Baldwin County, the largest county in the state of Alabama, is located on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico and Mobile Bay. It is one of the fastest growing counties in the state and boasts white sugar sand beaches, first-class golf courses, dedicated walking and biking trails, and numerous recreational activities.

Visitors and locals alike look forward to so many nationally recognized events in Baldwin County, including the Hot Air Balloon Festival, Polo at the Point, and the Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival. Interstate access provides convenient commute to Mobile, Pensacola, Mississippi, and all real estate in Baldwin County, AL.

The county draws in new residents every year because of its beautiful range of Baldwin County homes for sale. If you are considering moving to Baldwin County, read on to learn more about the best places to live in Baldwin County, AL.

Best Places to Live in Baldwin County, Alabama

There is simply no single best place to live in Baldwin County, AL. The county is home to several neighborhoods that home buyers swoon over. To help you in your search for a home in Baldwin, we have prepared a shortlist of our top recommendations below.

Summerdale

Summerdale is a quaint and tranquil city located only a few miles from the breathtaking sandy shores of the Gulf of Mexico. It offers residents a rural feel, slower pace, neighbors you can count on, and a tight knit community.

Rock Creek Golf Club

Rock Creek Golf Club is an outstanding golf community in Baldwin County, an excellent choice for golf enthusiasts and retirees. Designed by veteran golf course architect and Southeastern favorite, Earl Stone, the 18-hole golf course is best known as a fun, player-friendly course for locals, members, and visitors.

Lake Forest Golf Club

Located north of Fairhope, right next to the similarly named Lake Forest, you’ll be delighted to know that the homes in this subdivision are quite affordable for a golf community. This neighborhood is ideal for those who are looking to buy an entry-level residence.

Lakewood Golf Club Estates

Lakewood Golf Club Estates is another beautiful golf community in Baldwin County, AL. It is one of the richest golf course neighborhoods in the entire state, featuring upscale homes, tree-lined streets, and a luxurious environment with breathtaking landscapes.

The Bluffs

The Bluffs is one of the oldest and well-known towns in Baldwin County, Alabama. This exclusive historic village features a beautiful combination of Craftsman, Traditional, and Ranch architectural homes, with a nice blend of old and new residences built from 1906 to 2009.

Gulf Shores

Gulf Shores is primarily a tourist attraction because of the beautiful beaches to the south. There’s lots of things to do and fun activities for you to enjoy with family and friends in this city. This coastal community is home to hotels, resorts, a golf course, city attractions, and a regional airport.

Photo by Flo Dahm from Pexels

Magnolia Springs

Magnolia Springs is a quiet riverside town that provides an excellent option to those who are working in the region and looking for a bedroom community. Located in the southern part of Baldwin County, Magnolia Springs is just a five-minute drive west of Foley and a 25-minute drive away from Downtown Fairhope.

Some of the Pros and Cons of Living in Baldwin County

There are so many benefits of living in Baldwin County, Alabama. For one, the county is made up of dozens of charming small towns that offer a laid-back atmosphere. This, paired with an affordable housing market and some of the lowest property taxes in the country, makes Baldwin County such an attractive location for many who are looking to buy a property.

The county’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico makes Baldwin County home to some of America’s best beaches that boast sugary white sand and clear waters, such as Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. If you want to avoid the crowd of tourists that tend to flock to these beaches, you can find plenty of quiet beaches too, like Dauphin Island and Magnolia Branch.

Baldwin County is also a great home to those who love going out and spending time in nature. The Graham Creek Nature Preserve in Foley and Baldwin County Bicentennial Park in Stockton are two of the best nature spots for hiking and biking. Birdwatchers will have an amazing time at Wade Ward Nature Park, one of the best spots for observing the local wildlife and exploring the wetlands.

Aside from the nature trails and beaches, families will enjoy the amusement parks and museums in Baldwin County, including Adventure Island, Waterville USA, Wharf Ferris Wheel, National Naval Aviation Museum, and Fairhope Museum of History.

Another perk of living in this area is the low Baldwin County cost of living. The overall cost of living index of Baldwin County is lower than the national average, at 94.5. And while the median home cost of $269,400 is higher than the state average of $165,200, it is relatively much lower compared to the national average of $291,700.

On top of that, the state of Alabama has income tax rates that are considerably lower than the national average. This makes Alabama a very attractive state to professionals who are looking to move to this location.

Now, for the cons.

The weather in Baldwin County can get very hot and humid during the summer. However, during the rest of the year, temperatures are quite pleasant. During the warm season, from around May to September, the average temperature is 87 degrees. During the cold season, from November to March, the average temperature is 67 degrees.

If you’re planning to rent in Baldwin County, this expense can be quite burdensome. As the county continues to draw in new residents faster than anywhere in the state, rental prices have been observed to increase every year. The high demand on apartments has led to low availability and record high rental prices. In 2021, a lot of properties have increased in value by $500 or $600.

The Most Important Factors You Consider in Living in Baldwin County, AL

Cost of living is a major consideration when deciding to live in a certain location. Fortunately, living in Baldwin County is relatively more affordable compared to the national average. The costs of basic expenses like groceries, utilities, transportation, and even housing are cheaper.

However, for those who are planning to move here and rent one of Baldwin County, AL apartments, this monthly expense can be quite high, so it is best to check online or with a realtor who is familiar with the places to rent in Baldwin County before signing a lease contract.

For families with school age children, having excellent schools is one of the factors strongly considered before deciding to move to any location, and you’ll be happy to know that Baldwin County schools are among the best in Alabama. Some of the reputable schools here are Daphne Elementary School, Fairhope Middle School, and Fairhope High School.

Employment opportunities in Baldwin County is also good. Relative to the most recent information from Statista, the unemployment rate in Baldwin County is lower than the national average of 3.7%, at only 2.6%. The median household income here is $61,756, 18.7% above the state average.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, the best places to live in the wonderful Baldwin County in Alabama! If you’re looking for the perfect neighborhood to call home, we can help. Please call us at 251-716-1421 today to schedule an appointment.

Best Places to Live in Baldwin County, AL