Asheville vs Fairhope (Mobile: real estate, theater, income)

[alacatlady]

Hi All,
My family in Louisiana is trying to get me to move closer to them. I want to live in a progressive, community oriented-place like Asheville and I thought of Fairhope. I am a very young, highly-educated 60 year old single female who loves to sail. Would this be a good fit? What can you tell about me about the culture of Fairhope? Many thanks.

[PortCity]

Fairhope is a nice town on the bay you are close to the beach,bay and the largest delta in this nation. Fairhope is also close to a moderate size very cultural and historical city(Mobile). Though Louisiana is very distinctive, the Mobile area will be just as close as you can get to Louisiana clture out side of Louisiana many New Orleanians live in Mobile`s mid town area. Fairhope has some of the most scenic views of the bay especialy those days when the bay and sky blend in so well together that they both look united.

[oscottscotto]

Fairhope is great. I'm not sure about "progressive" though ... (in a political sense)

If you could define what exactly you mean by progressive, that would help.

[alacatlady]

What I mean by the term "progressive" is being open to new ideas. For example, in Asheville, "green" initiatives in building and development is huge, as well as, organically-grown local food. "Progressive" could also indicate a more global, out-of-self perspective, and an interest in the world. I am stimulated by people from different parts of the country and world. However, I have known people who have never traveled, but have a global perspective.

I guess being progressive means being open to new people as well. As a single woman I will be looking for friends. These friends do not have to be single. I have found that in some communities, couples do not include single folks.

I still work and am a member of Rotary and the Chamber of Commerce. In a place like Fairhope, I would teach online and sell real estate.

Hope this helps. Thanks for the 2 responses thus far.

[southernnaturelover]

Baldwin County went 75% for McCain in the last election, it's not a liberal area, but people have a live and let live attitude.

[humacaena]

My nephew lives in Asheville (moved there from Atlanta) and he loves it. He is 42, and in real estate, and has done well. We considered it, also moving from ATL, but chose Fairhope for many reasons. First, the water...hubby loves to fish and all water activities, lower taxes, proximity to a larger city like Mobile (theater,restaurants, ect), the beaches in the Gulf close by, and great weather.

We also find Fairhope is quite progressive, people from many places have moved in and are changing the old timers ways...and the artsy crowd is quite liberal and interesting.We are lacking good restaurants, but I feel it is improving.We are getting a Publix on June 22...a lot better market than what we have. There is a farmers type market that opens in May, and the area has many farms where fresh corn, potatoes, satsumas, blueberries,ect are grown.There is talk about a designated plot intown for people to grow their own veggies...it would be nice.My husband is also in real estate and things are starting to pick up, so hopefully, there will be room for all. So come on down....We'd love to have you. BTW, I know several single ladies in their 60's and they are quite happy here.

[southernnaturelover]

Originally Posted by humacaena

people from many places have moved in and are changing the old timers ways..

Don't you mean changing Alabamians ways?

[oscottscotto]

Originally Posted by alacatlady

What I mean by the term "progressive" is being open to new ideas. For example, in Asheville, "green" initiatives in building and development is huge, as well as, organically-grown local food. "Progressive" could also indicate a more global, out-of-self perspective, and an interest in the world. I am stimulated by people from different parts of the country and world. However, I have known people who have never traveled, but have a global perspective.

I guess being progressive means being open to new people as well. As a single woman I will be looking for friends. These friends do not have to be single. I have found that in some communities, couples do not include single folks.

Depending on where you are coming from, I don't think you will find Fairhope that progressive based on your standards. It is a beautiful natural place, and people very much care about nature and natural surroundings in the area; however, Alabama in general is not a place that carries the "go green" attitudinal movement - as it is typically seen as liberal nonsense (not saying it is, as I am a progressive myself in many beliefs). Also, as with anywhere, some folks will carry a "global perspective" on life and some will not. I'd venture to say that the majority will not, but of course there will be many who do.

As for a sense of "community", I think you would be pleased in that regard. Many your age in Fairhope are into nature and into the arts. In my opinion, Fairhope is also a close-knit community and people your age are typically more than happy to socialize in comfortable settings. They will also be laid back. My only advice is that most (not all by any means, but most) will carry conservative political viewpoints ... if that matters to you.

[Keeper]

There are a lot of sail boats in Fairhope. They have boat races on the weekends. It probably wouldn't be too hard to meet someone with a sail boat looking for an crew member

[alacatlady]

Humaecea (sp?),

I just tried to befriend you so that I could ask you more questions. I am considering coming down for a week to really check the area out. I would need to find an inexpensive place to stay preferably close to town.

Although I really like Asheville, my family is putting a lot of pressure on me. Another incentive is that Alabama does not tax retirement income.

Hope to hear from you.

Alacatlady