Welcome to South Alabama, Baldwin county and Mobile County and the communities of Fairhope, Daphne, Spanish Fort, Montrose, Point Clear, Orange Beach, Gulf Shores and Mobile. On the Eastern Shore you will find a community of cities that work together to create a peaceful and warm lifestyle on the Mobile Bay. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the information in these pages. I hope you find them helpful and thanks for stopping by!   Baldwin County
Baldwin County was organized in 1809, ten years before the state of Alabama received statehood. The area was originally settled by Native Americans as well as Welsh, Spanish and French settlers. During the 20th Century, immigrants from many nations came here to live. Now there is a diverse culture thriving and attracting many visitors and snowbirds from the North who play and stay. With a total population of 154,000, Baldwin County has experienced unparalleled growth in the past 15 years making it the largest and fastest growing in the entire state. A mild climate, unsurpassed quality of life, and an affordable cost of living allow the area to continually attract new residents.
Eastern Shore
 The towns and communities of Fairhope, Spanish Fort, Daphne, Montrose and Point Clear hug the East side of Mobile Bay and make up the area known as The Eastern Shore. Since 1990 our area has seen almost 50 % growth but still maintains the character of small town communities. The growth can ba attributed to excellent schools, reasonable cost of living, relatively low crime rates, major new shopping facilities and a strong sense of community. The Eastern Shore is also centrally situated between several Southern cities. It's a great place to live for people who work in Mobile and also Pensacola and is located near the Interstate, gulf beaches, many golf courses and recreation activities.
Fairhope
Fairhope, or the "Jewel of Baldwin County" as it is often referred to, was founded in 1894 by a group of idealists from Iowa that were seeking a Utopian quality of life. They focused on having common ownership of land and believed that their project had a "fair hope" of being fulfilled. Because of their persistence and courage Fairhope has developed into one of the main centers of the Eastern Shore's commercial and cultural activity. You will find it set on the bluffs overlooking Mobile Bay with a delightful village atmosphere that features locally owned shops, gourmet restaurants and art galleries. With its natural beauty and pleasant climate, it continues to be rated as one of the top 10 retirement communities in the United States.
Daphne
 Daphne emerged in the 18th century as a gathering point for European fur traders but was eventually settled by the new Americans in 1799. Prior to the Civil War this became a resort area for wealthy residents from Mobile and New Orleans. They would flee the cities during the yellow-fever-ridden summers. Now, the Jubilee City is the largest city in Baldwin County. It is a community filled with heritage, nature and hometown spirit. You will find a mecca of shopping throughout Daphne and a tempting array of restaurants along Highway 98.
Spanish Fort
Spanish Fort is nestled high on a hill overlooking the delta, due east from Mobile. It earned its name by being occupied by opposing armies through the R evolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Civil War. Now it is becoming an increasingly popular community because it is readily accessible to Mobile across the Battleship Parkway. It was incorporated in 1993 and continues to play an increasingly important role in the economic growth of the Eastern Shore. This young city is now poised to become a shopping jewel with the recently opened Eastern Shore Centre and the Spanish Fort Centre which is planned for 2006.
Point Clear
Early Spanish explorers originally named the area "Punta Clara" and since then it has continually attracted vacationers to its shores. In the early 1800's a group of cottages was built by wealthy Baldwin planters and Mobilians. The vacationers kept coming and so in 1847, another wealthy landowner, F.H. Chamberlain built the original Grand Hotel. During the Civil War the Grand was home to Confederate Soldiers and was later destroyed by a fire in 1870. After undergoing numerous renovations, it got its final facelift by the Marriott Corporation in 1981. Now you will find at the apex of Point Clear The Grand Hotel Marriott, Golf Club and Spa. It is a premier resort vacation spot as it has been for over 150 years. As the area has widened in popularity so has real estate in the area. You will now find condominiums and housing developments as part of the landscape too.
Montrose
During Revolutionary War Days, Montrose, French for Rose Hill, was the sight of a  British rest and rehabilitation camp. Soldiers were sent here to avoid yellow fever and malaria. Today it is a national historic district. Its governing board actually owns the community post office, making it unique among United States post offices. Here you will find some of the most elegant homes in the area. Antebellum homes blend with newer bay houses under a canopy of hundred year old oak trees.
Orange Beach and Gulf Shores
Mobile
Financing Your Home >Financial Help
Escalating home prices often cause many first-time buyers to seek help from their families for the down payment on a new home. If your parents are providing financial assistance for the purchase of a home, it is important that you have very clear agreements with them about the conditions under which their help will be provided.
Sit down with your parents to discuss the details of the arrangement. Is the money they are providing a gift or a loan? If it is a gift, be sure to check with your tax expert to minimize the tax implications. If your parents are loaning the money for the down payment, how will it be paid back? Will there be joint ownership with an equity-sharing agreement? Will your parents be named on the ownership papers with you? Are special documents needed?
Whatever form it takes, parents who help their children buy a home give them an incredible gift!
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| Q |
How can you give your home the equivalent of sunglasses?
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| A |
Install low "E" squared glass filters sunlight, saves on energy costs and prevents fading of furniture, drapes and carpets. |
 See More Real Estate Trivia > |
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NUMBER1EXPERT®
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