Discover Baldwin County, Alabama: A Golfer’s Paradise

Considering a move to the area? Explore Fairhope, Daphne and Spanish Fort community information and search Eastern Shore homes for sale. For a broader home search, compare Fairhope, Foley and Gulf Shores before choosing where to tour.

For golfers, Baldwin County, Alabama, is the ultimate destination where lush greens, stunning views, and a thriving golf culture come together. Nestled along the Gulf Coast, this hidden gem offers more than just picturesque courses—it’s the perfect place to live the dream of golfing year-round. Whether you’re an avid player or looking for a home that embraces the golf lifestyle, Baldwin County blends scenic courses with golf-centric communities for an experience like no other.

Top 3 Golf Courses in Baldwin County

The top 3 golf clubs in Baldwin County, Alabama, are typically recognized for their exceptional course design, amenities, and overall golf experience. Based on reputation, membership options, and the golfing experience they provide, these are the top three:

Number One: Lakewood Golf Club at The Grand Hotel

Tucked away in Point Clear, Lakewood Golf Club is more than just a golf course—it’s a prestigious destination. As part of the renowned Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, Lakewood features two stunning courses: the Azalea and the Dogwood. Both courses are celebrated for their rolling hills, Southern pines, and breathtaking landscapes.

Why it’s Top-Rated: Lakewood Golf Club is arguably the most prestigious course in Baldwin County. As part of the renowned Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, it offers two breathtaking 18-hole courses: the Azalea and Dogwood courses. The course is known for its stunning views, historic charm, and challenging fairways that wind through Southern pines.

Amenities at Lakewood include a state-of-the-art fitness center, multiple swimming pools, 10 hydro-courts, and dining options, with access to the historic Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa.

Number Two: Steelwood Country Club (Loxley)

Why it’s Top-Rated: Steelwood is a private, members-only club designed by 1976 U.S. Open Champion Jerry Pate. The course, spanning over 7,000 yards, features natural elevation changes and stunning views of Steelwood Lake. Known for its exclusivity and challenging play, Steelwood is ideal for avid golfers who want a high-end experience.

Number Three: Kiva Dunes Golf Club (Gulf Shores)

Why it’s Top-Rated: Consistently ranked as one of Alabama’s best public courses, Kiva Dunes offers an exceptional golfing experience right on the Gulf Coast. The course is challenging but playable for golfers of all levels, and it boasts stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. Kiva Dunes has hosted PGA and LPGA events and is a favorite for visitors to the area.

These three courses offer the best mix of design, beauty, and challenge, making them the standout golf destinations in Baldwin County. Whether you’re looking for a world-class resort course or a private, exclusive membership experience, or one of the best public courses in Alabama, these clubs represent the top choices in the region.

Your Dream Home on the Green

Fairhope: A Golfer’s Paradise with Charm, History, and Art

Fairhope, Alabama, is a vibrant community where culture, golf, and history blend seamlessly. Stroll along the picturesque streets, where you’ll find an eclectic mix of boutiques, galleries, and restaurants, offering a delightful combination of Southern charm and modern flair. Each year, the town comes alive during its renowned Annual Art Festival, a celebration of local and national artists.

Founded in 1894 as the world’s oldest and largest single tax colony, Fairhope was established on the principle that land should be taxed in a way that benefits the entire community. This pioneering tax model continues to shape the town’s forward-thinking culture today.

The blend of stunning views, rich history, and vibrant arts scene make Fairhope not only an incredible place to live but also a haven for golfers who want a home near world-class courses with all the benefits of small-town charm and big-town culture.

Point Clear Woods (Fairhope)
Point Clear Woods is the pinnacle of Southern luxury, offering a serene, gated community where privacy and tranquility meet world-class golf. This exclusive neighborhood is known for its majestic oak trees and expansive lots, providing a peaceful haven for those seeking both beauty and serenity.

Residents of Point Clear Woods also enjoy direct access to Lakewood Golf Club, with the course just a short walk away, making it easy to spend your afternoons teeing off.

A prime example of what Point Clear Woods offers is the listing at 17342 Wildwood Court, a 5-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom estate spanning over 5,400 square feet. This Southern-style home blends luxury with charm, featuring a peaceful cul-de-sac location and easy access to Lakewood Golf Club, making it a perfect choice for golfers.

Another stunning home in the area, 6120 Oakwood Lane, boasts 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, combining Southern craftsmanship with modern style. This home offers tranquil surroundings and plenty of space, ideal for those who want both comfort and access to world-class golf.

Point Clear: A Community Like No Other

Exclusive Access to Lakewood Golf Club

Residents of Point Clear Woods enjoy the unique privilege of having access to Lakewood Golf Club, one of the most prestigious golf courses in the area. While membership is not automatically included with property ownership, residents can apply for membership, which provides unlimited access to golf, tennis, swimming, and the club’s fitness facilities.

Architectural Elegance
Homes in Point Clear Woods are designed to complement the area’s natural beauty. The architecture reflects Southern charm with expansive layouts, high ceilings, and large windows offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

Diverse Community
Point Clear is a welcoming community, great for everyone. Located just minutes from highly rated schools, shopping, marinas, and beaches, the neighborhood offers easy access to everything you need. It’s been celebrated for its strong community spirit and family-friendly atmosphere, earning accolades such as “2022 Best Places to Raise a Family in Baldwin County” by Niche.com.

For those who love outdoor recreation, Point Clear is an ideal location. Residents have access to numerous parks, trails, and Mobile Bay, making it perfect for activities like fishing, boating, and enjoying the great outdoors. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an active lifestyle, this neighborhood offers something for everyone.

As Neighborhood Scout puts it, “If you are planning to retire in Alabama, Point Clear should be on your must-see list. For many reasons, it may be considered a retiree’s dream neighborhood.” Read more

Point Clear Market Data
The median listing price in Point Clear as of April 2025 is $1.1M. According to Realtor.com, Point Clear was considered a buyer’s market in April 2025. So now is a good time to be teeing up to find your dream property in one of these premier golfing communities.

As of April 2025, there were 128 homes for sale in Point Clear, ranging from $45.8K to $7.5M. However, only 2 homes were available in Point Clear Woods—both listed by Ashurst Niemeyer Real Estate—making it an extremely sought-after community in the area.

Why Baldwin County?

Beyond the greens, Baldwin County offers a high quality of life. The relaxed coastal lifestyle features dining, shopping, and cultural events that ensure there’s always something to enjoy. Whether it’s a day at the beach, a stroll through historic Fairhope, or a night out at a local restaurant, Baldwin County has it all.

Ready to Live the Golfing Dream?

If you’re ready to make golf more than just a game and turn it into your lifestyle, Baldwin County has the perfect home waiting for you. Whether you’re eyeing a property on a world-class course or a luxurious home within a golf-centric community, Ashurst Niemeyer Real Estate is here to help you find your dream home. Let us guide you to the perfect spot where stunning fairways and breathtaking views are just steps from your front door. Reach out today and discover why Baldwin County is a golfer’s paradise!

16 Golf Courses in Baldwin County, Alabama

Bay Minette

Holly Hills Municipal Golf Course – A 9-hole, 3,116-yard course offering an affordable and relaxed golfing experience.

Daphne

TimberCreek Golf Club – A 27-hole championship course designed by Earl Stone, featuring scenic fairways and challenging layouts.

Lake Forest Golf Club – A 27-hole facility with a mix of 18-hole and 9-hole courses, offering a variety of golfing experiences.

Fairhope

Lakewood Golf Club – Lakewood Golf Club is arguably the most prestigious course in Baldwin County. As part of the renowned Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail

Rock Creek Golf Club
Located in Fairhope, Rock Creek Golf Club offers a gorgeous 18-hole course designed by Earl Stone. The course features winding fairways and stunning vistas that provide both a challenge and a serene experience.

Quail Creek Golf Course – An 18-hole course offering a friendly environment and well-maintained fairways.

Loxley

Steelwood Country Club stands out as a premier golfing destination in Baldwin County, offering a blend of challenging play, natural beauty, and exclusive amenities. If you’re considering a golfing lifestyle in the area, Steelwood is a club worth exploring.

Foley

GlenLakes Golf Club – A 27-hole course offering a mix of water features and rolling hills, providing a blend of beauty and challenge.

Gulf Links Golf Center – An executive-style 18-hole course with a par 64 layout, suitable for golfers of all skill levels.

Gulf Shores

Craft Farms Golf Resort – Home to two 18-hole championship courses: Cotton Creek and Cypress Bend, both designed by Arnold Palmer.

Gulf Shores Golf Club – An 18-hole, par 71 course offering a traditional golfing experience.

Kiva Dunes Golf Club – An 18-hole course ranked among Alabama’s best public courses, offering stunning Gulf Coast views.

Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club – A 27-hole course nestled in a tranquil, wooded setting, providing both challenge and beauty.

Orange Beach

Orange Beach Golf Center – Features a 9-hole, par 3 course, lighted driving range, and practice facilities, catering to golfers of all levels.

Spanish Fort

Fairways Indoor Golf Club in Spanish Fort offers a state-of-the-art facility with high-definition golf simulators, allowing players to enjoy the sport indoors. The facility provides an experience above and beyond what is seen on a traditional outdoor course.

Elberta

The Preserve at Soldiers Creek– An 18-hole championship course offering a peaceful combination of natural beauty and challenging play.

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a beginner, Baldwin County offers a diverse range of courses to suit every skill level and preference. From the historic designs at Lakewood Golf Club to the coastal challenges at Kiva Dunes, there’s a course waiting for you to tee off. If you are considering a move to the area, explore our Eastern Shore community guide or search homes for sale in Baldwin County.

Make this a Special Christmas!!

Tonight, I was lucky to watch Christmas at the Opry, and what a fabulous program. If you did not watch it, you missed a great program filled with all the songs of the Christmas season. As I watched, I reflected on the memories that are centered with Christmas and I invite you to do the same.

The 13th of December is the first night of Hanukah, which will start 7 days of celebration for the Jewish faith. It is a special time for all.

But going back to many of my memories I reflect on my lifetime and the old and new memories. My father died when I was 5 ½ and was raised by my beloved Mother. Mother always had a Christmas tree which normally set on our bay window. This one year, she decided not to get one. I was in the 10th grade and my date and I picked up one that had been discarded on a curb right before Christmas and delivered it to my Mother. That night we decorated it together and the next day Santa came and delivered Christmas under that tree. You know, you never know what Christmas will bring.

So many memories on this season. Now, my biggest and fondest memory is to invite all of our grands and greats to decorate Ju Ju’s tree. Lights are put on with one grand and my brother-in-law. Then the action begins with each one reaching in the big red storage bin and pulling out the decorations. Our tree blossoms with love from each one that has participated. Pizza is normally served, and it starts the season.

This year, take time to remember and share with your families. It is a special time of the year.

October, the month of Halloween, casts its enchanting spell over Fairhope!

October, the month of Halloween, casts its enchanting spell over Fairhope!

The town’s charm is brewing as we eagerly await the upcoming Art Walk this Friday. As always, the Art Center will fling open its doors, revealing magical works of art, and the streets will come alive with a bustling crowd. The festivities usually kick off around 5:00 pm. It’s the perfect opportunity to leisurely explore downtown Fairhope and perhaps reserve a spot at your favorite restaurant for dinner.

The crisp, cooling air is a welcome change that beckons us outdoors. While our region may not be adorned with a multitude of falling leaves, our sunsets are nothing short of breathtaking. Picture the skies ablaze with brilliant oranges and reds, reminiscent of the turning leaves in more northern climes.

Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 26th, when Fairhope will be awash with the Fairhope Witches Ride. Hundreds of witches and warlocks will traverse the picturesque streets of downtown Fairhope, culminating in a spellbinding Witches Ball at the Halstead Amphitheater. This year’s festivities promise to be a bewitching experience, complete with music provided by the Incredible Tip Tops. Best of all, the proceeds from this magical event will benefit the Baldwin Humane Society.

Until we meet again next month, I invite you to savor the magic of October in Fairhope.

Warm regards,

Judy Niemeyer

Summer Market Update

Archive note (August 2023): The listing counts and mortgage rates below are historical and do not reflect today’s market. For current Fairhope and Eastern Shore buying or selling guidance, contact Judy Niemeyer or explore selling your home.

It’s hard to believe but August is almost over, and hopefully cooler weather is coming our way. The heat this summer has been brutal. Hopefully hurricanes will continue to stay away.

Our market has been very unpredictable. Homes that we think will sell quickly can take longer to sell. Our inventory is still extremely low. We have only 375 active listings from Spanish Fort to Point Clear. Out of the 375, 119 are brand new construction. 308 homes are under contract with 140 brand new construction. Since January 1, 2023, we have had 1,421 homes to close with 482 of this new construction. Most of the new homes are priced in the lower range.

The big difference between new and resale is gold certification, which gives you reduced insurance rates. Please remember when you get a new roof, verify that the roofer will certify it. Once certified, you can claim that the roof is fortified. Homes with older roofs really increase home insurance premiums.

The major obstacle in today’s world of real estate is the increasing mortgage rates. Today a 30-year mortgage with 20% down is 6.75%. According to one lender, rates are predicted to go up to 8%. Hopefully this prediction is not true. Of course, cash is big today.

Market wise, between now to Labor Day, our market slows. Right now, so many buyers are busy getting their children back to school. But after Labor Day, they get back in the action.

If you have any questions about the market, please reach out to me..

It’s a Sellers’ Market on the Eastern Shore

Archive note (2021): This article describes market conditions in early 2021, not the current Fairhope or Eastern Shore housing market. For an up-to-date pricing and selling discussion, see Judy’s home-selling services or contact Judy Niemeyer.

It’s a Sellers’ Market

Some Highlights

Over the past year, homeowners have gained an unprecedented opportunity to sell with great success while buyer demand is soaring.
With homes selling twice as fast as they did last year at this time, getting multiple offers, and rising in price, homeowners are in the driver’s seat.
Let’s connect today if you’re ready to learn about the leverage you have as a seller in today’s housing market.

What’s the Difference between an Appraisal and a Home Inspection?

Appraisal vs. home inspection: what each tells you

Quick answer: A home appraisal estimates a property’s market value, often for the mortgage lender. A home inspection evaluates the home’s condition and identifies issues a buyer may want to investigate. They serve different purposes, and an appraisal does not replace an inspection. For more guidance, read our Eastern Shore home-buying guide or search homes for sale in Fairhope, Daphne and Spanish Fort.

If you’re planning to buy a home, an appraisal is an important step in the process. It’s a professional evaluation of the market value of the home you’d like to buy. In most cases, an appraisal is ordered by the lender to confirm or verify the value of the home prior to lending a buyer money for the purchase. It’s also a different step in the process from a home inspection, which assesses the condition of the home before you finalize the transaction. Here’s the breakdown of each one and why they’re both important when buying a home.

Appraisal vs. inspection at a glance

Question	Home appraisal	Home inspection
Main purpose	Estimate market value	Evaluate physical condition
Usually requested by	Mortgage lender	Home buyer
Typical focus	Comparable sales, location and property characteristics	Roof, systems, structure and visible defects within the inspection scope
Does it replace the other?	No	No

Buying in Fairhope or Daphne? Ask your lender about appraisal requirements and review your purchase agreement and inspection deadlines with your agent. For a local checklist, see buying a home in Fairhope and costs to budget beyond the mortgage.

What does a home appraisal evaluate?

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains:

“A home purchase is typically the largest investment someone will make. Protect yourself by getting your investment appraised! An appraiser will observe the property, analyze the data, and report their findings to their client. For the typical home purchase transaction, the lender usually orders the appraisal to assist in the lender’s decision to provide funds for a mortgage.”

When you apply for a mortgage, an unbiased appraisal (which is required by the lender) is the best way to confirm the value of the home based on the sale price. Regardless of what you’re willing to pay for a house, if you’ll be using a mortgage to fund your purchase, the appraisal will help make sure the bank doesn’t loan you more than what the home is worth.

Appraisal results can be especially important when the agreed purchase price differs from the appraised value. Market conditions change over time, so buyers should review the appraisal, discuss any gap with their lender and real estate professional, and understand their options under the purchase agreement.

However, the lender will only allow the buyer to borrow based on the value of the home. This is what helps keep home prices in check. If there’s ever any confusion or discrepancy between the appraisal and the sale price, your trusted real estate professional will help you navigate any additional negotiations in the buying process.

What does a home inspection evaluate?

Here’s the key difference between an appraisal and an inspection. MSN explains:

“In simplest terms, a home appraisal determines the value of a home, while a home inspection determines the condition of a home.”

The home inspection is a way to determine the current state, safety, and condition of the home before you finalize the sale. If anything is questionable in the inspection process – like the age of the roof, the state of the HVAC system, or just about anything else – you as a buyer have the option to discuss and negotiate any potential issues or repairs with the seller before the transaction is final. Your real estate agent is a key expert to help you through this part of the process.

Plan your Eastern Shore home purchase

The appraisal and the inspection are critical steps when buying a home, and you don’t need to manage them by yourself. Contact Judy Niemeyer about your home purchase or call (251) 583-5923 to plan your next steps. Explore the Daphne and Spanish Fort community guides, or learn about Judy’s experience.

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A Quick Note From Judy Niemeyer

A quick note from Judy Niemeyer ~

Welcome to our Fall! Mornings are beautiful with lower temperatures and beautiful skies. Of course, you have to imagine fall leaves because in the South, our leaves stay green. Can you believe that Thanksgiving is around the corner?

What a year 2020 has been. It has been a tough year for all of us. It reminds me of a very bumpy road, smooth in sections, and then a rut comes and bumps us off our path. Covid-19 was the first issue that bumped us. Masks became the new norm. Then Sally struck us with unbelievable winds and destruction. Now, we sit back and see what is next. Is it another Covid-19 burst or just the flu? Who knows?

Thank goodness, our real estate market has been very active. Interest rates continue to be very low. It is a great time for people to sell and buy. A lender last week quoted a 30-year interest rate of 2.8% which is hard to believe. Even with these low interest rates, buyers are still very opinionated. Selling a home is not as easy as the general public thinks.

Let’s compare 2019 to 2020:

Presently we have 523 active homes on the market from Spanish Fort to Point Clear with 460 homes under contract. If all of these homes close, 2020 will be an incredible real estate year.

If you have questions, please feel free to call me. I always love to hear from you!

Ashurst and Niemeyer fairhope al judy niemeyer Selling Real Estate Tax Advice

Tax Advice if You Sold Your Home

Did You Sell Your Home After Making Improvements?

Keeping track of the cost of capital improvements to your home can really pay off on your tax return when it comes time to sell.

It’s no secret that finishing your basement will increase your home’s value. What you may not know is the money you spend on this type of so-called capital improvement could also help lower your tax bill when you sell your house.

Tax rules let you add capital improvement expenses to the cost basis of your home. Why is that a big deal? Because a higher cost basis lowers the total profit—capital gain, in IRS-speak—you’re required to pay taxes on.

The tax break doesn’t come into play for everyone. Most homeowners are exempted from paying taxes on the first $250,000 of profit for single filers ($500,000 for joint filers). If you move frequently, maybe it’s not worth the effort to track capital improvement expenses. But if you plan to live in your house a long time or make lots of upgrades, saving receipts is a smart move.

What Counts As a Capital Improvement?

Although you may consider all the work you do to your home an improvement, the IRS looks at things differently. A rule of thumb: A capital improvement increases your home’s value, while a non-eligible repair just returns something to its original condition. According to the IRS, capital improvements have to last for more than one year and add value to your home, prolong its life, or adapt it to new uses.

Capital improvements can include everything from a new bathroom or deck to a new water heater or furnace. Page 9 of IRS Publication 523 has a list of eligible improvements.

There are limitations. The improvements must still be evident when you sell. So if you put in wall-to-wall carpeting 10 years ago and then replaced it with hardwood floors five years ago, you can’t count the carpeting as a capital improvement. Repairs, like painting your house or fixing sagging gutters, don’t count. The IRS describes repairs as things that are done to maintain a home’s good condition without adding value or prolonging its life.

There can be a fine line between a capital improvement and a repair, says Erik Lammert, former tax research specialist at the National Association of Tax Professionals. For instance, if you replace a few shingles on your roof, it’s a repair. If you replace the entire roof, it’s a capital improvement. Same goes for windows. If you replace a broken window pane, repair. Put in a new window, capital improvement.

One exception: If your home is damaged in a fire or natural disaster, everything you do to restore your home to its pre-loss condition counts as a capital improvement.

How Capital Improvements Affect Your Gain

To figure out how improvements affect your tax bill, you first have to know your cost basis. The cost basis is the amount of money you spent to buy or build your home including all the costs you paid at the closing: fees to lawyers, survey charges, transfer taxes, and home inspection, to name a few. You should be able to find all those costs on the settlement statement you received at your closing.

Next, you’ll need to account for any subsequent capital improvements you made to your home. Let’s say you bought your home for $200,000 including all closing costs. That’s the initial cost basis. You then spent $25,000 to remodel your kitchen. Add those together and you get an adjusted cost basis of $225,000.

Now, suppose you’ve lived in your home as your main residence for at least two out of the last five years. Any profit you make on the sale will be taxed as a long-term capital gain. You sell your home for $475,000. That means you have a capital gain of $250,000 (the $475,000 sale price minus the $225,000 cost basis). You’re single, so you get an automatic exemption for the $250,000 profit. End of story.

Here’s where it gets interesting. Had you not factored in the money you spent on the kitchen remodel, you’d be facing a tax bill for that $25,000 gain that exceeded the automatic exemption. By keeping receipts and adjusting your basis, you’ve saved about $5,000 in taxes based on the 15% tax rate on capital gains. Well worth taking an hour a month to organize your home improvement receipts, don’t you think?

The top rate for most homesellers remains 15%. For sellers in the 39.6% income tax bracket, the cap gains rate is 20%.

Watch Out for These Basis-Busters

Some situations (below) can lower your basis, thus increasing your risk of facing a tax bill when you sell. Consult a tax adviser.

If you use the actual cost method and take depreciation on a home office, you have to subtract those deductions from your basis.

Any depreciation available to you because you rented your house works the same way.

You also have to subtract subsidies from utility companies for making energy-related home improvements or energy-efficiency tax credits you’ve received.

If you bought your home using the federal tax credit for first-time homebuyers, you’ll have to deduct that from your basis too, says Mark Steber, chief tax officer at Jackson Hewitt Tax Services.

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Spring is Here!!

Fairhope is shining with beautiful spring flowers and gorgeous sunsets. Our market is extremely healthy. Buyers are out and inventory is down. Since January we have had 574 homes to close with 391 presently under contract. These stats are from Spanish Fort to Point Clear. As you know this is the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay.

It is a great time to sit back and enjoy this time of the year. May 9th is ladies day in downtown Fairhope. Shops will be open late with specials for all the ladies.

Don’t forget Live at Five–concert series at the Community College Outdoor Stage–4/26 will be the The Modern El Dorados, 5/12 Wet Willie and Magnolia Bayou and 5/17 The Tip Tops. These concerts are free–just bringing your blankets or chairs.

16789 River Road, Bon Secour, AL

Met a client early this morning and walked this magnificent property. 3 acres with 247 front feet on Magnolia River. The main house was built in 1850 with tons of Southern charm. The guest house is 1/1 with a wide glassed in porch. As we walked the property, birds were chirping and shrimp boats engines were humming. Serenity were the views of Bon Secour River.

baldwin county Birds Bon Secour River glassed in porch Guest House Magnolia River Shrimp Boats Southern charm