Just a few miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico, Grand Bay provides residents with spacious lots and local businesses while keeping them close to the beaches of Dauphin Island and the economic opportunity of Mobile. “It’s a rural, residential area with no industry, but there are a lot of local businesses, like tire shops, beauty salons, restaurants and real estate businesses,” says Aleta Boudreaux, a Realtor with Azalea Real Estate for over 40 years and a born-and-raised resident of Grand Bay. “And the housing prices are very reasonable.” Established ranch-style homes start around $140,000 while contemporary American Craftsman builds start around $190,000.
Grand Bay is a cozy neighborhood close to Mobile.
Dauphin Island beaches call to neighboring Grand Bay locals.
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Ranch homes with a lot of room
Ranch-style homes with brick facades adorn the flat, grassy lots of Grand Bay, most builds dating back to the ‘60s and ‘90s. With a price range of $140,000 to $250,000, it’s no shock they fly off the shelves quickly. “There aren’t many homes for sale,” Boudreaux says. “But there are a lot of new constructions that are coming to town.” Newer homes often follow American Craftsman architecture and sometimes offer an additional floor. They usually sell for around $190,000 or more. Most parcels span 0.5 acres, though it’s not uncommon for them to get above 2 acres. “The further west you come from Mobile, the more land you get,” Boudreaux says, noting Grand Bay is no exception. Residents should expect to drive their cars to get around, with sidewalks being uncommon in the community.
Some Grand Bay homes are situated on larger lots.
Many Grand Bay homes are one story, brick builds.
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Local restaurants and shops
When residents are craving delicious seafood meals, they can swing by to Southern Shells and Kitchen of the Sea, which serve dishes like shrimp po’boys and various combo meals. For classic diner fare, residents can visit Sam’s Super Burger just up Grand Bay Wilmer Road. Fast food options can be found near the Interstate 10 exit ramps. Getting locally grown produce is never a problem for Grand Bay residents thanks to Sessions Farm Market, a family-run operation that’s been going strong since the ‘40s. Residents can also shop local at Greer’s CashSaver, or they can visit Dollar General or Walgreens.
Grand Bay residents enjoy local BBQ and seafood options around the area.
Oyster City Brewing is a local Mobile favorite for beer that Grand Bay folks will enjoy.
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Grand Bay’s schools hit the bull’s eye
Students can attend Cora Castlen Elementary, Grand Bay Middle and Alma Bryant High School. Castlen Elementary receives a B rating from Niche while Grand Bay Middle and Alma Bryant High have C-pluses. All these schools are within a roughly 10-minute drive from residences. Alma Bryant High has a renowned archery team that placed twice in the 2023 National Archery in the Schools Program national tournament. Numerous students have received scholarships for their bowmanship.
Grand Bay children might also attend Grand Bay Middle School.
Grand Bay residents might attend Alma Bryant High School.
Castlen Elementary school serves Grand Bay residents.
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Recreation in Grand Bay
Odd Fellows Park is Grand Bay’s largest outdoor recreational spot, offering baseball diamonds and a walking trail. Alternatively, residents can drive to Dauphin Island 30 minutes south to go fishing and soak in the sun on some of Alabama’s finest beaches. Though there aren’t many trails in Grand Bay, several can be found at the Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge located in coastal Alabama and Mississippi. Neither freshwater nor saltwater, these brackish, marshy bayous are home to a variety of unique fish and bird species. When they’re in the mood for fast-paced fun, residents can watch car races and monster truck rallies at Sunny South Raceway, and younger residents can even learn how to race go-karts on the track. For a different kind of excitement, residents can try their luck at the casinos in Biloxi, MS, which are about a 40-minute drive away.
Grand Bay residents will also enjoy the miles of paved bike trails on Dauphin Island.
Boo at Bellingrath is a fun event every October not far from Grand Bay.
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The Watermelon Festival and the Parade of Lights
Grand Bay’s Watermelon Festival has been a family-friendly tradition for about 50 years, held at Odd Fellows Park. “It’s usually held on the 3rd and 4th of July,” Boudreaux says. “On the 3rd, there are vendors and games. On the 4th, there are free watermelons, entertainment, vendors, children’s rides and music.” The Parade of Lights is another highlight, taking place the first Saturday of December. “It’s a night-time Christmas parade with homemade floats, and it draws a big crowd every year,” Boudreaux says.
Grand Bay residents participate is several events throughout the year around town.
Grand Bay residents enjoy the annual Christmas Lights Parade every holiday season.
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Hitting the road
Driving is the preferred way of getting around, and many residents are within a 5-minute drive of Interstate 10, while US Highway 90 cuts straight through the town. Mobile and Pascagoula, MS are both about 25 minutes away by car.
Grand Bay is a beautiful place to call home.
Downtown Mobile offers plenty to do for Grand Bay residents looking for a cozy vibe.
On average, homes in Grand Bay, AL sell after 67 days on the market compared to the national average of 48 days. The median sale price for homes in Grand Bay, AL over the last 12 months is $250,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
As a RE/MAX® agent, Judy French is dedicated to helping her clients find the home of their dreams. Whether buying or selling a home or just curious about the local market, Judy would love to offer her support and services. She knows the local community — both as an agent and a neighbor — and can help guide clients through the nuances of the local market. With access to top listings, a worldwide network, exceptional marketing strategies and cutting-edge technology, Judy works hard to make the real estate experience memorable and enjoyable.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
