What You Need to Know About Fairhope, Alabama

Discover Living in Fairhope, Alabama

As the pinnacle of the Gulf Coast lifestyle, Fairhope is difficult to surpass. There are few places more scenic, with antebellum homes, streets lined with live oaks, and a charming, walkable downtown. With a population of about 17,000, Fairhope sits on bluffs that overlook Mobile Bay, so you’re never far from a view of the water. It may not have the white sand beaches of the Florida panhandle, but it has a laid-back vibe that lowers your blood pressure.

But how much does it cost to live in Fairhope, Alabama?

Well, it's approximately on a level with the national average in most areas. Furthermore, in a few areas, such as healthcare, utilities, and transportation, expenses are lower than the national average. Fairhope provides a lot of bang for your cost-of-living buck when you consider what you receive for the money.

Fairhope, Alabama, Overview

Fairhope, Alabama, is a city in Baldwin County on the eastern side of Mobile Bay with a population of slightly over 22,000 people. It is said to be one of the most attractive towns in the South, with welcoming and kind residents. Fairhope's descriptions might be a little exaggerated at times. Even though they are always full of effusive praise, they are true. Examples are...

“On the Alabama Gulf Coast, along the eastern shore of Mobile Bay, there is a town that drips with Southern hospitality. A town that is both quaint and contemporary at the same time but has never lost its charm. . . . the town of Fairhope."

“What attracts people to Fairhope are its simple pleasures – arts, recreation, entertainment, dining – and the people who live here, never being pretentious, always warm and inviting, welcoming visitors to the town as if they were family.”

Fairhope has also often ranked as one of Alabama's greatest places to live. It's a community with a sparse suburban atmosphere and a high percentage of residents who own their own properties. There has a sizable senior community, and citizens tend to be on the right side of the political spectrum. Furthermore, the public schools are well-regarded.

Here's a brief overview from a local who's lived there for a long time...

“Fairhope, Alabama, is a welcoming, vibrant town full of arts, culture, shopping, and beautiful parks, all alongside the view of beautiful Mobile Bay. Being a Fairhope resident my whole life, I can confidently say that Fairhope is a perfect and safe place to raise a family.”

Check out the original neighborhood post at https://localpropertyinc.com/.

Fairhope's Most Interesting Facts

Retirement

Fairhope was named the finest location to retire in Alabama by Southern Living. Fairhope was established by a group of people looking to create a utopia; visiting the city now, you might just say they’ve succeeded.

Beauty and Cultural Appeal

This village is described by Culture Trip as "Jewel of the Eastern Shore." Fairhope is a picture-perfect town that sits on the banks of Mobile Bay. It was named one of the Best Small Towns in America because of its lively downtown, beautiful beaches, and welcoming small-town atmosphere.

Appeal for Nature Lovers

There's also much to see and do for nature enthusiasts. Fairhope, Alabama, may not be on most people's radars as a big Southern destination, but nature enthusiasts searching for a little bit of everything will like the little seaside town. Fairhope is within a short distance from Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, giving boaters and beachgoers convenient access to a number of stunning beaches. The 6,000-acre Weeks Bay Nature Preserve is perfect for a peaceful stroll.

Best for Families

Fairhope was rated one of the top ten cities in the United States for families by Family Circle. Low crime rates, cheap houses, great schools, financial stability, access to health care, green space, and volunteers contributed to Fairhope's fourth-place finish.

Great Public Schools
Fairhope was ranked number 12 on Niche.com's list of "Places with the Best Public Schools in Alabama."

Check out the original neighborhood post at https://localpropertyinc.com/.

Cost of Living in Fairhope, Alabama

Overall, Fairhope scores 101.3 on the cost-of-living scale. This is based on a US average of 100, which is somewhat higher than the national average of 100 and much higher than the Alabama average of 82.3.

Now let's look at some of Fairhope's particular cost-of-living categories: Health – 99.2 Housing – 119.8 Utilities – 98.4 Transportation – 76.5 Groceries/food – 100.8

While living costs are greater in certain areas, such as housing, they are cheaper in others, such as health, utilities, and transportation, than the state and national averages.

The expense of housing is Fairhope's only major cost-of-living disadvantage when compared to the rest of the state. The housing index score for Alabama as a whole is 55.9, but it's 119.8 in Fairhope, where the median home cost is $277,000 (or $299,200, according to Niche.com). However, the median household income is $75,197, which is much more than the $51,734 statewide median family income (2019).

Why Live in Fairhope, Alabama?

Fairhope is a fantastic town for walking, in addition to the numerous reasons we've listed above. There are some spectacular walking routes and views to be seen here. Begin your walk downtown on Fairhope Avenue, on the campus of Coastal Community College, and stroll through the Marietta Johnson Botanical Garden and Tree Trail, which is surrounded by trees. The route winds its way past rows of flaming red and bright white azaleas, flowering camellia and hydrangea, and various tree species, including the endangered dawn redwood.

“Fairhope is dotted with art galleries that feature the works of incredible local artists and national artists.”

The town is also noted for its several yearly festivals, including a Mardi Gras-style event. A little higher cost of living is a minor price to pay for the privilege of living in a community like Fairhope, Alabama.

Check out the original neighborhood post at https://localpropertyinc.com/.