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
1/4
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.
1/4
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.
1/4
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.
1/4
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.
1/4
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.
1/4
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.
1/4
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.
Written By
Micaela Green
Photography Contributed By
Gabrielle Mazur
Video By
Grace Kim
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Tim Sherrill,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Fairhope, AL sell after 67 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Fairhope, AL over the last 12 months is $480,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This fully furnished cottage full of coastal charm is only a few houses from the sparkling waters of Mobile Bay. Updated throughout to Gold Fortification standards, this home offers peace of mind with new floors, appliances, HVAC, Tankless Water Heater, windows, and doors. Inside, vaulted ceilings and an open-concept floor plan create a light-filled atmosphere. The custom wood floors, brand new
Welcome to 317 Morning Mist Way, located in one of our newest Fairhope communities, Harvest Green West!This floorplan exudes luxury and comfort with a space for every imaginable use. This is one of our one-story homes with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a 2-car garage.Check out this stunning Holly floorplan in our brand-new community of Harvest Green West in Fairhope, Alabama where
ENJOY BEAUTIFUL SUNSETS AND BAYFRONT LIVING EVERYDAY. This amazing bayfront home boasts 50' on the bay, a sun/boat dock over the water, a large swim/hot tub and a partially fenced bay side yard. The home has been updated with a new HVAC (1.5 yrs. old), a new grinder pump (1 yr. old), new kitchen refrigerator, granite countertops and hardwood/vinyl plank floors. It has a split floor plan with 2
BACK ON MARKET THROUGH NO FAULT OF THE PROPERTY OR SELLER. The previous contract was contingent upon the buyer selling an out-of-state home, and that contingency was not satisfied.Bring your vision to this rare Fish River property offering approximately 2.38 acres, 148 feet of direct river frontage and an existing covered boathouse with power and water. Located within a no-wake area, the
Adorable remodeled Fairhope cottage situated on two deeded lots and beautifully framed by mature oak trees. A 400-square-foot enclosed great room with fireplace was added in 2023. creating wonderful additional living and entertaining space. The kitchen and bathrooms have been remodeled, with major updates including HVAC in 2024, roof in 2022, and water heater in 2019. Walk, bike, or golf cart to
Live the Fairhope lifestyle in this adorable Bluff cottage at 115 North Avenue—where charm, location, and livability come together beautifully. Just a short stroll to the bayfront park for unforgettable Mobile Bay sunsets, and minutes from downtown Fairhope’s boutiques, dining, and coastal charm, this home puts you exactly where you want to be. Built in 1940 and thoughtfully updated, this
Nestled within the tucked away, tree lined streets in Fairhope's Sandy Ford community, this beautifully designed and custom built 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath residence offers approximately 3,104 square feet of thoughtfully planned living space. Blending timeless elegance with everyday comfort, the home features formal living and dining areas that are perfect for entertaining. At the heart of the home is
LISTED WELL BELOW APPRAISED VALUE! Don't miss this amazing opportunity to own a like new Gold Fortified home in the Live Oak Estates community - Fairhope. This beautifully designed 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home offers over 2,200 square feet of functional living space with a seamless open concept layout connecting the kitchen, dining, and living areas, all filled with natural light and ideal for
Welcome to 10816 County Road 24 in Fairhope, Alabama—a custom-built, Fortified concrete home offering the perfect combination of privacy, durability, and convenience. Situated on approximately ¾ of an acre, this exceptional property provides peaceful country living while remaining just minutes from everything the Eastern Shore has to offer.Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate being only
Completely renovated and move-in ready, this charming Southern cottage in Point Clear blends timeless character with comfortable waterfront living. Situated on a private, professionally landscaped lot along the walking trail, the property offers exceptional indoor and outdoor spaces designed for both everyday living and entertaining.The main level features beautiful heart pine floors, a
MAJOR PRICE IMPROVEMENT—NOW $985,000! Opportunities offering this much usable space on three acres in Fairhope are increasingly difficult to find. This distinctive property combines a 3,170-square-foot farmhouse, an approximately 1,950-square-foot ancillary building with separate finished spaces, an additional workshop and horse stall, abundant parking and room to enjoy a more private
Discover the perfect place to call home in the heart of Fairhope- where location truly is everything! Just in time for Summer 2026, this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath brick ranch offers the ideal blend of comfort, entertaining space, and outdoor living. Step outside and experience your own private oasis featuring a kidney-shaped in-ground fiberglass pool, expansive deck spaces, and
This beautiful 5-bedroom, 3-bath home is situated on a desirable corner lot with a side-entry garage. A wide foyer welcomes you into a spacious family room, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The home features granite countertops, designer-painted cabinets, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors in the foyer and great room, upgraded light fixtures, plush carpet in the bedrooms, and
Nestled on Fly Creek, this exceptional 4-bedroom, 3-bath home offers serene water views and thoughtfully designed livings paces throughout. The main living and dining areas feature expansive casement windows that capture beautiful views of Fly Creek creating a seamless connection to the natural surroundings. The living room opens to a large deck—perfect for entertaining or enjoying peaceful creek
104 Pebble Court is a beautiful five bedroom, three and a half bath home located on a quiet cul de sac street in the sought-after neighborhood of ROCK CREEK in Fairhope, Alabama. This spacious 3,185 square foot home offers privacy and convenience on a level lot and a peaceful backyard setting. A formal dining room and a formal living room with double French doors greet you at the front door and
Available NOW! Pristine 4/2 in Fairhope Falls. As you enter the Isabella, the foyer leads to the utility room off the garage. The open kitchen features an island and separate dining area; just off the kitchen there is an office or study room. The kitchen opens to the great room with access to the back porch. The Private Suite is on the back side of the house with a large walk-in closet, ensuite,
Elevate your lifestyle at Rockwell Place, where luxury homes have modern features and finishes, including granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, luxury vinyl plank flooring, and upgraded lighting fixtures.Discover moments of leisure or productivity in our convenient internet café. Immerse yourself in a realm of abundant amenities that are thoughtfully tailored to your needs,
Welcome home to 16216 Tigris Drive in beautiful Fairhope, Alabama! This brand-new fully furnished Camilla floorplan in the sought-after Cottonwood Estates community is ready for you to simply unpack and settle in. With 1417 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space across one level, this cozy cottage style home comes fully furnished and offers everything you need to feel right at home
A New Community in FairhopeAt The Flats at East Bay, modern coastal living comes to life. Perfectly located in Fairhope, AL, our thoughtfully designed apartments offer a seamless blend of refined interiors, resort-style amenities, and effortless connection to the beauty of Mobile Bay. Here, local shopping, dining, and everyday conveniences are just minutes away.Explore a curated collection of
Palladian at Fairhope offers two and three-bedroom patio homes designed for more space, more privacy, and a more residential way to live. With single-level layouts, attached garages, and open interiors, each home feels intentional, not temporary.Located just minutes from downtown Fairhope, you're close to local shops, dining, and the bay—while still enjoying a quieter neighborhood setting.
Living in style is more enjoyable than ever at Old Battles Place luxury patio apartment homes. Combine the privacy of a traditional small southern neighborhood feel with superb service that makes daily life a pleasure. NO NOISY NEIGHBORS ABOVE OR BELOW! Seconds away from Fairhope's charming downtown area, it is considered the heart of Baldwin County. Fairhope is flush with historic buildings,
Discover the Cottages at Parkstone – Fairhope, Alabama's Premier Single-Family Home Rental Community!Nestled in the heart of Fairhope, our charming community offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Choose from our thoughtfully designed 3- or 4-bedroom homes for rent, each featuring spacious interiors and modern amenities. Enjoy the tranquility of Southern living in a picturesque
Overland Villas in Fairhope, AL is a charming townhome community that is less than 10 minutes from Downtown Fairhope. Offering spacious and inviting 3-bedroom townhome units, Overland Villas combines modern living with Southern charm. Enjoy the convenience of townhome living in a vibrant and welcoming neighborhood, where you can experience the best of Fairhope's coastal lifestyle. Additional $120
Property Id: 632865 This adorable home is close to schools, shopping and downtown Fairhope. The large living room features a wood burning fireplace, built-ins and opens up to the kitchen and dinning room. The kitchen features custom wood cabinets, granite countertops, bar, large pantry and refrigerator. The dinning room opens up to the large covered back porch, deck and manicured backyard.
Property Id: 2830285 Features hardwood floors, double garage, granite, stainless appliances including refrigerator, huge pantry, large kitchen island with breakfast bar, separate laundry room, 4 bedrooms, and 3 baths, and fenced back yard. Master suite offers walk-in closet, garden tub, huge separate tile shower, private water closet, and dual vanities. Stone Creek amenities include a
Completely remodeled ready for move in mid August! This updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home has been transformed with house quality finishes throughout and feels like new. Step inside to discover beautiful vinyl plank flooring, real wood bead-board walls in the main living areas, gorgeous butcher block countertops, stylish new lighting, fresh paint, and brand-new interior and exterior doors. The home
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
