[Poolman]

I would like to relocate to this area. I am interested in opening my own lawn business also. I have two school age children and am also wondering about the area. Are the schools good in this area? Would you recommend private? Moving from Florida I am amazed at how affordable Alabama is? Also I am a pool player and wondering if there are pool teams in the local taverns?

[southerngirl_for_now]

Originally Posted by Poolman

I would like to relocate to this area. I am interested in opening my own lawn business also. I have two school age children and am also wondering about the area. Are the schools good in this area? Would you recommend private? Moving from Florida I am amazed at how affordable Alabama is? Also I am a pool player and wondering if there are pool teams in the local taverns?

I have a lot of family and friends in the area of Spanish Fort,Daphne and Fairhope. There seems to be an abundance of lawn care businesses in the area so you might want to research that. From what I've been told the schools(Baldwin county) are at least better than Mobile county schools. I don't frequent taverns,although I like to shoot pool; so I don't know about pool teams.

[duncan st clair]

There's plenty of unskilled laborers in the area already.There is alot of construction also .You may do well. good luck.

[Packerman]

Any remarks about the Baldwin County schools?

[Dixie]

Hi!
I have family in Baldwin County and visit there often. I have heard the school system in that area is great! Spanish Fort is a very nice area filled with many nice people. Fairhope is also nice but seems to be geared more towards being a retirement community. Daphne is nice also.....of the 3 I would choose Spanish Fort. Visit the area - talk to the locals- make a wise and informed decision. That area is booming with construction and such and in close proximity to Mobile- Gulf Shores and of course Florida. I'm sure you will find many people with different opinions...this is just my honest opinion.(JMO) Good Luck and I hope you enjoy where ever you decide to move. :-)

[manniecole]

Schools in Baldwin County are terrible. Pulled my kids out. Public schools in Alabama are ranked terrible. Moderator cut: insult

[Utopian]

We've been here since 2003. I'd suggest renting for a few months, like we did, to really get a feel for the area before buying a place -- but would highly recommend checking out this and surrounding areas.

Fairhope is a very unique town with an eclectic mix of people. Every place has its ups and downs, as the locals will tell you, but for us it has been safe, interesting, inspiring and has a unique southern flavor that is very coastal and cool -- newcomers continue to stir up this "interesting pot of gumbo."

For those Alabama-bashers out there, don't discount the state before checking it out. I'm originally from the Chicago area, met my southern-born husband there, then retired early to pursue the "art of life." Fairhope is a great place to do just that.

Good luck with your search and your eventual move!

[nalabama]

Poolman-

As a former lawn care operator in north Alabama and a former vacation property owner in the Foley area, I would expect that you could be very successful in that area doing residential properties. In the late 90s when I had property there, most of the lawn care companies were concentrating on commercial accounts and it was almost impossible to find somebody to maintain residential property. We sold out because all we did was work in the yard when we went down once a month or once every two months. Non-resident property owners would be a great market, since you essentially cut the properties at your leisure. Most of the non-resident owners don't care when it's cut, just that it's cut on a regular basis so as not to be an eyesore to the the permanent residents. Of course, all that may have changed with the influx of illegal aliens into the area in the aftermath of the all the hurricanes a couple of years ago, but I doubt it with so many higher-paying jobs available in construction. Go online and find the local Stihl and Husqvarna dealers phones and call them to see what they think.

I believe the Foley area will be more reasonable that the other areas as regards property values, especially if you are not looking for a site on the water.

Good luck. We loved the lifestyle in the Bon Secour area between Foley and Gulf Shores and still miss being a part of it.

[Valnf]

Hi,

I am relocating from up north. My husband has a job in Mobile and never knew about Alabama, I am a Florida person. I checked out relocating to Pensacola and Eastern Shores Alabama. I really like the newness and growth going on in Eastern Shores. We are choosing Spanish Fort. I heard the schools are excellent. There are also many private schools if education is a real concern and not willing to take a chance. I have found all the people I talk with to be so friendly. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are the prettiest beaches I have ever seen. I think I will enjoy living there and yes much more affordable than Florida. I still love Florida and will be a Floridian at heart. Both my children were born there and lived there for 9 years. Moved to New England because didn't want to raise kids in Miami.

If anyone that has relocated to Eastern Shores could share some stories with me I would be glad to hear it. How is it compared to living in Florida and the school experience. I have tough ages to relocate with middle school boy and 9th grade girl.

[Mestizo]

I live in baldwin county. i would definity want to live in Foley.
everybody says it's not a good place to live but honestly the people there are a lot nicer than the people in Spanish Fort.
the people in Spanish Fort are all a bunch of snobs and don't care about anything except themselves.
Daphne is also a pretty nice place they have some nice stuff there and it's close to Mobile.