Daphne, AL remains a hidden treasure in the Lower Alabama region, characterized by its family-friendly environment, budget-friendly options, and southern charm. It’s a rare discovery to encounter a place that maintains its small-town ambiance while steadily embracing modern advancements. This guide aims to offer an abundance of insights into Daphne, AL, serving as your primary reference to explore various facets of the city, including the following focal points:

• Retail Therapy and Dining Establishments
• Geography & Stats
• Property Market Insights
• Getting Around & Daily Travel
• Entertainment
• Healthcare Facilities & Medical Services
• Parks & Recreation
• Schools & Childcare Services
• Churches
• Art
• and so much more!……

We’re Tony & Jessica Martinez, Your Real Estate Fam. We’ve had the privilege of assisting both home buyers and sellers for nearly a decade. Rest assured, while this won’t solely revolve around real estate, you might come across a subtle reference here and there. Our journey includes curating some of the most expansive communities and real estate websites in the region (our YouTube channel is pretty impressive too, I must say). In this endeavor, it’s not just about listing homes available in a specific area. It’s about delving deep into research that extends far beyond property listings. The focus is on comprehending the community intricately, enabling us to offer insightful information to our clients.

So, without further ado, let’s dive right in and explore…

All About Daphne, AL

GEOGRAPHY AND STATS

 Geography

One of Daphne’s top attributes, according to many, lies in its strategic location within Baldwin County. Situated next to Mobile Bay, not far from our stunning beaches and the Gulf (roughly an hour’s drive). It offers easy access to the I-10 interstate, highways, and it’s close to all the action. If you look at the map below, you’ll see Daphne borders Spanish Fort, Fairhope, and Loxley. It’s also connecting you to Mobile, AL towards the west, and Pensacola, FL, to the east.

This section of Baldwin County (Spanish Fort, Daphne, and Fairhope) is often referred to as “The Eastern Shore”. Spanish Fort graces its northern edge, Fairhope adorns the southern tip, and Daphne is nestled snugly in-between. The Eastern Shore holds the distinction of being a Micropolitan area, indicating that at least one of its clustered locales must house a population of no less than 10,000 individuals and no more than 50,000 residents.

With a total land mass of 18.99 square miles, Daphne, AL doesn’t have a huge geographical footprint, however there is still a lot of rural space in Daphne that is bursting with the possibility of growth. With the exception of the massive Mobile Bay to the west, Daphne does not offer too many water resources. Yes, you’ll find a pond or lake here and there but Mobile Bay is more than enough to provide for watersports and fishing.

Local’s Insight: Did you know that Daphne AL is also known as the Jubilee City? A Jubilee is a natural event that occurs when an abundance of fish, shrimp, and crab rise to the surface of the water, allowing onlookers little question as to what’s for dinner that night. If you’re willing, able, and have great timing, you can fill your tubs full of the bounty that the bay is providing. A Jubilee always happens during the summer, usually just before sunrise.

While the common perception might lean towards Daphne AL having a predominantly flat topography, as you venture towards the eastern reaches of the city, you’ll come across noticeable shifts in elevation. In fact, Daphne’s highest point stands at 150 feet above sea level (with sea level designated as 0 at the shores of Mobile Bay). A prime illustration of this can be found in Lake Forest, a substantial community within Daphne characterized by dense woodlands and a range of elevation variations. Notably, Lake Forest also boasts a golf course, offering players a more challenging experience coupled with picturesque vistas, a notable departure from courses laid out on former agricultural lands.

Stats

With a population of 27,462 as per the 2020 Census, Daphne AL holds the distinction of being the most populous city in Baldwin County, ranking as the 20th largest in the entire state of Alabama. The corresponding zip code for Daphne is 36526.

Notable Demographic:

• 27.95% growth since 2010
• Median Age: 37.9
• 52.29% Female, 47.71% Male
• Born in Daphne: 49.62%
• US Citizens: 97.9%
• Ave Family Size: 3.39
• Marriage Rate: 51%
• # of Veterans: 2,368
• Over 65 years old: 16.6%
• Average Earnings: $46,677
• Median Household Income: $71,882
• 96.11% speak only English
• Poverty Rate: 12.74%
• Labor Force Participation: 62.6%
• Unemployment Rate: 3.4%
• Has at least a Bachelor’s Degree: 41.56%

GETTING AROUND AND TRAVEL

Public Transportation:

Daphne and the entire Baldwin County region are served by a modest public transportation network named BRATS. Additionally, Lyft and Uber services are available, offering convenient rides to your desired destinations. For those seeking alternative transport options, Eastern Shore Shuttle and Bayside Taxi are two private companies offering point-to-point transportation services

Commuting:

The average commute duration for residents of Daphne stood at 25.3 minutes. Among those who are employed, 90.8% of Daphne’s commuters drove independently, 5.3% participated in carpooling, and 3.24% had the flexibility of working from home. It’s worth noting that the figures provided are based on data up to 2019, and the commuting landscape could have experienced significant changes since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Daphne’s road infrastructure is characterized by a straightforward grid pattern. Four main thoroughfares run in the north-south direction:

Highway 98: This route is the preferred choice for the majority of residents and visitors alike. Notably, it hosts a significant concentration of businesses, forming the bustling commercial hub of Daphne.

Scenic 98: Running parallel to Highway 98, Scenic 98 lives up to its name, offering a picturesque journey. With only a few churches, a school, and a brief passage through Old Towne Daphne breaking its tranquil scenery, this route is bordered by century-old oak trees and charming residences, creating a truly scenic and serene experience.

Route 13: This extended road serves as a direct route to Daphne. Characterized by lower speed limits, Route 13 primarily winds through residential neighborhoods. It’s a favored choice among locals seeking an alternative route for navigating the area.

Highway 181: Situated on Daphne’s eastern flank, this significant thoroughfare boasts speed limits ranging from 45 to 55 mph. It provides seamless connectivity, linking Interstate 10 to the southern extremity of Fairhope, encompassing a substantial stretch of the region.

Local’s Insight: Much of Daphne retains its rural character, offering expanses of open space. If you find yourself needing to travel east from the heart of Daphne, there are several “back roads” that can prove handy. Route 64, signaled by the light at Target, serves as a conduit all the way to Highway 59 and the Baldwin Beach Express, both of which lead directly to the beach.

Traffic in Daphne is generally manageable, aligning with expectations for a city of around 27,000 residents during rush hours. Interestingly, the more significant traffic challenges often unfold on the interstate. Being acquainted with a few of these less-traveled roads should contribute to a smoother journey through the area.

As previously highlighted, Daphne benefits from its strategic positioning, enabling swift access to various appealing destinations. Here are a few that might pique your interest:

From Daphne AL to:

• Eastern Shore Center in Spanish Fort (shopping) – 8 miles
• Spanish Fort Town Center (shopping) – 4.7 miles
• Downtown Fairhope – 5.5 miles
• Mobile – 13.6 miles
• Mobile Regional Airport – 29 miles
• Foley – 25.3 miles
• Tanger Outlets (shopping) – 27.6 miles
• OWA Theme Park – 29.8 miles
• Gulf Shores – 37 miles
• Orange Beach – 40.8 miles
• Pensacola FL – 53.2 miles
• Biloxi MS – 74.6 miles
• New Orleans LA – 156 miles

REAL ESTATE

And here’s where the topic of real estate comes into play, and where we come in. A significant portion of the homebuyers we engage with hail from different states. Whether you fall into this category or are simply contemplating a move within town, this segment serves as an excellent starting point. We’ve prepared a selection of articles that could prove valuable in navigating this journey:

• 11 Steps to Buying a Home
• Why Use a Buyer’s Agent When Purchasing a Home?
• Common Expenses When Buying a Home
• Daphne Neighborhoods

All Daphne Single Family Homes for Sale by Price

$100,000 to $200,000 – $200,000 to $300,000 – $300,000 to $400,000

$400,000 to $500,000 – $500,000 to $600,000 – $600,000 to $1,000,000 

BUYING A HOME IN DAPHNE?Contact TONY & JESSICA MARTINEZfor more information on properties, pricing, and market conditions☎ (251) 288-6165         ✉ Tony@YourRealEstateFam.com

The link above, “Daphne Neighborhoods,” encompasses nearly every neighborhood within Daphne, each accompanied by a brief description and a link to available homes in that specific neighborhood. Naturally, you can also explore all homes for sale in Daphne based on various price ranges through the links provided above.

PRICING

Most of the real estate available in Daphne comprises single-family homes, with a limited number of around 9 condo communities in the city. Daphne offers a diverse selection of properties, ranging from existing homes to newly constructed neighborhoods. The new construction projects I’ve observed usually present homes within the $300,000 to $400,000 price range. However, the range for all homes on the market can vary considerably, spanning from $100,000 to over $2 million.

In terms of real estate statistics, when comparing the six major cities in Baldwin County, Daphne consistently boasts either the lowest or second lowest average price per square foot.

Daphne’s landscape is largely characterized by wooded areas, resulting in many homes nestled amongst abundant trees. Conversely, most new construction neighborhoods lack mature trees. In terms of architectural styles, the majority of homes are one-story residences with a predominant Craftsman or Traditional design.

Property Taxes:

Alabama boasts the second lowest property tax rate in the United States, rendering moving to this state even more appealing. When individuals from other states inquire about the property taxes for a specific home, it’s always heartening to witness their reaction.

To calculate property taxes in Daphne, you’ll multiply the home’s value by the Assessment Rate, which stands at 10% for regular homeowners who don’t rent. This figure is then multiplied by the combined millage rates of the county and the city. As an example,

Market Value: $300,000 – Assessment Rate: 10% – Millage Rate: 28 mills for county & 15 mills for Daphne300,000 x 10% = 30,00030,000 x 43 mills (.043) = 1,290Property taxes are $1,290/year

RETAIL THERAPY AND DINING ESTABLISHMENTS

Daphne boasts a sufficient array of shopping and dining options right within the city limits. However, if you’re seeking further choices, you won’t need to venture too far to find what you require. Let’s explore the possibilities:

Jubilee Square 

    Daphne’s premier shopping destination, Jubilee Square, holds the distinction of being the largest shopping center in the area. Situated at 6850 US-90, close to the intersection with Interstate 10, Jubilee Square houses an impressive selection of 40 stores and restaurants. Among them, the most renowned establishments include:   

StoresDick’s Sporting GoodsTJ MaxxBed, Bath, & BeyondHobby LobbyHome DepotOffice DepotFresh MarketEdible ArrangementsUlta Beauty

RestaurantsStarbuck’sO’Charley’sFive Guys Burgers & FriesDickey’s Barbeque PitBaumhower’s Victory GrilleMediterranean Sandwich Co.Taco MamaFirehouse SubsLonghorn Steakhouse

Spanish Fort Center

Absolutely, while our focus is on Daphne, it’s worth mentioning that just across the interstate lies the Spanish Fort Center, a notable retail complex anchored by Bass Pro Shops. This hub also houses prominent brands like Kohl’s and Cavender’s Western Outfitter.

Notably, the Spanish Fort Center is home to a distinctive entertainment venue known as The Fort Park. This innovative space is comprised of repurposed shipping containers, offering visitors a range of captivating dining options, craft brews, cocktails, and live entertainment. It’s an attraction that adds to the region’s unique charm.

Beyond the array of smaller, locally owned stores, Daphne also boasts the convenience of larger retail chains, including Walmart and Target. When it comes to grocery shopping and fresh produce, residents have a diverse selection of options, including:

• Rouse’s Market
• The Fresh Market
• Publix
• Walmart (naturally)
• Hazel’s Fresh Produce
• Allegri’s Farm Market

This selection ensures that Daphne residents have access to a range of choices for their shopping needs.

ENTERTAINMENT

When compiling a pros and cons list for Daphne, AL (which could potentially be another informative article), one notable drawback might be the relatively modest nightlife scene. If you’re seeking vibrant clubbing options, you’re more likely to discover a greater array of choices at the nearby beach or across the bay in downtown Mobile. However, Daphne prides itself on being a family-oriented town, catering to a wide range of age groups with a variety of engaging activities.

Parks

Daphne boasts a wealth of parks, many of which embody the essence of nature and offer captivating sunset vistas. Here’s a selection worth exploring:

• Bayfront Park:  Situated at 6200 Bayfront Drive on Mobile Bay, this park is cherished by locals and may be overlooked by visitors. Its accessibility and stunning bay views make it a must-visit, particularly at sunset. The park features kayak/canoe access, restrooms, a picnic area, and a delightful boardwalk winding through nature, connecting to Village Point Park Preserve.
• Belrose Bay Access: Found at 90 Belrose Ave., this compact space offers bay access, a sandy beach, and a picnic area.
• Centennial Park: Located at 1706 Main St., opposite Daphne City Hall, this park hosts a playground, picnic area, and restrooms.
• Daphne Central Park: Situated at 72 Lakeshore Drive, this park is home to Daphne’s own 18-hole “disc” golf course, accompanied by walking trails and a picnic area.
• Daphne Dog Park: Nestled within the expansive Al Trione Sports Complex at 8600 Whispering Pine Rd., this park features a sizable dog area divided into sections for small and large dogs, complete with dog play equipment and water fountains.
• Gator Boardwalk: Located at 29281 North Main St. (entrance adjacent to Exxon), this extensive boardwalk offers an opportunity to observe alligators in their natural habitat. Numerous viewpoints make spotting these creatures an exciting possibility.
• Dryer Avenue Bay Access: Positioned at Dryer Avenue and Mobile Bay, near Bayside Academy, this spot offers scenic bay views.
• McMillan Bluff: Found at McMillan Ave by the bay, this elevated area offers a deck with benches and stairs leading down to the water, providing a unique perspective.

These parks provide diverse experiences and striking natural vistas for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Belrose Bay Access – located at 90 Belrose Avenue. Small area with bay access, a sandy beach, and a picnic area.

Centennial Park – 1706 Main St, across from Daphne City Hall. You’ll find a playground, a picnic area, and restrooms.

Daphne Central Park – 72 Lakeshore Drive. This is Daphne’s very own 18 hole “disc” golf course with walking trails and a picnic area.

Daphne Dog Park – 8600 Whispering Pine Rd. Inside the massive Al Trione Sports Complex, there’s a large dog park with two-fenced areas for small and large dogs, dog play equipment, and dog water fountains.

Gator Boardwalk – 29281 North Main St. (entrance is next door to the Exxon Gas Station). Here’s your chance to see alligators in their own natural habitat. This large boardwalk offers plenty of areas to spot one for yourself.

Dryer Avenue Bay Access – Dryer Avenue and Mobile Bay (by Bayside Academy). Small area that offers views of the bay.

McMillan Bluff – McMillan Ave. at the bay. Daphne does have some areas that are perched above the water, and here’s one of them. You’ll find a deck with benches and stairs that lead down to the water.

May Day Park – Situated at 100 College Ave. by the bay, this expansive park boasts ample parking, a boardwalk, a pier for sightseeing and fishing, a playground, and restrooms.

Village Point Park Preserve – Located at 27717 Main Street, this park stands as one of the most impressive and extensive in the entire county, steeped in historical significance. Abundant walking trails and boardwalks, beach access, a picnic pavilion area, restrooms, and grill spots create a comprehensive recreational experience. I recommend exploring their website for a complete overview of their offerings.

Local’s Insight: Adjacent to the water on the south side of Bayfront Park, you’ll discover an entrance leading into the trees. This pathway immerses you in authentic Alabama nature as you traverse its boardwalk. Stretching several hundred feet, it provides ample exploration opportunities (you might even spot a napping gator in the foliage). Eventually, the boardwalk guides you to Village Point Park, offering even more to discover.

Fun Things to Do

Absolutely, Daphne has plenty of beautiful parks to offer. However, there’s more to explore in and around Daphne. Here are a few other activities you might want to consider:

Catch a movie at AMC Classic Jubilee Square 12—located in Jubilee Square, next to one of our favorite restaurants, Baumhower’s Victory Grille. Bounce around at Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park.

Listen to live music at The Fort Container Park.

Check out the very cool indoor glow-in-the dark mini golf course at Tortuga Adventure Golf.

Experience the Mobile-Tensaw Delta on an airboat ride at Airboat Adventures.

Bring the kids to Brantley Farms Petting Zoo.

Enjoy roller skating at Hot Wheels Skate Center.

Getting Fit and Moving Around

Several years back, a passionate group committed to fitness and inclusivity took the initiative to establish and sustain the Eastern Shore Trail. Spanning 24.7 miles, this trail journey commences from the battleship in Spanish Fort, traverses Daphne, and culminates at the southern tip of Fairhope. The trail primarily comprises concrete, rendering it an ideal route for both runners and cyclists. For those interested, their website provides the trail map for reference.

Here are the gyms that are located in Daphne AL:

• Planet Fitness – 29685 Renaissance Blvd
• Anytime Fitness – 2020 US-98
• Orangetheory Fitness – 6900 US-90
• Daphne Fit Body Boot Camp – 26037 Capital Drive
• Kayotic Fitness – 8720 Rand Ave
• Jubilee Fitness & Nutrition – 27468 World Ct
• Bounds Family YMCA – 8051 Whispering Pines Rd
• Jazzercise – 26050 Equity Dr Suite F
• RxSportFit – 10758 Co Rd 64
• Fit Fusion Eastern Shore – 28260 US 98 Suite 1
• F45 Training – 1501 US 98
• Phy-sique Fitness – 900 Camellia Ln

For those who love to golf, Daphne offers two nice courses:

1. Timbercreek Golf Club – 9650 Timbercreek Blvd – A 27 hole championship golf course designed by Earl Stone.
2. Lake Forest Golf Course – located in the Lake Forest neighborhood off of Bayview Dr.

HOSPITALS AND MEDICAL CENTERS

For residents of Daphne, the nearest major hospital is Thomas Hospital, situated at 750 Morphy Ave. in Fairhope. And, there are a bunch of other hospitals across the bay.

Here are a few other medical facilities in Daphne:

• Thomas Medical Center – 27961 US 98
• Diagnostic and Medical Clinic – 9570 US 90
• American Family Care – 6631 Park Dr
• Infirmary Eastern Shore – 7101 US 90
• Urgent Care by the Bay – 1208 US 98
• Daphne Family Practice – 27961 US 98 Suite 20
• Eastern Shore Urgent Care – 29710 Urgent Care Dr
• Eastern Shore Family Practice – 27961 US 98 Suite 14
• Thomas Hospital Emergency in Malbis – 29487 AL 181
• Premier Medical Group – 1302 US 98
• Urgent Care for Children – 6883 US 90

 SCHOOLS AND DAYCARE

 Daphne Public Schools

• Daphne Elementary School – 2307 Main St
• Daphne East Elementary School – 26651 County Rd 13
• Daphne Middle School – 1 Jody Davis Circle
• Daphne High School – 9300 Champions Way
• Baldwin County Virtual Secondary School – 605 US 98
• WJ Carroll Intermediate School – 1000 Main Street

Daphne Private Schools

• Bayside Academy – 303 Dryer Ave
• The Community School – 29964 St Basil St
• Christ the King School – 1503 Main St
• Renaissance School of the Eastern Shore – 10526 County Rd 64
• Ascension Christian School – 8888 County Rd 64
• Eastern Shore Montessori School – 980 Main St

Undoubtedly, Daphne, AL stands as one of the rapidly burgeoning cities within the quickest expanding county in the state. This reality underscores the significance of understanding how Baldwin County is addressing this growth. Here are some rapid insights regarding the county’s school system as a whole:

Selecting the right school system is an inherently personal choice for you and your children, and my intention isn’t to sway your decision in any particular direction. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that Daphne schools tend to enjoy favorable rankings and are often considered a strong option. To aid you in making your own informed decision, here are some valuable links to explore:

The links below will take you right to the Daphne pages:

• Greatschools.org
• Niche.com
• USnews.com
• Schooldigger.com

Daphne Daycare

• Big Blue Marble Academy – 29669 Renaissance Blvd
• Tiny Tots Academy – 25478 Friendship Rd
• Kids Kabin Day Care Center – 27730 Main St
• Our Little Sprouts Daycare and Preschool – 28848 N Main St
• Color Us Kids Learning Center – 26000 Nelson St
• Little Crusaders Learning Center – 9023 Lawson Rd
• Hermes Enchanted Garden – 1005 Main St Suite 200
• Weinacker’s Montessori School – 28765 N Main St
• Neighborhood School – 26481 Kensington Pl

CHURCHES

Indeed, being in the Bible Belt, Daphne offers a diverse array of church options catering to various denominations. Personally, I attend City Hope, but if you’re exploring alternatives, here are a few others that might interest you:

• City Hope Church – 29964 St Basil Street
• Eastern Shore Baptist Church – 6874 Park Drive
• St. Paul’s Episcopal Church – 28788 N Main Street
• Resurrection Church – 2401 Main Street
• Destiny Church International – 28328 County Rd 13
• Exalt Community Church – 25558 Friendship Rd
• Church of the Highlands – 2603 US – 98 (Daphne Civic Center)
• Jubilee Baptist Church – 9264 Pleasant Rd
• The Rock Church – 26471 County Rd 13
• Daphne Baptist Church – 1515 6th Street
• African Universal Church – 8355 Jonesboro Rd
• Christ Presbyterian Church – 8450 Whispering Pines Rd
• Eastern Shore Church of Christ – 1209 Daphne Ave
• Church of His Presence – 24142 AL 181

ART AND CULTURE

Looking to add some culture to your life? Daphne has got you covered with a variety of choices:

• Daphne Art Center – 1704 6th St
• Daphne History Museum – 405 Dryer Ave
• The American Sport Museum & Archives – 1 Academy Drive
• Black Education Museum – 806 Thomas Ave
• The Artsy Party – 8871 Rand Ave
• Paint & Pals Studio – 28600 US 98
• Bay Area Performing Arts – 8724 Rand Ave
• Hammer & Stain Eastern Shore – 25325 US 98
• Surreal Surfaces Studio – 25945 AL 181

During the fall, the Jubilee Festival comes alive, transforming the streets of Olde Towne Daphne into a vibrant celebration. This event showcases the creativity of local artists from the region, displaying their talents in sculpture, painting, sketches, handmade jewelry, and a wide array of artistic expressions.

Thanks for checking out our page and this great information! We hope you’ve found something valuable in your exploration of Daphne. If you ever need assistance in the real estate world, please let us know! We specialize in all things real estate and are here to lend a hand.