Moving to the coast...where???

Well guys and gals, I am finally at a point in my life where I am able to pack things up here in Kentucky and make my dream come true of moving to gulf coast of Alabama. I fell in love with the place several years ago and after a very recent divorce am making arrangements to meet with realtors in the next few weeks.

What are some of your recommendations as far as areas to live in Baldwin County? I have been through Foley several times and it seems like a nice place not too far from the fishing. Any areas that stand out or to avoid? My max budget is $175k but I'd like to stay well under that if possible so that I can live to work and not work to live. Any and all comments will be appreciated. Thanks, and I look forward to seeing you guys on more than a semi-annual basis.

Adam

There is a thread on this topic from a couple of months ago with several recommendations. Search function might bring it up. Congrats on the move.

found it


http://www.gulfshorespierfishing.com...5112/#msg15112

Thank you. I searched but obviously didn't find it.

The prior thread doesn't really address areas to look out for in Baldwin county. I am selling a farm and don't want more land to have to deal with. A house with a garage is all I need. I'd rather hear the lowdown from you guys who live it everyday as opposed to a realtor who is wanting my money. Thanks again.

Adam

You're insurance rates will drop the further north you decide to stay. Two major price increase/decrease will be on the island itself and north of 98. I'd recommend renting for a year or so so you can see both tourist seasons come and go. As much as I love the coast I don't think I could handle all the people day in and day out, plus the insurance would kill me.

If you're set on buying, I'd look around Magnolia Springs, Fairhope, Summerdale. There's tons of options out there and it is a buyers market. If you need a good realtor, PM me and I can recommend one. She patiently helped me for 2+ years.

[font=comic sans ms][size=12pt]PNG is right about the insurance; it is crazy expense south and west of HWY 98 in Baldwin Co. Same goes for south of I-10 in Mobile Co. I hear.
The closer to the beach, the higher the cost, the farther from the beach the longer the drive. Good luck on the house hunting, plenty of ‘em available and the market is picking up some, but advantage goes to the buyer IMHO.

Two kinds of insurance at that. Regular homeowners and then flood insurance which is only available from the federal government. Then, after a storm, you get to fight with the homeowners about whether the damage was storm/wind or flood.

[quote author=divedeep link=topic=2113.msg19708#msg19708 date=1349569088]
Two kinds of insurance at that. Regular homeowners and then flood insurance which is only available from the federal government. Then, after a storm, you get to fight with the homeowners about whether the damage was storm/wind or flood.
[/quote]

I've got the federal flood insurance on the farm we're selling now and they're a PITA to deal with as it is in a river flood plain so I can only image the rates and "helpfulness" of the NFIP reps right on the coast.

Government claims wind damage. Insurance company claims flood damage. Property owner claims it up the tookas. :spank:

[font=comic sans ms][size=12pt]All that being said, this is a great place to live. :yippee:
Just do your homework and find a realtor you are comfortable with, if PNG’s doesn’t work out, I know a guy, and totally trust him to shoot straight.
The closer you can get to the pier the better; after all, it looks like Obozo is going to drive gas up to $10. >:(

[quote author=FinChaser link=topic=2113.msg19719#msg19719 date=1349616353]
[font=comic sans ms][size=12pt]
The closer you can get to the pier the better; after all, it looks like Obozo is going to drive gas up to $10. >:(

[/quote]

we'll all (well a lot) be riding bicycles..... if he gets re-elected....there are a lot of roads (lanes) up here being dedicated to bicycles..... in the city

[quote author=PurpleNGold link=topic=2113.msg19699#msg19699 date=1349536754]
If you need a good realtor, PM me and I can recommend one. She patiently helped me for 2+ years.
[/quote]

PM sent

Lots of nice homes up and down hickory street in Foley.... There might be a few nice places in the bon secour area too...Not sure what type house but theres alot of stuff in the southern half of the county that is nice....I think theres a few homes for sale in the Brigadoon subdivision in Gulf Shores if you want to be closer to the water.

Dutch,
You may want to look at the Riverwood subdivision on the east side of the Bon Secour River, south of Hwy 10. Several nice places for sale well under your budget and a boathouse lot comes with them!!!!!!!!!
Twelve minutes to the pier. Give me a call when you are in town and I'll put you on em 251-949-5229.

Flea

You guys are awesome! I will be down again in two weeks to look at a few different rental places and to meet a realtor. And to fish, of course!!!

Daphne/Spanish Fort is good if you want to be near the Bay, the Mobile Delta and the Gulf. And home prices are reasonable.
Loxley area is also very affordable, you should easily find a 3/2 with garage for under $150k right now.
And if you get north of I-10, your insurance rates plummet.
I used to live in Loxely and Daphne, they are both good options.

What kind of work are you looking for? Commute time might be a factor.

I am in nursing management for a big hospital here in KY and will stay in that field when I move down. I drive 30-45 minutes each way as it is so a moderate commute doesn't bother me.

[quote author=Dutch link=topic=2113.msg19840#msg19840 date=1349919197]
I am in nursing management for a big hospital here in KY and will stay in that field when I move down. I drive 30-45 minutes each way as it is so a moderate commute doesn't bother me.
[/quote]

I'd go with SPanish Fort/Daphne/Malbis/North Loxley area. There are a bunch of hospitals in Mobile (including the Univeristy of South ALabama Hospital System), only one or two in all of south Baldwin County. You can live in in the areas I listed and be to the hospitals in 30 minutes. And be to all the good fishing spots in 15 minutes to an hour.
BTW: My wife is an FNP, she was a NICU RN for years.