CommunityLink

Eastern Shore, AL

Real Estate

Looking for an unparalleled quality of life? You’ll discover it here on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay. Get to know our cities — Daphne, Fairhope and Spanish Fort — and become acquainted with our charming smaller communities — Malbis, Montrose, Blakeley, Barnwell, Belforest, Weeks Bay and Point Clear. Our favorable climate and the shimmering waters of Mobile Bay are an irresistible draw for new residents and visitors alike.

Today, Baldwin County has 13 incorporated municipalities and a rapidly growing population of an estimated 163,000. During the past 17 years, fast-paced growth and development have taken place in Baldwin County, the largest and fastest-growing county in the state of Alabama. That comes as no surprise to those of us who live here. After all, we have fabulous recreational opportunities, unsurpassed natural beauty, outstanding health care and excellent schools.

Quality of Life
The EASI Quality of Life Index for Baldwin County, Alabama, is 178 — the U.S. average is 100. While our quality of life is rated high, our cities and communities offer a cost of living that’s well below the national average. Professionals from other areas of the United States will discover that Baldwin County is a very attractive place to relocate.

Enjoy a high quality of life on the Eastern Shore, with our lower-than-average cost of living. Fairhope (zip code 36532), Daphne (zip code 36526) and Spanish Fort (zip code 36527) boast cost-of-living rates of 95.7, 89.7 and 98.6, respectively; the U.S. average is 100. (Source: Sperlings BestPlaces.net, 2006)

Explore Homes on the Shore
Homes on the Eastern Shore vary from traditional single-family homes in well-established and new neighborhoods to rural communities and exciting new village developments. Our family-oriented neighborhoods feature an abundance of parks, trees and opportunity for walking, jogging, bicycling and other outdoor activities. Older historic homes come onto the real estate market regularly, and apartments, condominiums, townhouses, and waterfront homes and cottages are available. Our golf course communities and attractive senior living facilities make the Eastern Shore particularly attractive to retirees.

Is golf your passion? Take a look at Quail Creek and Rock Creek in Fairhope, Lakewood in Point Clear, and Lake Forest in Daphne. These golf course communities feature lovely homes and townhouses in a wide range of prices. Those who love the water will find a fabulous selection of homes on Mobile Bay, Fly Creek and Fish River. If you are someone who appreciates communities and homes with rich historical value, Fairhope’s waterfront neighborhood, with 157 homes on the National Register of Historic Places, is perfect.

Retirement Communities
The Eastern Shore features a wide selection of attractive and affordable retirement communities. Fairhope is one of the nation’s top 10 retirement spots. The city’s retirement villages include The Hamlet, a life-care retirement community, and Homestead Village, a senior community on 17 acres providing a variety of residential options for seniors, including independent living and assisted living facilities. Carroll Place in Fairhope also offers assisted living.

Westminster Village in Spanish Fort has apartments and assisted living units. The Gardens of Daphne and Catherine Place in Daphne offer assisted living, and the John McClure Snook Center is a specialty care assisted living center in Daphne. (See Health Care for further details.)

Unique Neighborhoods
Each of the cities and communities on the Eastern Shore has its own unique neighborhoods and a large selection of homes. Spanish Fort features lovely neighborhoods and is a convenient commute for the larger urban areas. Montrose, on Scenic Highway 98, showcases luxurious homes on the National Historic Register. Fairhope is well known as a resort and retirement community, as well as a home to the arts. And in Point Clear, visitors and residents enjoy the summer cottages on the boardwalk, antebellum homes, waterfront condominiums and upscale developments.

Daphne is a growing city with a beautiful mix of old and new. This family-oriented community features wonderful restaurants and shopping. Malbis, a rapidly growing area, has one of Baldwin County’s most beautiful historic landmarks — the Greek Orthodox Church.

Blakeley is a growing community on Highway 225. Visitors and residents alike enjoy Historic Blakeley State Park, well known for its history and as the last major battle site of the Civil War. While Belforest is primarily an agricultural community, its attractive new residential communities are convenient to shopping, dining and schools. Barnwell, to the south of Fairhope, offers the slower pace of rural life and the convenience of a short drive for all amenities and services.

Life on the Eastern Shore features neighborhoods conveniently located near schools, shopping centers and major medical facilities. The Eastern Shore is a great place to live and raise a family — and discover the home you’re looking for. Prices range from affordable to extravagant. You’ll find everything from homes around the $100,000 range to mansions worth millions of dollars. The average value of homes ranges from $153,000 in Daphne to $184,928 in Fairhope and $197,455 in Spanish Fort. The cost of living here is lower than the national average. Residents know that buying a home in our area is always a good investment.

The Eastern Shore values all its current residents and welcomes newcomers as they become part of our community. For more information, contact the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce at 251-621-8222.