On the shores of Mobile Bay, Fairhope offers waterside homes, a charming town center and a hidden French Quarter. Initially founded in 1894 as a utopian village for creatives, Fairhope has developed into the Eastern Shore's artsy outpost of 22,000 people. Downtown is a destination, full of galleries, specialty shops and eateries. Spans of golden beaches line the bay, while the Fairhope Pier invites residents and tourists to fish, stroll and watch the sunset. Homes offer a mix of million-dollar houses with views of the bay, established ranch-styles and contemporary subdivisions. Baldwin County Public Schools is one of Alabama's fastest-growing and highest-rated districts, making this a favorable option for families considering a move to the Eastern Shore. Realtor Michelle Bigler, owner and associate broker of Wise Living Real Estate, notes the family-friendly atmosphere in Fairhope. “I’ve lived here for all of my adult life, and I love the family environment and safety of it,” Bigler, who has sold homes for more than 20 years, says. “We’re also frequently listed in the Forbes Top 10 for places to retire, so there are often tourists looking to see if they want to live here, but it’s still quiet and family-oriented.” Halfway between Mobile and Gulf Shores, residents can commute into the city for work or head down to the shore for a day on the Gulf of Mexico.
Fairhopers love their little nooks and hideaways, like the French Quarter.
Every sunset in Fairhope feels like a masterpiece waiting to be admired.
Fairhope Farmer`s Market
The Gulf front boardwalk at the Public beach in Gulf Shores is a lively place all year round
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Working in Fairhope
According to Baldwin County's Economic Development Alliance, Baldwin County Public Schools is the area's largest employer, with over 4,000 employees. Other major employers include Collins Aerospace, Walmart and Infirmary Health. Many people living in the area work in Mobile, where major industries include manufacturing, trade and shipbuilding. “There’s definitely a tourist season here, so that drives a lot of the business downtown,” Bigler says.
Collins Aerospace is a large employer for Foley, AL.
Thomas Hospital, in Fairhope, has served Baldwin County for 60 years.
Shipping in Mobile is a main industry for people in the surrounding areas, like Fairhope.
Fairhopers make the Bone & Barrel their last stop for First Friday Art Walk.
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Renovated waterside homes and contemporary suburbs in Fairhope
Fairhope's median sale price is $392,300, 39% higher than the national average of $281,900, according to Niche. The city's oldest homes are concentrated around downtown Fairhope, where homes can go from $400,000 to $2 million depending on the size, level of renovations completed or proximity to the water. Heading east from downtown are classic, established suburbs with prices ranging from $270,000 to $500,000. On the edges of Fairhope are newly built subdivisions and gated communities with prices ranging between $600,000 and $2 million.
Breathe in the bay breeze and feel the Fairhope magic.
Homes in Fairhope are picture-perfect and full of character.
Historic homes in Fairhope tell stories of a timeless Southern elegance.
Fairhope is a place where it's beautiful homes enrich the soul of the town.
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Baldwin County Public Schools
Serving over 31,500 students, Baldwin County Public Schools is a highly rated district that earns an A-minus on Niche. According to its website, all schools in the district are rated above B-minus, and Daphne High School earned National Blue-Ribbon School status in 2012. In addition to being the largest employer in Baldwin County, BCPS is one of the fastest-growing systems in the state, according to the district website. High school students attending schools in Baldwin County can participate in their school's career and technical education program, offering industry-recognized credentials in pathways like culinary arts, sound engineering and STEM. The University of South Alabama's Fairhope campus offers undergraduate and graduate courses.
Learning excellence thrives at Fairhope High School.
At Fairhope Middle School education shapes futures.
Empowering minds at the University of South Alabama.
Baldwin County Public Schools is a highly rated district that earns an A-minus on Niche.
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Residents and visitors enjoy Fairhope Municipal Pier and Park
Numerous parks and trails are located across Fairhope. Fairhope Municipal Pier and Park offers fishing, walking paths and a marina. From the pier, the North and South Beach Parks extend across the bay front, and small beaches dot the shoreline. The city plans to upgrade the park and seawall, including restoring the 50-year-old seawall.
Other green spaces include Fairhoper's Community Park, which features a playground and aqua park, and the Eastern Shore Walking and Bike Trail, which passes through Fairhope. Fairhope is 35 minutes from the white sand beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
The Fairhope Pier is a good place for a walk, fishing, or grabbing a bite at the restaurant.
Unplug and unwind at Fairhopers Community Park, Fairhope’s hidden gem.
Walk, run, or stroll the trail along the shore in Fairhope.
From art to sunsets, Fairhope has it all.
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A hidden French Quarter in Fairhope
Much of Fairhope's desirability comes from its downtown. Brick walkways, elm trees, art galleries and boutiques line Fairhope Avenue, drawing both residents and visitors. There are dozens of eateries downtown, ranging from Fairhope institutions like Gambino's Italian Grill, a favorite since 1975, to new additions like Plane and Level, which serves Spanish tapas. Off of South Section Street, Fairhope's French Quarter invites visitors in with New Orleans-style restaurants, clothing stores, chocolate shops and jazz musicians, all surrounding a tree-draped courtyard. "It's so tucked away that you'd miss it if you didn't know it was there, it's a really cool area," Bigler says.
Bigler notes Fairhope’s year-round events, including Mardi Gras parades, a seasonal farmers market, a fall film festival and a spring arts and crafts festival. “The arts and crafts festival takes place every March and it’s a favorite. Vendors come from all over to show their paintings and pottery. It speaks to the artsy vibe here in Fairhope,” Bigler says.
The French Quarter in downtown Fairhope is a picturesque nook in the middle of town.
Enjoy the French Quarter, a little retreat in the heart of Fairhope.
Fairhope is where every street feels like home.
Downtown with it's many eateries is very walkable or many locals use their golf carts.
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Commuting and Weather in Fairhope
Highway 98 runs through the center of Fairhope and merges with Interstate 10, connecting the Eastern Shore to Mobile, 20 miles away. Residents will find daily necessities along Highway 98 and big-box retail hubs in the surrounding communities of Daphne and Foley. The city's closest neighbor is Daphne, located 6 miles from downtown Fairhope. Resort cities Gulf Shore and Orange Beach are 35 miles away. Fairhope is connected to the Baldwin Regional Area Transit System, a shuttle service available Monday through Friday. Residents can call or use the BRATS On-Demand app to schedule service. Thomas Hospital and South Baldwin Regional Medical Center serve Fairhope residents. Mobile International Airport is 25 miles from Fairhope, and Gulf Shores International Airport is 30 miles away.
Fairhope's location in southern Alabama means the summers are long and extremely hot, while the winters are cool and mild. Daily temperature highs during the summer are frequently in the 80s and 90s, while winter daily temperatures are typically between the 40s and 60s. The city is vulnerable to hurricanes, particularly with storm surges that may occur on the shore of Mobile Bay. The city encourages residents to download the City of Fairhope's app to stay up to date with weather events affecting the area.
In Fairhope, Alabama, the bay calls, and the beauty lingers.
Hwy 98 is the main thoroughfare along which Fairhope resides.
Hwy 98 leads to Interstate 10 to the North, a direct route to Mobile, AL.
Baldwin Regional Area Transit System offers on-call public transportation.
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Crime in Fairhope
The Fairhope Police Department's 2023 annual report showed 380 documented cases of violent crime and 302 cases of property crime. Fairhope shows a relatively low amount of crime compared to Baldwin County as a whole, where in 2023, there were 72,000 instances of property crime and 14,200 cases of violent crime, according to Crime.Alabama.Gov, a collaboration between the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the University of Alabama.
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