Fairhope's overall cost-of-living is slightly higher than the national average thanks primarily to real estate prices.  As of this writing, 540 non-bayfront homes, primarily single-family, are for sale; the median price is $340,000 (but the median price has averaged $319,000 for the last several months).  Rock Creek is a beautiful master-planned golf community with homes (3 bedrooms, 2 baths) starting at $245,000.  Lot prices begin at $55,000 and at $135,000 for locations along the championship, 18 hole golf course.  Quail Creek is another planned development built around a golf course and has single-family homes with 1,800 square feet starting at around $200,000

Single family homes, many with large lots and beautiful gardens, are found throughout Fairhope and start in the high $100,000s to low $200,000s.  New construction homes are on the higher side of the median home price, but deals can be found.  We discovered a lovely 3 bedroom, 2 bath cottage-style home in town with 1,600 square feet and a carport for $185,000.   Another of similar style and size on a lot with huge oak trees was $195,000.  The Hollowbrook neighborhood, where many retirees choose to live, offers very attractive 2 and 3 bedroom homes with all-brick maintenance-free exteriors and two-car attached garages starting in the $180,000s.  Miller's Crossing is a new community with 2 and 3 bedroom homes from the $170,000s.   Homes with waterfront views start in the high $300,000s and go much higher.   There are a limited number of town homes and condominiums for sale.  One of the newest condo projects is Gayfer Condominiums (877-399-7480) where prices begin at $225,000 for 2 bedrooms and 1.5 baths.

There are a few manufactured home communities, including Key Allegro Villas (334-990-0009) which caters to seniors.    As of this writing, however, no homes were for sale.    Apartment living options include Arbor Gates, a lovely, well-maintained complex with 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units available.   Monthly rents begin at $590 for 840 square feet (1 bedroom and 1 bath) and top out at $850 for 3 bedrooms and 2 baths.  Additional fees include a $250 security deposit, $40 application fee and $300 pet fee (little dogs and average-size cats accepted), if applicable.

Fairhope is one of two single tax colonies remaining in the United States (the other is in Arden, Delaware).   The people who founded the town acquired land in the name of the Fairhope Single Tax Corporation and then leased the land to those who wanted to use it or live on it.  Lessees have a 99 year renewable lease on the land and they have ownership of improvements made on it.  The rent paid to the Single Tax Corporation by lessees includes an amount due for state, county and local taxes, plus an administration fee.  The Single-Tax Corporation still operates, holding 1800 leaseholds covering more than 4500 acres in and around the current city of Fairhope.  

Real estate taxes are charged at $42 per $1,000 of assessed value, and homes are assessed at 10% of value.  There is a homestead exemption of $5,000 for those older than 65 and who have $12,000 or less gross income per year.

For those seeking assisted living facilities, Homestead Village (800-395-3864) is a residential senior community with homes and condos for sale and apartments for rent, depending on the level of care needed.  An "aging in place" philosophy is employed, allowing seniors the option of staying in the community as they grow older.  Residents will find a total of seven assisted living facilities and five nursing homes in Fairhope and nearby.

Fairhope is experiencing some growing pains but has instituted strict zoning laws to ensure that it retains its picturesque quality and not grow too fast.   The downtown is lively, with shops and restaurants nestled along wide, tree-lined streets.  Many artists make their home here, and galleries and boutiques showcase their wares.  Each year, 200 trees are planted throughout town, and colorful flower baskets hang from nearly every street lamp giving the town a storybook enchantment.  The waterfront is enjoyed by all and provides a lovely venue for evening strolls as the sun sets over the Bay and Mobile twinkles in the distance.

Golfing is a year-round pleasure in and around Fairhope thanks to the area's mild climate.  Quail Creek is an 18-hole public course; green fees are $24 for 18 holes. The Marriott's Lakewood Golf Club is also open to the public, as well as hotel guests.  Rock Creek Golf Club is a beautiful semi-private club with rates from $29 to $59.    

Boating enthusiasts will love that there are so many marinas so close by and home to every kind of sailing and power boat imaginable.  Charters are available for fishing or just for taking a sail along the shore.  Evening cruises are especially romantic!

The beautiful Nix Center is a senior activity center that provides daily activities for those 50 and older and currently has 1,800 members.  Programs offered include sailing events, potluck lunches, dominos, pool & billiards, ballroom dancing lessons, support groups, ice cream socials, birthday parties, blood pressure screening, cooking classes and much more.

Fairhope has its share of fun festivals.  The biggest annual event, the Arts and Crafts Festival, occurs the third weekend in March and is one of the oldest and largest festivals of its kind in the South.   Each year, hundreds of artists and fine craftsmen from around the U.S. and overseas come to this prestigious three-day event to show and sell their wares to crowds estimated at 150,000.  The nation's largest one-day sailing regatta takes place the third weekend in April on Mobile Bay, and the yearly Jubilee, when bottom-dwelling fish, shrimp and crabs rush en masse to the shore to meet eagerly awaiting residents with scoops and buckets in hand, is not to be missed.

Shopping is limited, but there is now a Wal-Mart on the outskirts of town; some, though, say that this has taken away some of the town's charm. Others appreciate the convenience.  Mobile is close enough for more in-depth shopping excursions as needed.  

Health care services in Fairhope are quite good.  Thomas Hospital is a 150-bed facility that offers 24 hour emergency services and acute care, and Mercy Medical offers home health care and sub-acute care.  Further options are available in Mobile just across the Bay.

It gets hot and muggy during the summer here (low 90s with 70% humidity are the average), but the nearby water helps mitigate the temperatures.  Winters are quite nice, with temperatures in the 60s and low 40s.  

Fairhope is a relatively small Southern town; living here could take some adjusting for those from the north or from larger cities (Yankees, though, do seem to be welcomed).  It is also a safe place, with a crime rate below the national average.  And while some of Fairhope's charm may be waning as more people discover it and more building takes place, it still has a romantic quality.  Taking a walk along the Bay on a cool winter morning is like stepping into a southern novel.  Moss-draped oak trees appear and disappear in the milky fog and everyday sounds become muffled.   Spring is a lovely time to visit, and falls are marked by especially spectacular sunsets.

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