Fairhope, AL versus Atlanta, GA ??? (Mobile, Loxley: house, neighborhood, school)

[Ldunn1001]

I am contemplating a move this summer and am trying to decide between Fairhope, AL and Atlanta, GA (actually just north of ATL). I have two children ages 4 and 9 and am a single parent. I have visited both places and each seem like wonderful places to live and raise children. I work from home so commuting is not a problem currently. I would like to live some place where there are good churches, outdoor activities, friendly people, safe, affordable, area events such as festivals, fairs, etc and also youth sports/cheerleading is important too. Does anyone have any information that would help me decide between the two ?? Thank you

[PortCity]

Fairhope ! They have youth sports in Baldwin County i`ll find a link for you.

[cpg35223]

Wow. That is a huge swing between two extremes.

If you are a single parent, yours is not a life of bar hopping and constant entertainment. At that point, all cities become really nothing more than the neighborhood you choose and the neighbors that you have, with some time for cultural amenities thrown in from time to time. Your priorities become centered around the mechanics of getting the kids to school, to soccer practice, to the dinner table with the least amount of hassle possible, while still enjoying a rewarding social and cultural life.

If that's the case, I would choose Fairhope in a heartbeat. It's really a beautiful little artsy place on Mobile Bay. You have Mobile just across the water, you have the beaches, and you have a lot of other amenities while still enjoying all the positive qualities of a small town.

Atlanta, for all its virtues, is really a place where you have to drive a LOT. There's absolutely nothing about the city that's convenient. Don't get me wrong. If I didn't have kids and had a great deal of money, it would be a terrific place to live. But for families, it's not a very livable city. The sheer scale of place prevents that.

[mimpdaddy]

Fairhope.

[7spider]

If you like traffic and crime, then choose Atlanta. I've been living in the Atlanta area for 20 years, we are having a house built in Loxley Al. not far from Fairhope and to be perfectly honest with you I can't wait to put this Zest pool in my rear view mirror. So, to answer your question I'd say Fairhope.

[oscottscotto]

If those are the two options, then I don't think you need much help. I mean, which do you want? Bustling big-city or peaceful small town?

[Ldunn1001]

Thanks everyone for the input. I guess I should mention that when I say "Atlanta" I'm actually referring to the smaller cities outlying ATL, such as Suwanee, Cumming, Alpharetta, Lawrenceville, or maybe even further north. I do like the small town feel but also close enough to a city that has plenty of things to do. Traffic or long commute is not a problem for me since I work from home. And while you're right, I don't "hang out at the bars" LOL...I hope to get out once in a while and have a life too....LOL although I agree its very difficult with kids so having things that are important to families is a priority such as good churches, family events, nice restaurants, etc. Thanks again for your help.

[7spider]

I live in Alpharetta now, like I said before moving to Loxley soon. It's not too bad here, but it just seems like gridlock everywhere ya go. Just seems like it grew too big and too fast without good planning. I think your quality of life for you and your family will be better in Fairhope or the surrounding area. There is also enough social activities to get ya out of the house when you want, the bay, the beaches and if you need some city action you've got Mobile.

[LovinDecatur]

Originally Posted by Ldunn1001

I am contemplating a move this summer and am trying to decide between Fairhope, AL and Atlanta, GA (actually just north of ATL). I have two children ages 4 and 9 and am a single parent. I have visited both places and each seem like wonderful places to live and raise children. I work from home so commuting is not a problem currently. I would like to live some place where there are good churches, outdoor activities, friendly people, safe, affordable, area events such as festivals, fairs, etc and also youth sports/cheerleading is important too. Does anyone have any information that would help me decide between the two ?? Thank you

IMO this describes Fairhope to a "T".

Of the Atlanta choices you put out there, I would go with Suwanee or Cumming. They're a bit less congested than Alpharetta or Lawrenceville (for now).

[humacaena]

My husband is a native Atlantan, families go back 5 generations, and 5 1/2 years ago we said goodbye and he does not even like going to visit friends. We lived in Roswell and East Cobb. You can go to Cumming, Gainesville, ect...and still have to deal with traffic, high taxes, high prices, and many other inconveniences. Yes, I miss good grocery stores ( we are getting a Publix in June), and restaurants. But I would not change the wonderful way of life in Fairhope and the Eastern Shore. It is quite safe, lots of good activities for children, and many churches. Our taxes are quite low, and homes have gotten to be reasonable again. We just had the Art and Craft festival...one of the top 10 in the country. We have parades all the time...even for dogs..LOL! Fairhope has a great Recreations Center/Park, with 2 pools, baseball field, soccer, skate board, ect. I lived in Atlanta 28 years...and adjusted easily as people here are quite friendly. Come on down!