Heritage Shores
Bridgeville, Delaware
Fairhope, Alabama
What It Is Like to Retire in Fairhope
Fairhope, Alabama is one of the most unusual (and nicest) retirement communities anywhere. It was founded by 28 settlers from Iowa in November, 1894 as a utopian single tax colony by the "Fairhope Industrial Association". Their purpose in founding a new colony was to establish and conduct a cooperative model community, free from all forms of private monopoly.
The Fairhope Single-Tax Corporation still operates, with 1800 leaseholds covering more than 4000 acres in and around the current city of Fairhope. The community owns the land and leaseholders pay a tax of between $500 to $1000 in lieu of property taxes. Fairhope has made some movement from utopian experiment to retirement community... artist's/intellectual's colony… boutique resort… and affluent suburb of Mobile. In fact, some local residents refer to Fairhope as "Carmel-by-the-Bay" alluding to California’s Carmel-by-the-Sea on the Monterey Peninsula.
This beautiful community, very popular with active adults of 55+, has Spanish moss hanging from the trees. Many homes have a view of the beautiful Mobile Bay. A 1,450-foot town pier serves as a local gathering spot. One of the first communities in Alabama to put a horticulturist on the city payroll, Fairhope is lush with trees, plantings, and flowers. For a wonderful glimpse you should read this 2011 article in the Washington Post, "In Alabama, Utopia Found".
Watch this short Youtube video prepared by alcoastalconnection:
Where to Retire in Fairhope and Home Prices
Fairhope is a desirable retirement community with many different kinds of housing available. The Zillow Home Value Index in Fairhope in late 2023 was $462,465. See some sample Fairhope Listings.
What Is Special about Fairhope
Flowers and plantings; Charming ambience and cooperative heritage; Arts & Crafts Festival (named as Event of the Year by the State of AL); University of South Alabama branch campus; Mild climate. Named one of the 10 Prettiest Retirement Towns in 2016 by MarketWatch.com.
What Is Not Special about Fairhope
The town could be too cute for some, hot, humid summers.
Who Will Like Retirement in Fairhope
Fairhope is a growing, vital community, having expanded 85% since the year 2000. Most people tend to be retirees, but since it is a suburb of Mobile, there are also plenty of people of all ages. There are many artists who live here.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Tourism, Banking, Retail, Healthcare, Services.
Climate and Physical Environment
Fairhope is on a coastal plain separated by a bay from Mobile. Many homes have a view of the bay. With a horticulturalist on staff, the community and its flowers and Spanish moss could not be more beautiful.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
Fairhope is blessed with many significant events throughout the year. There is the popular Alabama Coastal BirdFest, the Arts & Crafts Festival, the Fairhope Music Festival, just to name a few. The Eastern Shore Art Center is a vital resource with changing monthly exhibits. The Adult Recreation Center has 1200 members and a daily roster of activities that range from exercise classes to bridge. The center's Big Band dances attract folks from far away.
Crime
The crime rate here is very low, making it one of the safest places to live in after retirement.
Medical facilities
Thomas Hospital is here in Fair Hope, others are nearby in Mobile. Thomas Hospital is a local source of pride with staff doctors and specialists in all major disciplines.
Transportation
There are 2 airports in Mobile, Trent Lott International is 44 miles away in Pascagoula. Fairhope is above average for walkability when compared to other towns. For more information about how to retire in Alabama .
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