[sheena12]

Hi there!

We have been looking for a winter getaway in FL. Prices are disappointingly high.

It was suggested to us that we look in Alabama. We are very open to this idea, but we are unfamiliar with your state - with the exception of large inland cities.

We live in Ohio, and the winters are rough. We are not close to retired. Two kids in college and we still have a mortgage. My husband is the primary bread winner, and has his own business and works tor an insurance adjusting investigation firm out of LA. He could easily transfer his winter work to Alabama and surrounding states (He has Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia and Michigan now)

We don't need to live "on the beach" but we would like to be able to visit as a day trip. We'd like a "beachy feel" if that makes sense. We are friendly, and a place where others are friendly would be nice.

Any ideas? Thank you!

[EscAlaMike]

Foley sounds like it might be right for you. Really anywhere in Baldwin County, but Foley was the first place that came to mind because that's sort of where the "beachy feel" begins as you are driving south.

[Pincho-toot]

Robertsdale has a beachy feel. Very similar to Florida in terms of scenery actually. Just a little jaunt down to Gulf Shores.

[brownbagg]

i would go around the crestview area, its still country but within 30 minutes of the good beaches

[preguntas]

Southern Mobile County including Dauphin Island are certainly beach and semi-tropical, and an easy ferry ride over to Ft. Morgan and miles of beautiful beaches all the way to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.


One advantage to this approach is not being affected by tourist traffic wherever you go. This area is south of Bellingrath Gardens and Home which is one of Alabama's most coveted tourist destinations. (especially at Christmas, but all through the year) Noted for azaleas which start their show over the next few weeks


On the eastern side of the bay in Baldwin County living along the US Scenic 98 is a bit of a dream come true with views of Mobile Bay (near the Grand Hotel) and an easy twenty minutes up to Fairhope. This area is less than an hour away from Gulf Shores and a pleasant drive with little traffic.

[sheena12]

Thank you! Y'all answered pretty quickly! I appreciate it, and I will be researching every suggestion.

Does anyone have any information about Dothan? I know it's a little further than my target distance, but it looks cute and so affordable!

[Southlander]

I would never call Dothan "cute!"

[sheena12]

Originally Posted by Southlander

I would never call Dothan "cute!"

Well don't leave me hanging! They have a nice web site. Looked pretty.

[preguntas]

Originally Posted by sheena12

Well don't leave me hanging! They have a nice web site. Looked pretty.

Extremely flat, no bodies of water of consequence, and probably the most isolated city in Alabama. It is on the route to the Florida Panhandle that leaves I-65 in Montgomery and heads southeast through Dothan. (the Fla. Short Route)


If the state and Fed ever finally build an interstate to connect I-10 to Montgomery it would go near Dothan.


It is in an area that has more in common with south Georgia. (the peanut and cotton industries)


I have a friend that is a Neurologist that practiced there for about ten years. The pay for specialized jobs can be quite high there as it is the only way to get those jobs filled. But no one would plan to stay for the most part. My friend is now in Texas. (he saved a fortune working and living there and now is enjoying what that did for him in another place.


I too, would love to know what you have seen on a website that is so appealing. Did you look at Fairhope's website?




Best wishes

[southernnaturelover]

Look around the Summerdale-Robertsdale area (central Baldwin), those towns sort of run together along 59, right into Foley.

North Baldwin has cheaper real estate, but there's not much to do, Bay Minette is just your typical Southern small town, life revolves around WalMart.