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. >:(

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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