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Fairhope is the most well-known of the cities on the Eastern Shore, thanks to national publicity lauding it as a top retirement destination and beautifully landscaped town. Situated south of Spanish Fort and Daphne on Mobile Bay, Fairhope is comprised of its old town area and then a host of suburbs inland. In the old town area, you will find an eclectic mix of retail shops and restaurants, while the newer sections on U.S. 98 resemble any thriving suburban area with groceries, eateries and service industries. Fairhope also is home to one of Baldwin County's satellite courthouses, as well as Thomas Hospital.
In July, 2005, Fairhope was named one of the "Top 10 Cool Small Southern Markets" by Southern Business & Development Magazine."
Population: 25,535
Average household income: $70,049
Median age: 42.43
Total businesses: 1,119 including 275 retail, 106 financial, insurance and real estate, and 461 service sector.
Churches: Catholic, Baptist, African Methodist Episcopal, Apostolic, Assembly of God, Charismatic, Christian, Christian Science, Church of Christ, Church of God, Episcopal, Jehovahs Witness, Lutheran, United Methodist, Non-Denominational, Pentecostal, Presbyterian and Presbyterian USA, Seventh Day Adventist, Unitarian Universalist.
Neighborhoods: The old town section of Fairhope is as eclectic as can be imagined. From cottages to waterfront mansions, the home prices vary widely. Newer neighborhoods include assisted living communities, patio homes, golf communities and estate-sized lots and homes. Generally, over 200 homes are on the market at any given time. Neighborhoods include Idlewilde (starting in the high-$200,000s), Fairfield (starting in the $300,000), River Mill (low $200,000) and BelleChase (starting $120,000) Golf communities include Quail Creek, starting in the $200,000s, and Rock Creek starting in the $300,000s. Recreation: Fairhope Yacht Club offers sailing and boating; the Fairhope Recreation Department provides soccer, etc., golf at Rock Creek, Quail Creek, or Lakewood; fish or watch a sunset at the Fairhope pier and adjacent park; the James P. Nix Adult Activity Center offers a number of continuing education and exercise classes; Skateland Rinks; two horseback-riding stables are in the area. |