West Mobile or Eastern Coast (Sp. Fort, etc.) (Daphne, Fairhope: relocation, apartment)

[karafl]

Hi, we are considering a relocation to Alabama for a job. My husband's job will be about 10 miles or so into Mississippi. We like what we see regarding Baldwin County and those towns on the bay, but I've started seeing recommendations for West Mobile as well.

We want a neighborhood with a pool and parks and recreational facilities. Ideally, it would be part of a master-planned community with a variety of housing options. I'd love to be able to walk to shops or the coffee bar.

I also want to be near nice, clean shopping areas with interesting and unique stores.

How would the commute be from the Eastern Shore to MS?

Thanks for any replies!

[duncan st clair]

Originally Posted by karafl

Hi, we are considering a relocation to Alabama for a job. My husband's job will be about 10 miles or so into Mississippi. We like what we see regarding Baldwin County and those towns on the bay, but I've started seeing recommendations for West Mobile as well.

We want a neighborhood with a pool and parks and recreational facilities. Ideally, it would be part of a master-planned community with a variety of housing options. I'd love to be able to walk to shops or the coffee bar.

I also want to be near nice, clean shopping areas with interesting and unique stores.

How would the commute be from the Eastern Shore to MS?

Thanks for any replies!

1) Do you work?
2)Kids?
3)How much can you afford?

It makes a big difference.I'll fill you in on your other topics when you reply .I may can really help you.I'm moving out of the area soon.

[steveklein]

i personally would look into west mobile. for me, the commute would be far too long from the eastern shore all the way to mississippi... but if it isn't that bothersome, then perhaps the eastern shore is a hair nicer.

[karafl]

We have two kids - 13 and 8. I work part time, but won't look for work right away after moving. Oh and we could spend 325 or so, but I am pretty sure we can find something we like for less. The more discretionary income the better! You know, maybe we could buy at the lower end of an area with higher end homes.

[Keeper]

I would agree with Steve, the drive from the Eastern Shore would be a really long drive especially during rush hour. Driving across the bay during rush hour is bad enough if you work in Mobile area. You can find a nice home in your price range probably for less. The other thing to consider in the drive is if there is a problem on I 65 going over the bay you have to drive around the bay which would add an hour or more to the already long commute. Remember there are hurricanes there and can cause major problems with the tunnels and I 65 bay drive

[duncan st clair]

O.K.,

Neighborhoods
The only places that fit your discription is Timber creek in Daphne and Rock creekm in Fairhope.
TC has two pools and 6 tennis courts and a POA that runs the neighborhood.
Rock creek has a pol but is poorly attended.
You will find no planned communities.
Old downtown Fairhope is the only place in two counties where you can walk to a coffee shop or browse quaint shops.However you will pay over 450K for 2000sqft here.
In TC orRC expect to pay over 350k for an entry home (under 2800sqft.)
School systems in Daphne ,Fairhope andSpanish Fort are good.That's it.There is also a good private school called Bayside Academy in Daphne.

Mobile,
is a dump.I grew up here specifically in W.Mobile You must Private school here, the public education system is a joke.I was a product of it.I cannot think of one nice community neighborhood to tell you about in mobile there are none.Mobile County has a median house hold income of 31K so if anyone on this forum states you can find a "nice" place in Mobile consider the source and what a native considers "nice"

You are looking for the same things I will be looking for in Dallas However there is more to choose from ...apples and oranges really.


In summary,

I would not move here at all if you can help it but if you must I would consider across the bay if the commute (55miles ) is O.K. with you.

There are not many nice places here and if you buy in one you will have to pay a premium.

I would let your husband pass this info to his employer to give you an extra incentive $$$$ to move to this less than desirable over priced area.Cost of living is not cheap here if you are use to walking to coffee houses and having parks pools etc for under 325K.That does not exist here.

[DreamWeavin]

ok, keeping in mind as all will attest to in this forum that I DETEST Alabama and more specifically Mobile. However, IF you Must live here due to hubby working in Mississippi and you do NOT want to live in Ms then may I suggest Grand Bay. It is a few miles from the Ms state line and a short commute into either Mobile or west to Ms.

Small community and not as crowded as Mobile. Most of the homes have pretty decent property sizes. I dunno....I'm moving from Alabama as soon as I possibly can so can't offer anything positive.

Originally Posted by karafl

Hi, we are considering a relocation to Alabama for a job. My husband's job will be about 10 miles or so into Mississippi. We like what we see regarding Baldwin County and those towns on the bay, but I've started seeing recommendations for West Mobile as well.

We want a neighborhood with a pool and parks and recreational facilities. Ideally, it would be part of a master-planned community with a variety of housing options. I'd love to be able to walk to shops or the coffee bar.

I also want to be near nice, clean shopping areas with interesting and unique stores.

How would the commute be from the Eastern Shore to MS?

Thanks for any replies!

[karafl]

We will be visiting in two weeks to see if the area holds some promise for us. I will look into Grand Bay and also consider the commute for my husband. He will not have to go into work everyday, but would tire quickly of a drive of over an hour one way.

Kara

[beachbabydmg]

Your best bet is West Mobile. Trust me on this. But, you may want to home school your children. We live in Spanish Fort on the Eastern Shore, but my husband's commute to Mobile - near Tillman's Corner - sometimes is rough due to tie ups on the road, etc. Then your husband would be closer to work. Although you could get a great apartment on the Eastern Shore where the schools are better if your husband doesn't mind driving a distance. West Mobile should be fine. As a matter of fact, my in-laws are moving there in May from Red Bay, AL. West Mobile has some very nice areas. We just moved here in 2005 from Philadelphia, PA and just love it - never move back to PA that's for sure. Loved PA, but don't miss the cold. If you want any more information, contact me.