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South Orchards

South Orchards

Rural Neighborhood in Theodore, Alabama

Mobile County 36544, 36582

$342,986 Average Value
$189 Average Price per Sq Ft
11 Homes For Sale

A rural community along the Fowl River

There is breathing room aplenty in South Orchards, which sprawls south for ten miles from the community of Theodore on the outskirts of Mobile. People come to this rural area for space and a slower pace of life. Many homes are close to the Fowl River and Mobile Bay, so locals can easily launch their boats for a day on the river or make the quick drive to the white sand beaches of Dauphin Island. “People move here and love the peace and quiet so much that they never leave,” says Tonya Vankirk, resident for 22 years and Realtor with Keller Williams Mobile. In addition to the rivers and marshes, a big regional draw is Bellingrath Gardens & Home, where beautiful cultivated gardens bloom year-round.

Many homes in South Orchards sit directly off the water.
Many homes in South Orchards sit directly off the water.
Take in the sun from the east on the dock of any of the homes in South Orchards.
Take in the sun from the east on the dock of any of the homes in South Orchards.
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Boating and fishing at Memories Fish Camp

The river is a focal point for recreation, and the Fowl River Marina is an established launch point. Just upriver from the marina, anglers cast lines and launch boats at Memories Fish Camp, a Mobile County park. Welcoming more than 100,000 people annually, Bellingrath Gardens & Home is one of Alabama's most popular attractions. This 65-acre estate is the former home of a wealthy Mobile couple, and its labyrinth of gardens and natural spaces beside the Fowl River are open to the public year-round. The beaches of Dauphin Island are a 20-mile drive from the northern fringes of the neighborhood.

South Orchards locals love to drop a line in the water at Memories Fish Camp.
South Orchards locals love to drop a line in the water at Memories Fish Camp.
The iconic fountain at the center of the classic rose garden in Bellingrath Gardens is magical.
The iconic fountain at the center of the classic rose garden in Bellingrath Gardens is magical.
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Homes typically occupy one-acre lots

Wetlands and moss-draped live oaks are regional hallmarks, but backdrops vary since the neighborhood is so vast. “It’s normal for homes to sit on over an acre of land, whether it’s a secluded wooded lot or a grassy lawn,” Vankirk says. Homes near the river range from $155,000 for a three-bedroom ranch-style house to $1.1 million for a four-bedroom waterfront cottage with a private dock. Closer to Mobile Bay, ranch-style homes range from $400,000 for a 2000s three-bedroom on a two-acre lot to $600,000 for a 1970s three-bedroom on five acres. Expansive mansions at Fowl River Point near Mobile Bay range from $450,000 to $880,000. Four miles inland, suburban communities like The Oaks have grassy one-acre lawns where three-to-four-bedroom craftsman homes range from $300,000 to $430,000.

Spacious land in the South Orchards Neighborhood.
Spacious land in the South Orchards Neighborhood.
Near Pelican Reef, newer water-adjacent homes can be found towards the south of South Orchards.
Near Pelican Reef, newer water-adjacent homes can be found towards the south of South Orchards.
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Cell phones must be stored away at Hankins Middle

Students in South Orchards are part of the Mobile County Schools system. Clubs at Burroughs Elementary include the Garden Club and the Diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Education club. The school earns a grade of C from Niche. Cell phones must be stored in electronic lockers all day at Hankins Middle. Niche grades the school a C. The Facebook page for Theodore High School keeps parents and students updated on the latest news. Theodore is graded C+ by Niche.

Mary W Burroughs Elementary School-Entrance 2
Mary W Burroughs Elementary School-Entrance 2
Haskins Middle School1
Haskins Middle School1
Theodore High School
Theodore High School
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South Orchards is best explored by car

Bellingrath Road cuts north-south through the neighborhood and connects with I-10. South Orchards is not pedestrian friendly, and there are vast distances between homes and most commercial destinations. There’s also no public transportation, so most homeowners will need a car. Mobile Regional Airport is 20 miles north, and there are direct flights from the airport to several major cities including Atlanta and Charlotte.

I-10 at Tillman's Corner is the hub of shopping and dining near South Orchards.
I-10 at Tillman's Corner is the hub of shopping and dining near South Orchards.
Mobile Regional Airport is very close and convenient for South Orchards locals.
Mobile Regional Airport is very close and convenient for South Orchards locals.
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Colorful lights illuminate Bellingrath Gardens during the holiday season

Bellingrath Gardens & Home maintains a busy schedule year-round. Yoga in the Gardens is regularly offered, and nature-focused programs are also popular. Annual events include Beer & Blooms in March and the long-time favorite “Magic Christmas in Lights,” which is held nightly from late November through early January. During this holiday celebration the grounds are transformed into a festive display of lights.

The iconic fountain at the center of the classic rose garden in Bellingrath Gardens is magical.
The iconic fountain at the center of the classic rose garden in Bellingrath Gardens is magical.
Bellingrath Gardens Greenhouse is as beautiful as it is historic.
Bellingrath Gardens Greenhouse is as beautiful as it is historic.
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Seafood by the river is the draw at Pelican Reef

Seafood restaurants are a South Orchards specialty. Crawfish, shrimp, oysters and gumbo fill the menu at family-owned Baudean’s Seafood on the Dolphin Island Parkway. The Pelican Reef, a dockside favorite at Fowl River Marina, complements its seafood platter with hush puppies and a cup of gumbo. The restaurant hosts live music or karaoke most weekend nights in warmer months. The only grocery store in the area is Greer’s Market, a local chain. For big-box items and fast food, people drive 12 miles north to Tillmans Corner, home to a Walmart Supercenter and numerous chain restaurants.

Grab a bite to eat at Pelican reef before setting sail in South Orchards.
Grab a bite to eat at Pelican reef before setting sail in South Orchards.
Beaudean's Seafood is where the South Orchard locals eat.
Beaudean's Seafood is where the South Orchard locals eat.
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Amy Balfour
Written By
Amy Balfour
Gabrielle Mazur
Photography Contributed By
Gabrielle Mazur
Adam Barkley
Video By
Adam Barkley

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Leanne Carpenter, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Mobile Regional

45 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime South Orchards US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 2 4
Robbery 2 4
Burglary 1 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 4
Larceny 1 4
Crime Score 1 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$344,500
Median Single Family Price
$403,712
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$189
Number of Homes for Sale
11
Last 12 months Home Sales
28
Months of Supply
4.70
Median List Price
$422,500
Median Discount From 1st List Price
3%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
13%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,066
Median Year Built
1991
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,105
Above the national average
1,937
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
34,848

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Leanne Carpenter, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
3,398
Median Age
49
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
19.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
26.9%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$74,093
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$96,069

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
90.9%
College Graduates
27.4%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
11.1%
% Population in Labor Force
56.6%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
60''
Average Winter Low Temperature
43°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

25 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

0 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
South Orchards