Fairhope, AL

July, 2009, DAPHNE, Ala.: Two men were on the elevator when I managed to squeeze in before the doors shut at the rehabilitation facility.

We exchanged nods and hellos as the elevator ambled through the floors.

One of the men was wearing a cap with the Saints fleur-de-lis emblem.

"How do you think they'll do this year?" I asked him, just as the elevator doors opened. He stalled a minute, letting the other gentleman exit, and with a twinkle in his eye, he made his confession. He was a Saint. An original Saint!

Bill Cody.

He spoke of his career as a line backer that first year when the Saints were christened a new expansion team, how he sold cars after that and was now living in Fairhope, Ala. He was visiting his mother-in-law who was recovering from knee surgery.

I was visiting my father who was doing the same.

We talked about games at the old Tulane Stadium (even though I was only a child).

Growing up in New Orleans, Archie Manning, wife Olivia, Peyton, Eli and Cooper used to sit in front of us at church, I told Bill. My mother had Peyton and Eli in the church nursery, when the Manning boys were little.

Bill Cody had left the Saints by the time Archie was quarterbacking.

Just a day or two later, Bill Cody visited my father, bringing him an autographed copy of a photo of him and kicker Tom Dempsey. He loaned my dad a book on the Mannings and one profiling the first Saints in the first year of the franchise.

Bill continued to stick his head in to check on us until Dad was released.

A true Saint among us.

I have not yet ventured into the land of owning a digital SLR camera, so my photos will not do this scene justice, as I simply can't capture the magic that comes with the lighting of the trees. We wait around all year here in Fairhope, for the lighting of the trees which takes place every year on the Thursday before Thanksgiving. The trees of the town will stay lit until Easter when they once again become trees, and trees alone. But from the Thursday before Thanksgiving until Easter, the trees are pure magic. We love them. Sadly, the old trees were replaced this year with new trees, and they are smaller than the mature Bradford Pears that were removed. But give them a year, and then another, and another and eventually they will be towering masses of light once more.

We come from all corners of town, strolling in just after dark, when the central streets are blocked off and it's safe to walk all around, waiting for the moment. Kids, grown-ups and four legged friends, all wandering, visiting, and waiting.

The Sugar Plum Fairies waiting, too.

A lovely lilac tree in a window

Before the lights

Same view after the lights come on - Fairhope Avenue

And now, its a magical wonderland until Easter. We do love our traditions.

The Stone Creek Subdivision is located along the east side of Alabama State Highway 181, approximately 2 miles south of Fairhope Avenue, and about 4 miles East Southeast from the town center of historical Fairhope, Alabama.

Stone Creek, Phase 1, Subdivision was developed on around 330 acres, formerly a hunting preserve. This first phase has 78 lots per record with about 18 common area & green belt parcels.The developer's concept is a village community with a lodge, rock water features, stocked lakes, swimming pool, tennis courts, village shopping center, walking trails and a wetland preserve.

The majority of the homes will range from 2,400+- square feet to 4,500+- square feet with primarily four bedrooms and three to four bathrooms. There are only a couple of homes having three bedrooms and one home having six bedrooms according to the online records.

The Average List Price is around $443,462 for the month of October 2009, down $54,624+- when compared to July 2009 having an Average List Price of $498,086.

The Average Sale Price is around $485,583 for the month of October 2009, down only $1,384+- when compared to July 2009 having an Average Sale Price of $486,967.

The Listing Price To Sales Price Ratio is now approximately 90.986% for the month of October 2009. The month of July 2009 the ratio was 98.02%.

The REALTOR online records indicates the Lowest Price Listing is now $381,500 for the month of October 2009 (July 2009 was $369,900.). The Highest Price Listing is now $573,500 (July 2009 was $795,000.).

The Stone Creek Months Of Housing Supply calculates to be around 11.94 months for the list to sale time period. Although, Stone Creek appears to have more stable property values when reviewing the calculated inventory analysis for the subdivision.

The above information was obtained from the Baldwin County Association of REALTORS, Albert M. Cheney, Certified & Approved FHA Appraiser, (251) 533-2424, is an associate member of this REALTORS' organization. (Appraisers Daphne, Fairhope, Spanish Fort, Alabama)

Citing excellent stats such as median income levels, median home prices and availability of hospitals, our charming town of Fairhope, AL has topped the charts again as #14 of the Top 25 Places to Retire. I think the last time Fairhope made this list was in the 1990s and CNN Money was right again to add it back to the list!

Read the article for yourself here! I personally have my own list of why Fairhope is the best place to live/retire:

1) Sunshine year round

2) Local artists and retailers that are always smiling

3) Delicious restaurants

4) Sunsets sent from God

5) the new Publix Supermarket :)

6) the old Greer's Supermarket

7) Pelicans & Seagulls

8) Alligators seen from the bayway

What's on your list?

Fairhope Alabama # 14 in Places to Retire

The first thing I heard this morning was Fairhope Alabama # 14 in Places to Retire. Wahoo!

The SHOP'S

What makes Money Magazine place Fairhope Alabama #14 out of 25 in places to retire? Well it could as simple as the Quaint small town. Without even mentioning the all local galleries, antique shops galore, the many unique boutiques, and the beautiful Mobile Bay. I have to believe it all boils down to the people of Alabama and our culture.

Fairhope Alabama and its small town atmosphere offers many opportunities for its residence and the people who visit. Fishing, boating, golfing, shopping, bird watching, and the parks with walking and bike paths.

THE SUNSET

There is so much to do and see here in Alabama, no wonder we attract many retirees.

If your looking for a place to retire Fairhope Alabamaor any of its surrounding area's is an idea place to call home. Visit us if you get a chance Alabama is beautiful and has much to offer.

Want information on real estate call or email me! alice@treptoday.com

Visit our website for additional properties: www.treptoday.com

The Castle House

FAIRHOPE ALABAMA # 14 IN PLACES TO RETIRE

The REAL estate Place

12400 hwy 188

Grand Bay, Al. 36541

Office;251.272.1355

Cell: 228.623.5495