ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — Recently, Robertsdale has seen a surge in the availability of affordable housing. Reasons for this increase have been attributed to the area’s rapidly expanding population and business growth.

After the hurricanes that devastated the coast, there was a huge influx of workers into the area to assist in reconstruction. Some of these workers returned home as their jobs neared completion. However, many stayed and still reside here. This created a housing vacuum of sorts.

Though the demand for housing increased, the supply of housing available never really caught up; this allowed rent and home prices to skyrocket.

When most hear the term “affordable housing,” it can be interpreted one of two ways. Either it is going to fix a problem for the community or it is going to create one. Area residents have grown used to the idea that if it’s really affordable, somebody must have cut some corners.

That, however, is untrue of the city’s latest affordable options.

The two newest subdivisions are Inglewood Homes and the Cottages of Aventura. Both are conveniently located in the Robertsdale area, placing tenants in efficient proximity to schools, food, and fuel.

Inglewood, located off Krchak Lane on Highway 59, is a beautiful up and coming rental community. All houses are three bedroom and the two models constructed range in size from 1,484 square feet to 1,532 square feet. Both models have a full kitchen, with center island, and a dining room large enough to have a few guest for dinner and still have room for one more. Available with a host of amenities, the homes boast all the modern conveniences; garbage disposals, ice makers, dishwashers, microwaves, ceramic tile, and internet access.

The subdivision has a great variety of community resources to enjoy. This includes a clubhouse for social gatherings or special events that comes equipped with full kitchen and dining area as well as multiple computers with internet access. It also includes a playground, pool, gazebo, and a picnic area with grills for any tenants interested in having the occasional cookout.

Equally as impressive as the numerous conveniences, were the stark absence of the most common of renting inconveniences. “It’s the best of both worlds; with the convenience of renting, along with the privacy afforded only by single family homes. No lawn care or maintenance, shared walls, or other common headaches normally associated with renting. A true community atmosphere is what we are striving for, that old fashioned neighborhood feel that seems to have been lost these days. We want it to be a community; a perfect blend of amenities and people,” said regional manager Jan Mashburn.

The other new subdivision, The Cottages of Aventura, located behind Central Baldwin Middle School, are categorized as garden patio homes. Construction started in July of 2006 and in total there will be 147 houses presenting an “overall clean cottage style living area.”

The standard package comes with granite counter tops, ceramic tile in the kitchen foyer and living room and GE appliances. All bathrooms feature added luxuries such as an oversized garden tub with tile surround and plenty of closet space. The family room, dining room, and master bedroom come with tray ceilings and recessed lighting with nine foot ceilings.

Upon completion, the subdivision will provide tenants with a cozy neighborhood feeling, with ambling sidewalks throughout elegantly lit by street lamps. Pam Kelly, wife and partner of builder Jerry Kelly, remarked “we are track builders with a custom flare and have added some items that perhaps other builders wouldn’t.”

The Aventura community will also provide ample amenities such as two pools, club house with fitness center, bath house and a playground for the children.

Both of these subdivisions offer tenants a lifestyle they deserve at a price they can afford and will yield not only a great value, but an excellent place to raise their families as well.