Mobile/Gulf Shores vs MS Gulf Coast (Daphne, Fairhope: real estate, condos)

[2HHI]

Do people who live in Gulf Shores work in Mobile, or is the distance to far?
What is there to do for a living in Gulf Shores, other than something in tourism or real estate, are there any major businesses there?
Just trying to compare AL/MS Coast for relocation. Have already lived in Biloxi before, thought maybe I should try Mobile/Gulf Shores for a change. I have been there before and see little difference, but for Gulf Shores see a more drastic difference in terms of businesses for work. Other than pretty blue water and scores of hi rise condos...dont see much in Gulf Shores. Based on what I know, I would lean toward the MS Coast as I think it has more opportunity in terms of work and entertainment venues; (ie: everything Gulf Shores can offer plus gaming...which I like), but again, only visited Gulf Shores once...so I am very ignorant to what it may offer. Can anyone enlighten me? Thanks for your responses.

[Azalea City Man]

Originally Posted by 2HHI

Do people who live in Gulf Shores work in Mobile, or is the distance to far?

Nope. Too far.

[southernnaturelover]

What is there to do for a living in Gulf Shores, other than something in tourism or real estate

Not much.

Most people who work in Gulf Shores in the service sector or tourism actually live in the Foley/Robertsdale area. The people who have the beach houses are usually retired or wealthy (mostly both).

[otterhere]

So would it be really boring to retire to Gulf Shores (specifically, Orange Beach)? As I'd be living there half the year, would really like some kind of community within walking/biking distance and preferably a large city with a major airport within a short drive. It's a great place for a vacation, but don't know if it'd be snoozeville living there for six months! Thanks for any additional input...

[humacaena]

When I moved to Ono Island (Orange Beach), I thought it was a GREAT idea as it is just beautiful and peaceful. Yes, great for fishing(hubby loved that), biking and socializing at the community center. Short drive to Pensacola for airport and shopping was OK. But after 2 major hurricanes and being bored to tears, we decided it was not so great after all. But if you still like the idea, check Ono Island.

BTW, we moved to Fairhope 7 years ago, and love it here.It is a small town and all the advantages without being in a major city. You might want to check it out. Good luck!

[WR1972]

We are considering retirement in Daphne, Spanish Fort or Fairhope area.....been to northern AL before as a visit to Guntersville area. Nice, but best if you have a boat. Living in Virginia last 12 years and it still feels unnatural, not a fit for us...been unhappy here from day one, but stayed for husbands job....originally from NH. Between weather and cost of living, not going back to New England in retirement as much as our hearts want to... Any other NE person relocate to Baldwin County...your thoughts on weather, storms....enough activities of low cost for senior citiizens? Thanks

[Southern man]

Originally Posted by WR1972

We are considering retirement in Daphne, Spanish Fort or Fairhope area.....been to northern AL before as a visit to Guntersville area. Nice, but best if you have a boat. Living in Virginia last 12 years and it still feels unnatural, not a fit for us...been unhappy here from day one, but stayed for husbands job....originally from NH. Between weather and cost of living, not going back to New England in retirement as much as our hearts want to... Any other NE person relocate to Baldwin County...your thoughts on weather, storms....enough activities of low cost for senior citiizens? Thanks

This link will give you a good idea of activities .

Mullet Wrapper - Things to do in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Elberta, Magnolia Springs and Foley, Alabama and Perdido Key, Florida.

[dixieagle]

Originally Posted by WR1972

We are considering retirement in Daphne, Spanish Fort or Fairhope area.....been to northern AL before as a visit to Guntersville area. Nice, but best if you have a boat. Living in Virginia last 12 years and it still feels unnatural, not a fit for us...been unhappy here from day one, but stayed for husbands job....originally from NH. Between weather and cost of living, not going back to New England in retirement as much as our hearts want to... Any other NE person relocate to Baldwin County...your thoughts on weather, storms....enough activities of low cost for senior citiizens? Thanks

Hi there! My husband and I are New England natives (near Boston and central Connecticut) who have lived in Mobile most of the last 40+ years. We also owned half a duplex condo unit in Gulf Shores for 20+ years. The move was a huge culture shock, but we have acclimated and come to like the area. We try to get back to New England to visit family a couple of times a year, and do still love it, though we could never live in those winters again. Our daughters and their families are down here, as well.

All that said, we simply adore Fairhope. It attracts many retirees, with a fair number of residents from up north. It is a charming, beautiful, sophisticated place. Homes near the Bay are pricey, but there are plenty of reasonably-priced homes, as well. You'd be close enough to both Mobile, for bigger-city activities, and the Gulf, which is lovely, especially in the off-season. We are starting to consider down-sizing to Fairhope in a couple of years.

Daphne is also a very nice city, right next to Fairhope, and there is plenty of reasonable housing there. You will find taxes considerably lower down here than up north.

Good luck in your search for a retirement home.