticulture at the university but i am not aware that he spent more time and effort cultivating that particular plant. he liked the way it smelled, i think, and is fond of beer. ;-)

I am going to order some rhizomes, then, and maybe also a packet of seeds. Both the Gray Hairstreak and the Comma use hops as a host plant, as well as the Question Mark; I've seen the first two flying about my house and would like to encourage them.