[tuckerbell]

Hello to all you potentially helpful locals!! My husband has an interview in Baldwin County on Friday, November 12. We are interested in coming down (from Montgomery) and having a look around Fairhope at the real estate and neighborhoods. We have two children ages 3 and 5 and will be starting kindergarten in the fall. Our home pricerange is $300-400K. We like trees and would rather live in a neighborhood with custom homes as opposed to "cookie cutters". But I'm not sure how far our money will go. We are not opposed to an older (or even historic) neighborhood as long as it is quiet where my children can play outside safely. We have only visited Fairhope once and stayed at the Grand. Is there somewhere else you would suggest we stay (like a nice b&b in town?). Our potential employer will be reimbursing us for our stay and we will not have our children for this quick trip.
So, where should we stay, which neighborhoods should we check out in our price range, where should we eat, and are there any areas we should not miss when we head down?
Thank you all so much for your input!

[humacaena]

tuckerbell,
There are several nice B&B's in Fairhope. The prettiest one is Emma's Bay House, easy walk to town, and right on the bay next to the Pier. The Church Street in is right in town, corner of Delamare and Church. There is also a new Hampton Inn on section street...not as ritzy, but very nice.

300 to 400k should buy you a very nice house in Fairhope, specially now. I would suggest Rock Creek. It is a very large subdivision, with children of all ages . There is also Summer Lake...very pretty and Fairfield, across the street. Fairfield is a bit older, most houses built in the last 10 years. Idlewild, also a bit older, and has a pool...so does Bellaton, in Daphne, off 181. My husband sold one in Bellaton, 400sq ft, for $345k...3 years old, with all the whistles and bells.

The Willows is new, great location, but lacks trees and it is DR Horton sd...cookie cutter like you call it. You get the most house for your money there.
Places to eat: Panini Pete's , Sandra's, Moe's, Mary Ann's, and Bay Breeze cafe..only open for lunch.
Master Joe's (next to the Hampton Inn downtown) is awesome for sushi and Asian dishes. Tamara's downtown,(upscale) Buck's Diner, Dragonfly(tapas type place), Jolly's for sandwiches and wraps(easy walk from Emma's), The Attic(tapas and drinks), Coffee Loft(coffee and the like), Aurora's(tapas and small plates), Wintzell's, and Guido's and Cousin Vinnie's(downtown Daphne). It all depends on what you like...we have a great selection of places, and getting better.
Fairhope is a great place to live...safe and convenient to all. Hope this answers your questions, but don't be afraid to ask if you have more you need answered.Enjoy your stay here!