$342,986Average Value$189Average Price per Sq Ft11Homes 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.
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.
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.
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
Haskins Middle School1
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.
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.
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.
Beaudean's Seafood is where the South Orchard locals eat.
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
Boykin Park
Rolston Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Playground
Bellingrath Gardens & Home
Trails
Events
Museum
Heroes Park
Baseball/Softball
Trails
Playground
Grand Savanna Bay Nature Preserve
Trails
Nature Center
River
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
On average, homes in South Orchards, Theodore sell after 68 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in South Orchards, Theodore over the last 12 months is $474,230, up 29% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Looking for a large space at a great price and just 15 minutes from Dauphin Island and a short drive to Mobile and NO HOA fees!! Well, you just found it! This large custom built 5-bedroom 3 bath mobile home built in 2020, features 2400 sq feet and is move in ready! Features a split floor plan with two large primary suites. Main Primary bedroom has two large walk-in closets a double vanity and
VRM pricing $390,000 to $425,000. This beautiful 4-bedroom, 3-bath Southern Creole home offers a warm blend of comfort, character, and craftsmanship. Set on nearly an acre with no HOA, it offers a peaceful country feel while still being close to everything—just minutes from downtown, Mississippi, shopping, and also convenient to Fowl River and Dauphin Island for weekend getaways or day trips on
This 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath home situated on almost 2 Acres has tons of Upgrades keeping with its Character and Charm. It also has a private office and sunroom for added space. This split bedroom floor plan offers privacy for the whole family. The large dining room has split brick flooring, new paint and lighting. The kitchen boast granite tops, tile backsplash and has allot of Cabinetry for storage.
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.
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.