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Daphne, with the largest population on the Eastern Shore, is like the kid who started working out in the weight room and suddenly bulked up into a powerhouse. Daphne's attributes begin with a growing commercial base and a wide selection of housing choices. Add to that its proximity to Interstate 10 for commuters and it's understandable why this sleepy little town evolved into a desirable suburban community.
Daphne's growth and attributes earned it a place among the top 100 places to live in America, according to Money magazine and CNN/Money On-Board in July of 2005. It ranked 96th for its economy, education and safety standards, while arts, leisure, environment, taxes and housing also factored into the equation.
Daphne has several Mardi Gras organizations that parade, an arts and crafts festival and Christmas parade. With a number of fast-food outlets for vacationers situated on U.S. 98, Daphne has recently added to its commercial base with Lowe's and Sam's Club. The Jubilee Mall on Hwy. 90 at Interstate 10 features a Rave cinema, much desired by residents along the Eastern Shore. The complex also includes Books-A-Million, Pier 1, Steinmart, Long Horn Steakhouse, Wings, McAllister's, O'Charley's and a few other small restaurants.
Population: 24,328
Average household income: $74,419
Median age: 37.97
Area: South and north of Interstate 10, and east past Highway 27
Total businesses: 844, including 195 retail, 102 finance, insurance and real estate and 335 businesses in the service sector.
Churches: Catholic, Interdenominational and Non-denominational; Protestant churches include Lutheran, Baptist, United Methodist, African Universal, Presbyterian USA, Seventh Day Adventist, African Methodist Episcopal, Episcopal, Assembly of God, Missionary Baptist, Charismatic, Christian, Church of Christ, Church of God in Christ, Holiness and Greek Orthodox.
Recreation: Daphne draws residents from other towns on the Eastern Shore through its Recreation Department programs (soccer, basketball, swimming as well as dancing, crafts and martial arts); Daphne Dixie Youth Baseball, Bounds Family YMCA (indoor and outdoor pools, weights, aerobic classes, racketball and basketball courts) and the Batchelor's Kids Zone. In addition to the sports complex, Daphne has three older parks: Lott Park across from city hall for preschoolers; and May Day Park on Mobile Bay for picnicking and fishing (it also has a public boat launch) and the old baseball complex which also has a couple of tennis courts. The Lake Forest Yatch club offers facilities for boats, and under its programs sailing lessons for adults and youth alike.
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26551 County Road 13
Daphne, AL 36526
(251) 626-1663
Principal: Tommie B. Conaway
Approximate enrollment: 650
Daphne Middle School (6-8) #1 Jody Davis Circle
Daphne, AL 36526
(251) 626-2845
Principal: James Oliphant
Approximate enrollment: 750
Daphne High (9-12) 9300 East Lawson Road
Daphne, AL 36256
(251) 626-8787
Principal: Don Blanchard
Approximate enrollment: 1,200
Rockwell Elementary (K-6) (Serves some Daphne neighborhoods)
10183 Hwy. 31
Spanish Fort, AL 36527
(251) 626-5528
Principal: Robbie Owen
Approximate enrollment: 750
Bayside Academy (4K-12) 303 Dryer Ave.
Daphne, AL 36526
(251) 626-2840
Headmaster: Thomas Johnson
Approximate enrollment: 730
Christ the King Catholic School 1503 Main St.,
Daphne, AL 36526
(251) 626-1692
Principal: Sr. Maureen Nolan
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Neighborhoods:
Houses on market: 320
Average selling time: Approximately 5 months
Old and new, Daphne has homes from generally the $170,000s to well into the millions for Mobile Bay waterfront. But the neighborhood that dominates Daphne is Lake Forest, one of the largest planned unit developments in Alabama. Some 3,000 home and lot owners pay dues to own property in this diverse and eclectic neighborhood. (See Lake Forest page). Older sections of town and Plantation Hills offer the most in affordable housing, starting in the $150,000s. Subdivisions with newer homes include Canterbury (starting in the $200,000s); Bay Branch (starting in the low $200,000s); Creekside and Chamberlain Trace (both starting in the mid-$300,000s); Bellgrove Estates (starting in the $250,00s), Tiawasee Trace (roughly $380,000 and up), Eagle Creek ($200,000s) Sehoy $320,000s and up), and TimberCreek Golf Community | | | |