Are you thinking about making a move to southern Alabama? Perhaps you already live here but would like to take a look at Daphne AL as a possible hometown. Daphne has the ambiance of a small town with friendly and caring people. It offers an interesting mix of suburban, rural, and waterfront environments located on the eastern side of the Mobile Bay.

Moving to a new area can be exciting, as well as somewhat scary. To help you in making your decision, I have created the following Ultimate Guide to Life in Daphne for you. There is a wealth of information contained in this article that should prove to be very helpful to you.

Here's what you'll find below:

• Facts and Figures
• Beautiful Surroundings
• Strong Economy and Jobs
• Thriving Community
• Things To Do
• Easy Commute
• Restaurants
• Weather and Climate
• Public Safety
• Schools
• Real Estate
• Final Thoughts  

Ultimate Guide to Life in Daphne

Of course, you can find information about Daphne all over the internet. But, to save you some time, I’ve done the research for you and pulled together items that I thought you’d find both interesting and helpful. I've tried to cover major aspects that you would want to know if you were moving into the area. Here we go . . .

• Population: 23,559
  
• Total Area: 16.24 square miles
  
• Median Home Price: $176,300 
  
• Median Household Income: $60,737
  
• Sales Tax: 9.5%
  
• State Income Tax: 5%
  
• Median Age: 37.7
  
• Average Commute Time: 26.7 minutes
  
  (Source: datausa)

Over the last few years, Daphne’s population has increased by 30%. Even with this rapid growth, Daphne has been able to maintain a small-town atmosphere with friendly and caring people. 

Daphne is located on the western edge of Baldwin County alongside the Mobile Bay. Its proximity to Interstate 10 makes it an easy commute to Mobile which is only 13.6 miles away. It is common for people who live in Daphne to work in Mobile. 

Interstate 10 makes for an easy drive to Pensacola FL in about an hour. You can also get to the beautiful beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in about 45 minutes.

Located along Mobile Bay’s eastern shoreline, Daphne is immersed in natural beauty. From the beautiful water views to the Spanish moss-draped shaded quiet streets, there is much to admire in this town that oozes with Southern charm. Enjoy some of the sights in these beautiful pictures . . .

Daphne Economy

The unemployment rate for Daphne 3.2% compared to the national average of 5.84%. (Source: Zipatlas) 

Employment by Industry

Daphne Jobs

According to Glassdoor.com, Daphne currently has 284 job openings. There are several nearby cities that are an easy commute from Daphne, so I expanded the search. The result was 4,134 job openings within a 15-mile radius of Daphne!  

The Daphne-Fairhope-Foley metropolitan area is listed in Forbes 2017 Rankings as #16 out of 200 Best Small Places for Business and Careers. Forbes forecasts “the job growth rate in this metro is expected to be one of the fastest in the country over the next three years.” Currently, the job growth rate is at 3.5%.

Daphne has a rich and interesting history. It was originally settled by Native Americans. Spanish explorers came into the picture when they discovered the area in 1557. Historical records show that the first settlement of Daphne was formed in 1763; the actual town of Daphne was officially established in 1874. From Native Americans to the Spanish, French, and British, it has a lengthy parade of historic influences which give Daphne its present character. Back in 1927, Daphne had a population of 500 people. The town has been steadily growing ever since, with a current population of 23,559. Despite its continued growth, Daphne has maintained the character and atmosphere of a small town.

Daphne is known as the Jubilee City for its role as one of the locations for the Mobile Bay Jubilee. The strange phenomenon of Jubilee occurs along the coastline of the Mobile Bay when crab, shrimp, and fish are suddenly washed ashore, waiting to be scooped up by those who are fortunate enough to be present when Jubilee occurs. Past observation has shown that Jubilees only occur in early dawn in summer months.

Parks

• Bayfront Park     

Bayfront Drive at Mobile Bay

251-626-5300 (Civic Center)

Bayfront Park is a hidden gem that sits right on the Mobile Bay. You can take a walk on the beach, watch sailboats drift by, watch the sunset, or drop a fishing line. A boardwalk winds through the estuary and connects to the Village Point Park Preserve. There’s a nice gazebo under the trees with seating and a great view of the water. There is a pier, along with kayak and canoe access. A pavilion sits on the property that is available for rent; it has over 7,000 square feet of space and can accommodate from 20 to 299 people.

• Belrose Park

Belrose Avenue at Mobile Bay

251-621-3703 (City Park Council)

Belrose Park is a picnic area and sandy beach.

• Ruff Wilson Youth Center

Johnson Road

251-621-3703 (City Park Council)

This center (adjacent to Joe Louis Patrick Park) features two softball fields, one basketball court, playground, gazebo, picnic area, and sandy beach.

• Centennial Park

Main Street across from City Hall

251-621-3703 (City Park Council)

Centennial Park is family friendly with picnic area, playground, gazebo, and flowering gardens. You can relax beneath the ancient oaks or join the kids at the playground.

• Gator Alley Boardwalk

North Main Street at D’Olive Creek

251-621-8222

Gator Alley Boardwalk is a half-mile boardwalk over D’Olive Creek where you can catch a glimpse of local alligators in their natural habitat.

• Joe Louis Patrick Park

Johnson Road

251-621-3703 (City Park Council)

This park is adjacent to Ruff Wilson Youth Center softball fields and features a playground, gazebo, and picnic area.

• May Day Park

College Avenue at Mobile Bay

251-621-8222

May Day Park is bayfront green space with a playground, picnic areas, fishing pier, beach and water access for canoes and kayaks, moss-covered trees, and beautiful sunsets.

• Park City Park

Park Drive

251-621-3703 (City Park Council)

This park features a playground, basketball court, gazebo, and grills.

• Village Point Park Preserve

27710 Main Street (near Hwy 98)

251-621-3703 (City Park Council)

Village Point Park Preserve is the largest park in Daphne. It features the Jackson Live Oak tree, which was recorded on a Spanish land grant in the 1700s and was supposedly used by Andrew Jackson as a platform from which to rally troops during the War of 1812. This nature retreat also features nature trails, several state and national champion trees, marshland, swamp, a bay beach, and picnic areas. It is an estuary for wildlife. The historic D’Olive family cemetery is also located on the property.

Athletics

• Al Trione Sports Complex

Whispering Pines Road

251-621-3703 (City Park Council)

This sports complex features four softball and baseball fields, four soccer fields, two football/soccer fields, and three concession stands.

• W.O. Lott Park

2000 Main Street

251-621-3703 (City Park Council)

Lott Park features four baseball fields, two tennis courts, one basketball court, two Bocce courts, playground, picnic area, and concession stand.

• Ruff Wilson Youth Center

Johnson Road

251-621-3703 (City Park Council)

This center features two softball fields, one basketball court, playground, and concession stand.

• Lake Forest Golf Course

1 Golf Terrace Drive

251-626-9324

• TimberCreek Golf Club

9650 TimberCreek Blvd

251-621-9900

• Central Park Disc Golf (Frisbee) Course

28 Lake Shore Drive

This is an 18-hole disc golf course. Front 9 has mostly shorter holes with a lot of elevation changes. Back 9 has several long holes to really test your arm.

• Eastern Shore Trail

The Eastern Shore Trail is a 23-mile hiking and bike trail which runs along the east side of Mobile Bay through Spanish Fort, Daphne, Fairhope, and Point Clear. This is a very scenic trail that passes through quaint and quiet communities.

Museums 

• Old Methodist Church Museum and Cemetery        

405 Dryer Ave

Phone 251-621-9620

This site features local artifacts and graves dating back to 1847. Union soldiers slept here en route to the Battle of Spanish Fort in 1865. 

• American Sport Art Museum & Archives

One Academy Dr

Phone 251-626-3303

This museum is dedicated to the preservation of sports history, art, and literature. The gallery houses works of nationally and internationally famous sports artists and sculptors.

• African-American School Museum

1000 Main Street (on the campus of W.J.Carroll Intermediate School)

251-510-0355

See artifacts and furniture and learn stories of students and teachers who left their mark in Baldwin County history.

Boat Charters, Fishing, Boat Tours

• Ugly Fishing

358 Ridgewood Drive

251-747-1554

While there are numerous fishing guide services nearby that you can use for your boat charters or tours, Ugly Fishing is physically located in Daphne. They service coastal Alabama, providing fishing opportunities to anglers of all abilities and skill levels.

Other

• AMC Jubilee Square 12 Theater

6898 US 90

251-626-5766

Cineplex with RealD 3D and jumbo digital screens.

• Hot Wheels Skate Center

616 Whispering Pines Road

251-626-5120

The 20,400 SF building has an 80x170-foot skating floor and offers skate rentals. The skate center has a video arcade, pool table, air hockey, novelty shop, and snack stand.

• Jubilee Square Shopping Center

6850 US Hwy 90

251-626-3375

Jubilee Square is a 355,088 SF shopping center in the heart of Daphne. It has about 45 stores, including many options for restaurants and fast food. Also located on the premises is the AMC Jubilee Square 12, a Cineplex with RealD 3D and jumbo digital screens.

According to datausa, the average commute time for Daphne is about 26 minutes. In case you will be living in Daphne but working elsewhere, I've listed the commute time to nearby cities:

Mobile - 13.6 miles (18 minutes)

Spanish Fort - 5.2 miles (10 minutes)

Fairhope - 5.8 miles (13 minutes)

Foley - 25.6 miles (36 minutes)

Italian

Seafood

American

Asian

Mexican

Cajun

Mediterranean

Fast Food

Summers are hot and muggy in Daphne. The "hot" season lasts from mid-May through September, with an average daily high above 84 degrees. The "cool" season lasts from December through February, with an average daily high below 66 degrees. Temperature in Daphne typically varies from 42 degrees to 89 degrees and is rarely below 28 degrees or above 94 degrees.

(Source: weatherspark.com)

Sperling's Best Places has issued Daphne a comfort index of 70 out of 100, where a higher score indicates a more comfortable year-round climate.

Daphne is definitely the place to come if you're trying to escape the harsh North winters!

The Daphne Police Department has 88 personnel, 50 of whom are sworn officers ready to protect and serve the community. You can feel safe knowing that the fine officers are here for you.

Daphne Police Department
1502 US Hwy 98
Daphne, AL  36526

Phone 251-621-9100

Website

Based on crime rates compiled by Safe Choice Security, Daphne was named one of the safest cities in Alabama.

The table shows that the overall Daphne crime rate is 40% lower than the Alabama average and 26% lower than the national average.

Regarding violent crimes, Daphne's rate is 74% lower than the Alabama average and 65% lower than the national average.

(Source: areavibes)

Daphne Public Schools

Daphne High School 9300 Lawson Road 251-626-8787 (1,200 students)
Daphne Middle School 1 Jody Davis Circle 251-626-2845 (600 students)	W. J. Carroll Intermediate School 1000 Main Street 251-626-0277 (490 students)
Daphne Elementary School 2307 Main Street 251-626-2424 (685 students)	Daphne East Elementary School 26551 County Road 13 251-626-1663 (1,000 students)

Daphne is a thriving hometown, not a tourist destination. Daphne's popularity has resulted in a lot of growth with new subdivisions being built on a regular basis. Another plus for Daphne is that housing is very affordable, especially compared to most areas of the country. Daphne is very centralized in Baldwin Country, giving you quick access to hundreds of things to do.

If you'd like to take a look at properties available in Daphne, please click on the following links:

Daphne Real Estate and Community Guide

Daphne Neighborhoods

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 

Daphne Luxury Homes ($700,000+)

I'm your Daphne Realtor. I have over 13 years' experience in Real Estate and would love to help you find the home that's just right for you.

If you're moving to Daphne and need more information, please contact me. I'm here for you.

Jeff Nelson
IXL Real Estate - Eastern Shore
251-654-2523
jeff@livegulfshoreslocal.com

About the author: The above Real Estate information on Moving to Daphne was provided by Jeff Nelson of IXL Real Estate - Eastern Shore. Jeff can be reached via email at jeff@livegulfshoreslocal.com or by phone at 251-654-2523. Jeff has helped people move in and out of properties for nearly 13 years.

Thinking about selling your home? I have a passion for Real Estate and would love to share my marketing expertise!

I service Real Estate sales in Baldwin County, including the cities of Spanish Fort, Daphne, Fairhope, Foley, Gulf Shores, and Orange Beach.

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