[madjoe]

Thinking of relocating to Alabama from Florida via Jersey mainly for the property tax advantage. Is there anyone out there who lives in the fairhope area from the northeast? we would like your imput. Our concern is how we will fit in . We will be young retirees, with older teens who may or may not come with us. Thanks so much .

[dbkeel1]

Nice area but probably seeing the same insurance increases seen elsewhere after the 2005 hurricanes.

[lisamm]

Originally Posted by madjoe

Thinking of relocating to Alabama from Florida via Jersey mainly for the property tax advantage. Is there anyone out there who lives in the fairhope area from the northeast? we would like your imput. Our concern is how we will fit in . We will be young retirees, with older teens who may or may not come with us. Thanks so much .

Not sure about fairhope but i moved to Huntsville, Al from Brooklyn, NY and I felt the people treated me with great hospitality. I was treated better down south that up north. You'll fit in fine and your kids will make good friend. I have two teens and they love it in Alabama. The only thing they miss was the snow. Good Luck and don't believe everything you hear about the south. Good Luck and i think you should go for it.

[lbsing]

Fairhope is a lovely little town! It would be a great place to retire.

[Keeper]

Fairhope is a wonderful town although as mentioned I am sure you will find property insurance will be higher there than in other parts of AL. There are other little towns around Fairhope where insurance might be lower since they aren't right on the water. There are still a lot of people who don't lock their doors in that area. Property is more expensive there than in other parts of AL due to it being on the water and the influx of artist and retirees living there, but still not as bad as other parts of the country. I would suggest you look at their website to get a little more insight into the area.

[fauxgal]

Originally Posted by madjoe

Thinking of relocating to Alabama from Florida via Jersey mainly for the property tax advantage. Is there anyone out there who lives in the fairhope area from the northeast? we would like your imput. Our concern is how we will fit in . We will be young retirees, with older teens who may or may not come with us. Thanks so much .

I have grown up in Fairhope and yes they are very yankee friendly. In fact there are more yankees there now then natives. It seems to grow more and more every year. But I do not think that the taxes would be any cheaper.
You could also look to Daphne or Foley. But if you seek a charming small town with an upscale feel then Fairhope should be your choice.

[steveklein]

fairhope and foley would both be great towns to retire too.

[bamaboomer]

I live in point clear al. I married a man from the Catskills in NY. The first time I brought him home to meet my family he was so scared, like they would be the KKK. He loves point clear. I think you will too.

[Utopian]

And see for yourself.

Real estate taxes are very low compared to the north. On our comparably-priced suburban Chicago home on a lot 75% smaller than our current one, we paid real estate taxes six times higher -- and that was back in 2001.

We're younger retirees (me -- mid 40s; he -- early 60s) whom purchased a 1600-sq.-ft. "bargain" on 1/2 acre a few blocks from downtown in 2003. Real estate prices have increased since then, as they have across the country, but a reputable realtor in the area will give you all listings within your price range (I would suggest Sandra Harper at Cortright & Co. in downtown Fairhope). Or drive around town and see many FSBO / for lease signs in front of properties.

We're within walking distance of downtown (visitors center, library, city hall, coffee shops, stores, the community college) and a short drive from major grocery stores, drug stores, shopping centers, etc.

Fairhope continues to attract an interesting mix from across the country, and there are numerous opportunities to become active in organizations which interest you.

Good luck with your search!

P.S. Check our Fairhope's website: www.cofairhope.com

[Southlander]

Your teens might find Fairhope awfully quiet. But they'll be gone to college soon, right? And in-state tuition is WAY lower than up north.