A historic fishing village that’s growing with the region
Bon Secour is a growing waterfront community that began as a fishing village off Alabama's Gulf Coast in the 1800s. "Bon Secour means 'safe harbor' [in French]. It was once a harbor where ships would come in during a storm," says Shelia Kimball, an experienced Baldwin County Realtor at Dalton Wade. "It's a beautiful and quiet community in a nice location. The area connects to the city of Gulf Shores and beaches within a few miles." Kimball says that the surrounding region has become a tourist destination over the years. According to the U.S. Census, Baldwin County's population surged almost 30% between 2010 and 2020. "I lived in Boston for 14 years and I'll never go back! I love it down here," Kimball says.
Builders are transforming farmland into new neighborhoods
Bon Secour has a variety of dwellings, including 20th-century brick houses and waterfront stilt homes. Around half of the residences on the market were built over the last 20 years; some are more recent constructions. "People are moving down here hand over fist. Lennar, D.R. Horton and other big builders are buying farmland and building homes," Kimball says. The community has a median sale price of around $300,000. However, houses can cost between $250,000 and $750,000. "This is a great place to buy a home if you want a vacation home or a short-term rental. A lot of people who own a home somewhere else come down here, buy a condo and rent it out a few times a year," Kimball says.
A few local spots, with more shopping in Foley and Gulf Shores
The community has a handful of businesses and retailers. Riverfront markets, such as Billy's Seafood and Safe Harbour Seafood, ship food products nationwide. "Tin Top Restaurant & Oyster Bar is a well-known, family-owned restaurant. They recently opened a new location by the river," Kimball says. Patrons can arrive by boat and dock next to the establishment. Locals head to nearby Foley or Gulf Shores for more shopping and dining. Several grocery store options are along Highway 59, such as Publix and Walmart Supercenter. Kimball recommends Lulu's and Tacky Jacks in Gulf Shores. "Foley has family-owned restaurants, a really nice downtown area and local shops. Many people go to the Tanger Outlets to shop," Kimball says.
Wildlife refuge and beaches are within reach
The surrounding estuaries contain wildlife such as bottle-nose dolphins, alligators, pelicans and blue herons. Boating and fishing are beloved activities in the region. Residents access the river from the Launch at CR 6, which became open to the public in 2025. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, about a 15-mile drive away, offers birdwatching and hiking. Locals are 10 to 15 miles from the sandy coastlines of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.
Locals attend fishing tournaments and country music concerts
Residents attend events throughout Baldwin County. "Tons of things are happening in the area. There's the Orange Beach Seafood Festival & Car Show every year. The Sand in My Boots country festival is a huge music concert that Morgan Wallen sponsors. Big-name musicians perform at the festival," Kimball says. The Wharf Amphitheater hosts concerts in Orange Beach. There are also several fishing tournaments in the region during the year.
Learning with Baldwin County Public Schools
Baldwin County Public Schools serves local families. Most elementary-aged children enroll in Swift School off of Bon Secour Highway; the elementary school has a B rating on Niche. Older learners head to nearby Foley to attend public school. Foley Middle has a B-minus, and Foley High receives a B.
Getting in and around Alabama's Gulf Coast
The county offers an on-demand public transportation system (BRATS); locals must schedule trips in advance by phone or through the mobile app. However, locals generally travel by car. Highway 59 is a major thoroughfare in the area. "Pensacola is 35 miles away. New Orleans is [about] three hours away," Kimball says. She adds that Gulf Shores International Airport at Jack Edwards Field recently added direct flights to major cities, including Knoxville, Cincinnati and Houston.
Weather history in Baldwin County
Bon Secour and the surrounding region have a history of hurricanes and tropical storms, which may cause flash flooding. In the past, major weather events, like Hurricanes Ivan and Katrina, led to wind damage and storm surges across the coastline.
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Written By
Ashley Kennedy
