How To Attract Retirees -- But Not Sprawl

Mobile Bay, Fairhope in Alabama is fast becoming a popular retirement spot. It has all the right amenities.

1 minute read

October 22, 2004, 11:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"Alabama certainly gets hot and sticky in the summer. But that's where the cliches seem to end. Sitting on the bluffs of Mobile Bay, Fairhope -- long a haven for artists and writers -- is becoming popular among retirees. The town and surrounding area, according to transplants, have a character that defies Southern stereotypes.

... But quaint is giving way to busy. Fairhope's population, which now stands at about 13,100, has jumped about 28% since 1990. Mobile Bay prevents the town from developing to its west. East of the city, though, rolling farmland is now dotted with subdivisions and shopping centers. Residents worry that the fast-paced growth will jeopardize the small-town feel."

[Editor's note: The link below is available to non-subscribers for a period of 7 days.]

Thanks to Chris Steins

Thursday, October 21, 2004 in Wall St. Journal

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents

The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

5 hours ago - Real Change

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing

Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

6 hours ago - Shelterforce Magazine

Green bike share bikes parked in a row on a commercial street with outdoor dining and greenery.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive

Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.

7 hours ago - Cities Today