About Fairhope, Alabama

The City of Fairhope, Alabama

Fairhope, Alabama, was founded in 1894 by a group of individuals who were seeking their own utopia. The city was based on Henry George’s concept known as the “Single Tax Colony” (no taxes other than a single land tax).  The locale was chosen for its natural beauty, its fertile land, temperate climate, and potential for growth.  According to legend, one of the group said the new colony had a “fair hope” of success, and the community of Fairhope was born. Fairhope soon grew into a thriving town populated by artists, idealists and free-thinking people. Over the years many artists, writers, and craftsmen have found Fairhope to be place of inspiration for their work and have helped to make the community what it is today. 

Fun Activities for the Family

Fairhope has an array of activities to offer all ages. Downtown Fairhope is full of boutiques, restaurants, antique shops, and art galleries.  While visiting downtown, stop into the Fairhope Museum of History. The museum features permanent exhibits on Fairhope’s founders, the Single Tax theory, the town jail, the Jubilee phenomenon and many more interesting displays. Also downtown is the Eastern Shore Art Center. It connects people of all ages with different kinds of arts through its five exhibit galleries and four teaching studios.  

The Fairhope Public Pier is a wonderful outdoors activity. The pier features benches, covered areas, restrooms, a marina and a restaurant. The park is home to a rose garden and fountain, plus picnic tables, pavilion, duck pond, tree trail, and a large sandy beach. Continue an outside adventure at the Weeks Bay Nature Reserve where there are opportunities to learn about coastal habitats through its exhibits, live animal displays, and collections of animals and regional plants or visit Weeks Bay Plantation to pick season blueberries. 

For the sports lover there is golf and tennis available. Rock Creek Golf Club was designed by renowned architect Earl Stone, and it provides a playable and enjoyable layout for golfers of all skill levels. The Mike Ford Tennis Center is home to six lighted tennis courts, an outdoor, lighted walking track and a large area of green space.

Schools

Fairhope's public schools are part of the Baldwin County Public Schools system. There are five public schools, an elementary school, an intermediate school, a middle school, and a high school as well as J. Larry Newton School (K-6). Other schools in Fairhope include Marietta Johnson School of Organic Education, St. Michaels Catholic High School, and Bay Shore Christian School. There is also a branch campus for Coastal Alabama Community College and University of South Alabama.

Real Estate

As of 2016, the average price of a home in Fairhope is less than $370,000. Home values in Fairhope have increased 7.2% in the last year. The average rental price in Fairhope for a three bedroom two bath home is $1400 per month.