Fairhope has become one of Alabama’s most sought-after Eastern Shore communities, thanks to its Mobile Bay setting, historic downtown, restaurants, shops, and strong residential appeal.
For buyers researching Fairhope Highlands vs The Retreat at Fairhope Village, however, an important distinction comes first: these are not simply two comparable owner-occupied neighborhoods.
The Highlands at Fairhope Village is a townhome community with both existing and new rental development, while The Retreat at Fairhope Village at 300 Fly Creek Ave. is an apartment community offering one- to three-bedroom rental residences.
That difference affects ownership, financing, HOA considerations, and long-term investment potential.
Understanding Fairhope Highlands vs The Retreat at Fairhope Village
When evaluating Fairhope Highlands vs The Retreat at Fairhope Village, buyers are choosing between two distinct atmospheres. Fairhope Highlands offers spacious, custom-built elegance with a quiet, traditional suburban feel, while The Retreat at Fairhope Village features highly walkable, resort-style amenities and modern attached living designed for an active community lifestyle.
Navigating Luxury Townhomes in Fairhope, AL
Fairhope Highlands and The Retreat at Fairhope Village serve different housing needs.
The Highlands at Fairhope Village is a townhome-focused community with modern residences, while The Retreat at Fairhope Village is a rental apartment community with amenities such as a pool, fitness center, clubhouse, and dog park.
The Highlands at Fairhope Village was developed as a townhome community. Current development plans call for 90 residences, including two-, three-, and four-bedroom townhomes ranging from approximately 1,522 to 2,513 square feet, with features such as attached garages, covered porches, quartz countertops, and modern kitchens.
The Retreat at Fairhope Village, by contrast, is located at 300 Fly Creek Ave. and operates as a rental apartment community. Its current floor plans range from one to three bedrooms and approximately 817 to 1,661 square feet. Amenities include a pool, fitness center, clubhouse, dog park, gated access, and outdoor recreation areas.
That makes this comparison useful for buyers who are also considering the broader range of luxury townhomes in Fairhope, AL, but it would be misleading to describe both communities as equivalent homeownership neighborhoods.
The Coastal Market in 2026
Fairhope’s housing market remains active in 2026, although buyers have more inventory to consider than the phrase “low inventory” might suggest.
Recent market data shows a median listing price of approximately $699,500, a median sold price of around $578,600, and a median of roughly 66 days on market. There were also approximately 700 active listings in the market.
Other market data has placed Fairhope’s median sale price at around $599,000 during the same general period, demonstrating that reported figures can vary depending on the source, methodology, and reporting period.
For buyers, the takeaway is straightforward: Fairhope offers a substantial selection, but desirable properties can still attract attention quickly. Price, condition, location, property type, and monthly carrying costs all matter.
Protecting Your Investment
It is also important to separate potential investment value from guaranteed appreciation. A home can build equity over time, but no Fairhope neighborhood automatically guarantees a profit or specific resale return.
Buyers should evaluate purchase price, property taxes, insurance, maintenance, HOA or community fees, financing costs, rental restrictions, and comparable sales before deciding whether a property makes financial sense.
That is especially important when comparing Fairhope Highlands and The Retreat at Fairhope Village, because one community is centered around townhomes, while The Retreat is currently marketed as a rental apartment property.
The Charm of Fairhope Highlands Living
Established Elegance and Privacy
The Highlands at Fairhope Village offers a very different residential format from The Retreat.
The townhome development is positioned behind the Publix-anchored Fairhope Village shopping area along U.S. Highway 98.
The newer development is planned with modern two-, three-, and four-bedroom residences and upscale finishes, including attached garages, covered porches, stainless-steel appliances, gas ranges, custom cabinetry, and quartz countertops.
This is less about traditional large-lot estate living and more about modern, low-maintenance townhome living with convenient access to everyday services.
That distinction matters for buyers. If your priority is a detached home with a large private lot, Fairhope Highlands may not match what you have in mind. If you want a newer attached residence with contemporary finishes and convenient shopping nearby, it deserves a closer look.
A Convenient Residential Retreat
Location is one of the strongest features.
The development is positioned directly behind Publix and The Shoppes at Fairhope Village, while the developer describes it as approximately two miles from downtown Fairhope.
That gives residents convenient access to groceries, restaurants, shopping, and other services without requiring a trip across town for every errand.
The Appeal of The Retreat at Fairhope Village
Resort Style Community Amenities
The Retreat at Fairhope Village is designed around apartment-style living with an extensive shared amenity package.
Residents have access to features including a resort-style pool, fitness center, clubhouse, outdoor kitchen and grilling area, dog park, pet-washing station, and walking access near the natural preserve. Individual residences also feature conveniences such as balconies or patios, oversized closets, and modern kitchens.
The property offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts, making it particularly relevant to renters who want more amenities than a conventional apartment building might provide.
For a buyer specifically looking for an owner-occupied townhome, though, The Retreat should not be treated as a direct substitute without first confirming whether any ownership opportunities exist.
Proximity to Downtown Fairhope
The Retreat also benefits from its Fairhope Village location.
The property is within walking distance of Publix and nearby shopping and dining, while downtown Fairhope is also easily accessible by car.
The result is a location that combines suburban convenience with relatively easy access to Fairhope’s downtown district, Mobile Bay attractions, restaurants, galleries, and local businesses.
A Complete Baldwin County Neighborhood Comparison
Evaluating HOA Structures
A thorough Baldwin County neighborhood comparison should begin by determining exactly what type of property you are considering.
For an owner-occupied townhome, buyers should review the declaration, covenants, HOA budget, insurance responsibilities, maintenance obligations, assessments, rental restrictions, and architectural requirements before making an offer.
The Retreat requires a different analysis because it is currently marketed as a rental apartment community rather than a conventional HOA-governed neighborhood of individually owned homes.
That makes HOA fees an especially important point to clarify rather than assuming that both communities operate under comparable structures.
Making the Right Choice
The choice ultimately comes down to your housing objective.
If you are purchasing a townhome, focus on ownership structure, resale comparables, financing, HOA documents, insurance, maintenance responsibilities, and property taxes.
If you are considering renting, The Retreat offers an amenity-rich apartment environment with convenient access to Fairhope Village shopping and services.
An experienced local agent can also help identify comparable owner-occupied properties if neither community fits your specific requirements.
Fairhope Neighborhood Comparison Table
| Neighborhood Feature | Fairhope Highlands / Highlands at Fairhope Village | The Retreat at Fairhope Village |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Vibe | Modern, convenient, low-maintenance | Amenity-focused, community-oriented |
| Property Style | Townhomes | Rental apartments |
| Typical Layouts | 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom townhomes in the newer development | 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments |
| Size | Approximately 1,522–2,513 sq. ft. in the newer development | Approximately 817–1,661 sq. ft. |
| Amenities | Community amenities associated with the development | Pool, fitness center, clubhouse, dog park and outdoor amenities |
| Ownership | Townhome rental development; verify availability of individually owned units | Currently marketed as a rental apartment community |
| Shopping Access | Directly behind Publix and Fairhope Village | Steps from Publix and nearby shopping |
| Downtown Access | Approximately 2 miles | Convenient drive to downtown Fairhope |
| Best For | Buyers or renters seeking modern townhome-style living | Renters seeking apartment amenities and convenience |
The information above reflects currently available development and property information. Individual ownership opportunities, availability, fees, and community features can change.
Partner With a Local Expert
Finding the right property on the Eastern Shore starts with understanding the difference between a homeownership opportunity and a rental community.
When researching Fairhope Highlands vs The Retreat at Fairhope Village, buyers should look beyond attractive amenities and consider ownership status, property type, monthly costs, financing, maintenance, resale considerations, and location.
Fairhope remains an active residential market in 2026, with recent market data showing a median listing price of approximately $699,500 and a median days on market of about 66 days.
For buyers exploring luxury townhomes in Fairhope, AL, a local professional can also introduce comparable communities and available properties that better match your budget and ownership goals.
If you’re comparing Fairhope Highlands vs The Retreat at Fairhope Village or want to explore other luxury townhomes in Fairhope, AL, contact Hollie Mackellar of Local Property Inc. at (251) 270-6400 or hollie@localpropertyinc.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no direct purchase-price comparison because The Retreat at Fairhope Village is currently a rental apartment community, while the newer Highlands at Fairhope Village development is a townhome rental community. Current rental pricing at The Retreat varies by floor plan and availability.
The Highlands at Fairhope Village is undergoing development of a 90-unit luxury townhome rental community. The project includes two-, three-, and four-bedroom residences with modern finishes and attached garages. Availability should be confirmed directly because construction and leasing status can change.
A direct HOA-fee comparison is not appropriate because The Retreat is an apartment rental community rather than a conventional neighborhood of individually owned homes. Buyers considering a townhome should obtain the current governing documents and fee schedule before purchasing.
Fairhope is served by Baldwin County Public Schools. Local public schools include Fairhope East Elementary, Fairhope Middle School, and Fairhope High School. School assignment depends on the property’s exact address, so buyers should verify current attendance boundaries with the school district before purchasing.
Townhomes can appeal to buyers because they may offer newer construction, lower exterior-maintenance responsibilities, and access to desirable locations and amenities. However, appreciation and investment returns are never guaranteed. Buyers should evaluate comparable sales, HOA or community costs, insurance, taxes, financing, rental restrictions, and expected holding costs.
The Retreat is in Fairhope’s eastern residential and commercial area rather than directly on the Mobile Bay waterfront. Fairhope’s downtown and waterfront attractions, including the municipal pier area, are accessible by car.
An experienced local agent can help coordinate property tours when participating properties are available. Because these communities have different ownership and leasing structures, it is worth confirming whether you are looking to purchase or rent before scheduling tours.
