Robertsdale / foley (Spanish Fort, Loxley, Summerdale: transplants, for sale, 2009)

[silas777]

I am planning on splitting off one of my business's and relocating it to the south, I worked out around Loxely and stayed down on the beach and in Robertsdale, back in 2002, I really like that area I know that prices have gone up since. My business is not dependent on the local economy for sales, because we sell and ship all over the country. I really loved the laid back, slower pace in foley ,robertsdale ,thinking long term, probably relocate entirely in 4 years. Has it gotten crowded? what about the prices for industrial and commercial property? thanks for input!

[southernnaturelover]

It hasn't gotten much more crowded compared to 2002. Loxley, Robertsdale, and Summerdale are still small communities. You could also check out Stapleton or Elberta if you like a more rural feeling.

Spanish Fort has been the hot spot in Baldwin County for growth, and it has definitely changed. Foley has seen some growth also, mostly along hwy 98 towards Magnolia Springs.

[HowDeDo]

Hello. Im actually considering semi-retiring in Foley and was hoping you could give me the Pros and Cons youve found . Also, are there lakes/rivers/parks for getting into nature , do you feel it is easy to make new friends as a Northerner , and do you sense a good family/church atmosphere ? Thanks for what you can share.

[southernnaturelover]

Originally Posted by HowDeDo

Hello. Im actually considering semi-retiring in Foley and was hoping you could give me the Pros and Cons youve found . Also, are there lakes/rivers/parks for getting into nature , do you feel it is easy to make new friends as a Northerner , and do you sense a good family/church atmosphere ? Thanks for what you can share.

If you're a nature lover check out this place...
Tour Biophilia Nature Center on the Gulf Coast . If you email her she could also direct you to other good places to visit.

Many northerners have retired in Baldwin County, so you won't have a problem there. There are also plenty of churches in the area, more towards the northern end of the county

[Keeper]

I would venture to say probably the one bad thing is the traffic on 59 especially on the weekends. Once you live there you will find back roads to get you where you want to go.

I am going down next week for a visit..

[polishsumgai]

Originally Posted by HowDeDo

Hello. Im actually considering semi-retiring in Foley and was hoping you could give me the Pros and Cons youve found . Also, are there lakes/rivers/parks for getting into nature , do you feel it is easy to make new friends as a Northerner , and do you sense a good family/church atmosphere ? Thanks for what you can share.

I retired to Lillian, AL ( first town in AL coming over Perdido Bay from FL) in 1995. Property tax this year on a $250,000 home within sight of the water was $394 for a year. Being a retired civil servant there is no state income tax and I can earn $42,000 before the state starts taxing earned income.

We shop in FL because it's closer and they don't put sales tax on food ( AL does tax food ). There are 4 or 5 hospitals in Pensacola, restaurants galore, beaches, parks, etc.

Lillian is probably 15% locals and 85% transplants from up north.

New and previously owned homes are reasonable - 2000 sq ft home built in 1996 in a 44 home subdivision just sold for $189,000, a 3000 sq ft home, same age, with 3 car garage and inlaw apartment out back sold for $279,000.

We looked in FL and found property tax today on a home like ours would be $4000+.

We enjoy living here, made new friends easily and it's very laid back. Lillian has 2 gas stations, a post office, lumber yard, Dollar Store and 3 small restaurants - that's it.. oh and one traffic light, with no local traffic at all !!

I would suggest coming to Foley, AL and stay at the Holiday Inn express and take your time and look around. A lot of rentals are available in the area


DOWNSIDE - homeowners insurance, because of the hurricane threat. I canceled the hurricane insurance portion of my home owners when it went from $1200 to $2600 this year with a 5% ($12,500 deducible ). My home owners went down to $300, so I will self insure myself against hurricanes. We had roof damage in hurricane Ivan in 2004 and I put a metal roof on for $8000. With the high deducible it makes sense to me to be self insured. If you can't find a company to write insurance for your house you can go into the state insurance pool where a $200,000 policy will run around $5500.00 in 2009.

Other than that it's a great place to live.

Good luck