Daphne, Fairhope, Point Clear (Mobile, Spanish Fort: to rent, insurance, crime)

[dogfuel]

Would someone characterize these places and the differences? I'm looking hard at the area and am interested in quality of schools (elementary), type of neighbors, entertainment/dining, crime ... all the usual.

Pretty typical upper middle class family ... 42, 39 and 6 years old

Thanks!

[Keeper]

Where will you be working and is commute time a consideration?

[dogfuel]

I'll be working in downtown Mobile - commute is of course a consideration, but not a big concen if it is under 20-25 minutes.
Thanks!

[7spider]

Are you planning to rent or buy? Price range ?

[PortCity]

As far as commute Daphne and Fairhope would both be in the same range Daphne being closer. In Daphne you will be closer to decent shopping than the other two. Point Clear is more picturisqe than the other two and is a bit farther down the bay the commute from Point Clear to DT Mobile can be longer than 25 min at times. you have Dphne and Fairhope traffic to fight then Mobile bay way traffic.I recomand for you to use the casueway instead of the bay bridge.

[dogfuel]

Thanks for all the information ... we'll probably rent for a bit to learn the area better then buy in the 300-400 range.

[Keeper]

Yeah.. Point Clear would be much further than 30 minutes plus I am not sure how 'child' friendly that area would be for your 6 yo.

You will have to consider HOI which you might have to get at least the wind part from the state and is more expensive.

Some ppl recommend Spanish Fort which is even closer to Mobile. I think Fairhope is probably at least 30 minutes from Mobile if not longer depending on the time of day. I love Fairhope and know many ppl who live there do not lock their doors especially those that live in the city proper.

You can do a search on Spanish Fort, Daphne and Fairhope to find some more info.

[PortCity]

I recommend Spanish Fort as well higher elevation great bay views and is north of I-10 meaning your insurance will be a little cost friendly.

[humacaena]

Fairhope has great schools, and it is very family friendly.In the 300-400 range, you have many subdivisions to chose from. If you rather live intown, it is also a possibility.We live intown, and in newer houses, the insurance is not too high...also the closer to the bay, the higher they go.
Point Clear is gorgeous but homes are far apart and not so kid friendly...older folks mainly.(and I am old,BTW). Rock Creek, still in Fairhope, but quite north, is about 30 minutes or less to downtown Mobile...and if you like big subdivisions, it is great.

[humacaena]

I need to add, that crime is Fairhope is minimal. I don't know about Spanish Fort, but Daphne has more crime, because it has more people, is closer to I-10, and has many hotels/fast food places ect. My neighbors have children of various ages,and they ride their bikes down the street, and all of us seldom lock our doors.
We laugh at the "traffic"reports in the morning. Very few cars and most of people here think it is horrible. If you've lived in places like Atlanta, Seattle or NY area...it is funny to see 4 cars on the Causeway considered traffic.