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After just spending a couple of weeks in Gulf Shores, I must tell you that -- with the beach sands as white as snow, the water pristine and the weather just about as perfect as you could ask for -- Gulf Shores is alive and well and kicking!
This is NOT to downplay the devastation that several of Alabama's mid-to-northern cities in the state have suffered, or the devastation and economic blow that the Alabama coast suffered just this past year from the oil spill, but is instead to let all of you know that may have concerns, that the Alabama coast has made a COMPLETE comeback already this year... tourism is definitely up again... it's an awesome place to be!
And, we certainly did our best to help the economy out... from trying out every restaurant we could among the endless selections from the fresh seafood to whatever, to shopping 'til we dropped from the outlet stores to the boutiques to all the other local stores/markets/craft shows that abound, between the swimming and just walking the beaches at sunrise/sunset and watching the dolphins, as well as skiing, parasailing, fishing, boating, nightly entertainment and all the other activities available... well, whewww, we be tired, tired, tired!
Anyway, if you get a chance, DO visit... 'tis worth the trip times a million just for the views!
I have to totally agree with O.P.,my 1st trip to visit AL shores was last yr and I must say it is a very very beautiful place and I will be there again in July or August.
I also have been researching homes in Gulf Shores and Fairhope with the hope of buying sooner then later.
I love AL, it has really made a great impression on me and my family.
I am glad you appreciate the beauty of Lower Alabama and consider moving here. It's funny, but many people up north do not even realize we have gorgeous white sand beaches, and many did not know we were on the Gulf until the oil spill. It's almost like people don't bother to learn about their country before they trash areas that they know nothing about.(Same is reversed on Southeners towards New York, and feel all of the area is crowded like NYC, not realizing it's a beautiful state.)
I am very partial to Fairhope vs Gulf Shores, as living on the beach is not the same as visiting it. I lived in Orange Beach (Ono Island), and it got boring and our insurance was astronomical. We built the same house in Fairhope, as the one in OB, and there is no comparison insurance wise. I would suggest you ck those options before deciding to by a home.
I am glad you appreciate the beauty of Lower Alabama and consider moving here. It's funny, but many people up north do not even realize we have gorgeous white sand beaches, and many did not know we were on the Gulf until the oil spill. It's almost like people don't bother to learn about their country before they trash areas that they know nothing about.(Same is reversed on Southeners towards New York, and feel all of the area is crowded like NYC, not realizing it's a beautiful state.)
I am very partial to Fairhope vs Gulf Shores, as living on the beach is not the same as visiting it. I lived in Orange Beach (Ono Island), and it got boring and our insurance was astronomical. We built the same house in Fairhope, as the one in OB, and there is no comparison insurance wise. I would suggest you ck those options before deciding to by a home.
Hope you find what you want and welcome to L.A.
Shhhh don't say anything about the white beaches or more N.Y.ers will follow and they might bring there crummy political beliefs with them,I'm trying to get away from it all.
I have read all about the high prices of insurance along the beach area and I will probably be avoiding them to some degree.
Funny when I told friends and family about my looking for a home in AL some said "I don't think they will like you down there because your from N.Y.",I said "One dont believe what you hear and two you will find good and bad everywhere,my political and religious beliefs are the same as theirs and if they don't like me then theirs nothing I can do about it"
I figure my sparkling personality will win most over.
I just noticed our political views are similar. Good for you!!! You'll fit just fine. And again, when people are ignorant about what is where, is when they judge. There are amazing things about NY..the city is awesome, and the state is also great. But everyone opines with out knowing what they're talking about. But our weather sure trumps yours....LOL!!! And our taxes are a ton less, so NY will probably lose a lot of residents. You get more for your money here...prices on homes are lower than in many years, and we do not need winter clothes per se. How about a 3 yr old, 3000sq ft home, 4/3 1/2, all brick, in a very lovely SD for $270,000. We have some folks closing on it end of May. No where up there you find these buys...
We had an insurance bill on the house that was going to exceed $13,000 on our home in OB, and we did not have a waterfront lot. We decided to put home on the market, and sold it in 4 mos.(that was the year after Katrina)Best decision we made, plus we really love Fairhope!
There is a community feeling here and lots to do...or you can sit back and enjoy the sunsets...We are getting some good restaurants, small and eclectic, that make the town much more enjoyable. Again, GS is a 45 minute drive away...so being here is ideal, as we have the bay, and the beach that close by. Have you heard about our jubilees? It's an amazing phenomenon that occurs in our shores here in Fairhope and Daphne in the summer...all you can eat smorgasbord of crabs,flounder, ect that float to the shore...easy catch! Just one more goodie from our great town!
I am very partial to Fairhope vs Gulf Shores, as living on the beach is not the same as visiting it.
Just a FYI, we're originally from coastal AL and spent most of our youth, as well as that of our children, at the shore, be it Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Fort Morgan, etc. All of these have and will always hold a special place in our hearts as it's where we all learned to swim, ski, fish, etc., and it is where we'll be retiring to... in our home... that is located right there on the beach.
Sorry, but there is NOTHING like waking up to the ocean views or being lulled to sleep by the sound of the ocean waves... something you simply cannot experience inland or on the bay... cost be darn! Obviously, from the many private homes and condos that abound in these beach areas, many seem to agree.
But, then again, I'm not trying to make a buck by selling one area over another for my Fairhope realtor hubby... just trying to share what a beautiful experience it is with those that haven't been down our way yet and/or may still have concerns over damage caused by the oil spill.
And, kerrymac, welcome, so glad you enjoyed the area last year -- it's even better than ever now! Wherever you and your family decide on, I'm sure you'll fit right into the leisure southern style of living.
Last edited by BstYet2Be; 05-13-2011 at 03:28 PM..
Just a FYI, we're originally from coastal AL and spent most of our youth, as well as that of our children, at the shore, be it Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Fort Morgan, etc. All of these have and will always hold a special place in our hearts as it's where we all learned to swim, ski, fish, etc., and it is where we'll be retiring to... in our home... that is located right there on the beach.
Sorry, but there is NOTHING like waking up to the ocean views or being lulled to sleep by the sound of the ocean waves... something you simply cannot experience inland or on the bay... cost be darn! Obviously, from the many private homes and condos that abound in these beach areas, many seem to agree.
But, then again, I'm not trying to make a buck by selling one area over another for my Fairhope realtor hubby... just trying to share what a beautiful experience it is with those that haven't been down our way yet and/or may still have concerns over damage caused by the oil spill.
And, kerrymac, welcome, so glad you enjoyed the area last year -- it's even better than ever now! Wherever you and your family decide on, I'm sure you'll fit right into the leisure southern style of living.
We live a couple hours away and make a half a dozen trips a year to the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area. It feels like we're in a different world once we come out of the Mobile tunnel.
We use to go to Destin FL but find the bama coast not as expensive, more things to do, and a little more laid back.
FYI, my realtor hubby sold 3 very high end condos at the beach last year, at the height of the oil spill. He can sell properties anywhere, btw.We are very aware of the beauty of our shores, the beaches are gorgeous, and I am NOT selling the Eastern Shore vs the beaches.
It is the practical side of me, and the fact that we know quite a few people that moved up this way for similar reasons. People will move wherever they want to move...but I was stating facts on the high insurance costs. (They mentioned they were interested in Fairhope or Gulf Shores...and I was relating our personal experience). Also, being down there after Ivan and seeing the devastation, also was quite an awakening. It took years for some flora to get back...and some never did. It's reality...
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