White sand beaches, a beloved boardwalk and coastal homes with ocean views bring buyers and tourists to Gulf Shores. "It's a great community with tons of recreation," says County Administrator Roger Rendleman. "Whether it's because of the climate or lower taxes, families and retirees are drawn to the area." While tourism is the city's primary industry, plenty of locals live in Gulf Shores because of its scenic parks, highly rated school system and mix of housing options. Gulf Shores is also a popular place to own an investment property, whether a second home or a short-term rental. The population here is expected to grow from 17,000 to just under 20,000 by 2029; to accommodate growth, city officials plan to develop new residential areas, widen highways and expand green spaces. In addition to its growth, Realtor Antoni Figueiredo, top tier team leader at Local Property, Inc., notes the rich, family friendly environment of Gulf Shores. “The mentality here is so family oriented. It’s the kind of place where we raise our kids and know our neighbors—we know together we are better,” says Figueiredo, who has lived in Gulf Shores for 24 years and sold homes for almost seven. “It’s also the most beautiful place in the world, and I’ve lived all over.”
From beachside parks to lush preserves, Gulf Shores offers outdoor fun for all.
Cozy bungalows nestled among the dunes of Gulf Shores.
Make memories building sandcastles along the Gulf Shores shoreline.
The Gulf State Park has some beloved and scenic biking and hiking trails.
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Working in Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores' largest industry is tourism, which encompasses restaurants, bars, beachside hotels, resorts and entertainment venues. According to the city website, the tourism industry employs over 63,000 people, though many people working in Gulf Shores may not live there. Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance lists other major employers, including Gulf Shore Public Schools, Baldwin County Public Schools and Collins Aerospace.
Catch the sunrise and serenity on an early morning beach walk.
Indulge in southern comfort food with a coastal twist at Sunliner Diner in Gulf Shores.
Collins Aerospace is a large employer for Foley, AL.
There is plenty of shopping available in Gulf Shores, like Target.
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Seaside condos and golf course subdivisions in Gulf Shores
In Gulf Shores, the median sale price is $331,300, 17.5% higher than the national median price of $420,400. High-rise condos with ocean views typically cost between $330,000 and $1 million, while prices for beachfront homes may range between $475,000 and $3 million. Moving north from the shoreline, prices for established suburbs and contemporary subdivisions surrounding ponds and golf courses range between $350,000 and $1 million. “It’s illegal to own a short-term rental here, unless it’s off the main street on the beach,” Figueiredo says. “So, there’s a touristy area that’s growing, but away from the beach it’s much more local and very quiet.”
From beach houses, condos, and even hotels, Gulf Shores has it all.
Bright and airy homes designed for Gulf Coast living.
Wide porches and tropical landscaping define Gulf Shores living.
Little Lagoon offers another waterfront options besides the Gulf of Mexico in Gulf Shores.
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White sand beaches and Gulf Shores State Park
White sand beaches on the crystal blue Gulf of Mexico are undoubtedly Gulf Shores' biggest draw. Both locals and tourists enjoy sun-drenched days on the beach, out on the water or walking along the boardwalk. Most of the city's parks are located south and east along Highway 59 and State Route 182, while recreation centers and playing fields sit north of downtown. At the eastern end, the 6,100-acre Gulf State Park is the city's largest green space, where residents can explore the nature center and bike 37 miles of paved trails. South of the city, the Gulf Shores Public Beach is one of the main access points to 32 miles of shoreline beaches; locals share these areas with spring breakers and tourists, but city officials have banned alcohol, so parties don't bother those living nearby. According to the city's Parks & Recreation Master Plan (2018-2030), Gulf Shores will add roughly 80 acres of neighborhood parks and community gardens by 2030; more trails and outdoor classrooms at the state park are slated for completion by the end of 2025.
In Gulf Shores you can relax to the sound of rolling waves and gentle Gulf breezes.
Watch breathtaking sunsets from Gulf Shores' public beaches.
Explore nature trails and wildlife at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores.
Kayak through the peaceful backwaters of Little Lagoon in Gulf Shores.
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Gulf Shores City Schools
Serving roughly 2,600 students, the Gulf Shores City Schools earns an overall grade of A-minus from Niche. The district pipeline includes three A-minus-rated schools: Gulf Shores Elementary, Gulf Shores Middle and Gulf Shores High. According to local news site Fox 10, the district has earned the 2023 Green Ribbon award from the U.S. Department of Education for reducing its environmental impact and costs, improving the health and wellness of students and providing effective education about sustainability and the environment. All students have access to bicycles to support outdoor learning and physical activity, and high schoolers participate in a farm-to-table project and Science by the Shore, a place-based science education program.
Transformative education awaits at Gulf Shores High School.
Gulf Shores Elementary School education shapes futures.
Learning excellence thrives at Gulf Shores Middle School.
Foley is home to Baldwin County Public School where many locals work.
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Original Oyster House Boardwalk has live music, restaurants and boutique shops
Along Highway 59 are outlet malls, shopping centers, surf shops and souvenir stands. Grocers and big box stores are north of Gulf Shores International Airport. Named for the restaurant that's served seafood since 1983, the Original Oyster House Boardwalk features locally owned boutiques, restaurants and coffee shops about 1 mile from the beach. “I love to bring the kids down here, we ride bikes to the state park and grab dinner here—it’s beautiful,” Figueiredo says. Other family-owned restaurants, seafood chains, bars and cocktail lounges sit within 1 mile of beach access points. “One of my favorite restaurants here is Cove, this little hole in the wall,” Figueiredo says. “This is controversial, but they have the best Philly cheesesteak I’ve ever had.”
North of the city, the Erie H. Meyer Civil Center hosts a winter concert series each year from January to February, with soul, country and jazz bands; the Hangout seafood restaurant on the beach offers a music fest every May, featuring indie bands like Cage the Elephant and the Chainsmokers. Area actors perform plays at the South Baldwin Community Theatre, while the Gulf Shores Museum showcases the city's history from the past 50 years. Downtown, each February brings the annual Mardi Gras Parade.
Gulf Shores is where shrimp and grits steal the show.
Come meet the locals at The Cove Bar &n Grill in Gulf Shores.
Find the perfect keepsake and a touch of Gulf Shores charm at the local souvenir shops.
Hope's Cheesecake is a Gulf Shores hometown favorite.
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Transportation and Weather in Gulf Shores
State Routes 59, 180 and 182 provide access to most of Gulf Shores, and Interstate 10 is 30 miles north; the Baldwin Regional Area Transit offers shuttle service and a ferry to Dauphin Island. Heavy traffic during the tourist season can add an hour or more to commute times. Gulf Shores International Airport and South Baldwin Regional Medical Center are both 4 miles north.
In 2019, Gulf Shores was awarded funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation's BUILD Grant Program to widen Highway 59, construct new turn lanes and add a southbound lane from Coastal Gateway Boulevard to Fort Morgan Road by fall 2026. Construction of Waterway Village, which will connect the east and west sides of Highway 59, will feature water taxis, restaurants and art galleries by the end of 2025. City officials plan to develop bike lanes, walkways, and new parks at the northern end of town and build hiking trails and fishing holes in the Bon Secour and Oyster Bay wetland areas. Plans to integrate beach shuttles and divert traffic away from the beach are ongoing.
As a beachside community on the Gulf of Mexico, Gulf Shores has long, hot, stormy summers and mild winters with little precipitation. During the summer, daytime highs are often in the 90s, while daytime highs in the winter usually hover around the 60s. Luckily for water lovers and vacationers, ocean temperatures are warm from May to November, frequently reaching the low 80s.
Gulf Shores is vulnerable to hurricanes, with at least three threatening the area yearly, according to Alabama Public Radio. Residents must have hurricane decals on their cars in case of mandatory evacuations, and homes in high flood-risk areas are required to purchase flood insurance. The city plans to reroute major roads to be closer inland to help with future storm recovery.
Whether you're lounging or exploring, Gulf Shores' beaches are pure bliss.
Highway 180, also known as Fort Morgan Road, runs almost 20 miles through Gulf Shores.
Early Sumer for 2025 Jack Edwards Airports new commercial terminal will be up and running.
In good weather Mobile Bay Ferry runs from Ft Morgan in Gulf Shores to Dauphin Island.
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Crime in Gulf Shores
According to the Gulf Shores Police Department's 2021 annual report, there were 35 documented cases of violent crime and 269 cases of property crime. Compared to the GSPD's 2020 report, violent crime decreased by 83%, while property crime decreased by 25%. Crime in 2021 had a significant downtrend compared to Baldwin County, where property violence decreased by 10% and violent crime decreased by 5%, according to Crime.Alabama.Gov, a collaboration between the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the University of Alabama.
Written By
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Photography Contributed By
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Video By
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Gulf Shores, AL sell after 119 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Gulf Shores, AL over the last 12 months is $484,908, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover exceptional coastal living in this stunning 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom brick home located in the highly sought-after gated community of The Peninsula in Gulf Shores, AL. Built in 2024 and situated on a spacious half-acre lot, this property offers a perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and outdoor living. Enjoy a large covered patio, cozy fire pit, and a double garage with plenty of storage.
Welcome to this beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 3-bath home offering 2,180 square feet and tucked away on a private cul-de-sac in Gulf Shores with no HOA. Located just minutes from the white sandy beaches and turquoise waters that make Gulf Shores so desirable, this home offers the perfect balance of privacy and coastal convenience.This thoughtfully designed home has been freshly painted inside
Located in the highly sought-after Craft Farms North community in Gulf Shores, this beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience. Situated on a spacious corner lot, the property features a large fenced backyard with plenty of room to entertain, play, or even design the pool of your dreams.Inside, you’ll find a bright, freshly painted
Beachwalk is a great rental machine thanks to its low-density, well-managed townhome setup and a location that checks every box—across the street from the beach with deeded beach access, a beautiful in-ground pool, and direct access to Gulf State Park beaches and the Gulf State Park Fishing Pier. You’ll also love the top-notch walkability to the heart of the Gulf Shores beach corridor—walk to the
MOTIVATED SELLERS! Checkout this beautifully maintained, Gold Fortified home located in Wind Creek Subdivision in GULF SHORES! Pride of ownership can be found throughout this 3-bedroom 2-bath home which has an additional flex room that offers the perfect blend of comfort, quality, and thoughtful upgrades. The main living areas feature light-colored ceramic wood-grain tile, creating an inviting
Come see this impeccably updated 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom residence in the highly sought-after Craft Farms North community of Gulf Shores, AL. Perfectly situated on a corner lot with peaceful pond views, this spacious home offers modern elegance, thoughtful upgrades, and a truly inviting setting. Step inside to discover a top-to-bottom renovation, featuring all-new paint, flooring, and light
Welcome Rookery III 6032 — a beautifully updated 3BR/2BA coastal cottage that sleeps up to 10 and sits in one of the most desirable spots in the community: steps from the main pool.nInside, you’ll find a bright, welcoming layout with comfortable gathering spaces and thoughtful touches throughout. The home has been refreshed with new flooring (less than 1 year old), and key mechanical convenience
Discover the perfect coastal retreat in this stunning 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home on Little Lagoon. Featuring an inviting open living area with breathtaking lagoon views, this property is perfect for relaxation and entertainment. The four bedrooms provide plenty of space for guests, with a convenient Jack and Jill bathroom connecting two of the bedrooms. Two bedrooms include porch access with a
GREAT INVESTMENT RETURNS! This home is self-managed and grossed $79K in 2024! It's a perfect beach house with 2nd tier, beautiful Gulf views, and just steps away from the path to the beach. You'll love all of the renovations this home has received on the interior and exterior. There's new decking outside, and the exterior siding has been recently replaced with Hardie Board. The metal roof was
Spacious GULF FRONT 3/2.5 Condo with AMAZING VIEWS from HUGE BALCONY! The Doral Tower is The Beach Club's finest, with a western boundary of protected beachfront. Sunsets are truly dazzling here! This unit has been recently updated in the kitchen and bathrooms, and has quality LVP flooring throughout (no carpet). The bonus half-bath near the entry provides easy & convenient access for guests. Th
If you have been waiting for the right condo in Gulf Shores this could be it. Seller is ready to make a move- BRING YOUR OFFERS!!! Lagoon Tower is a luxury condominium complex located at 1940 W Beach Blvd in Gulf Shores. This low density development comprises only 32 units with just 2 residences per floor, ensuring a spacious and private living experience.Each condo features floor to ceiling
Discover refined coastal living in this exceptional Gulf-front corner residence at The Beach Club Resort & Spa in the Doral Building. Fully furnished and beautifully appointed, this expansive three-bedroom, three-bath retreat offers panoramic Gulf views and an elegant open-concept design ideal for both relaxing and entertaining. Step onto your private wrap-around balcony with newly tiled flooring
Rarely does location and affordability come together like this — but this adorable condo in the heart of Gulf Shores does exactly that. You’ll find 3 true bedrooms, 2 full baths, plus a convenient half bath on the main level. There’s even a real walk-in laundry room (not a stackable tucked in a closet). The primary suite offers a spacious walk-in closet and an updated bathroom for a fresh,
Looking for a getaway or an investment property that pays for itself? Look no further. This coastal 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo is perfect for short-term rentals or your own personal vacation retreat. The complex offers a stunning centrally located pool, BBQ grills, and plenty of space for relaxing and socializing. Inside, the unit features tile and LVP flooring throughout, abundant natural
***Seller Offering $5,000 in closing costs! This spacious, like-new ranch home located in one of Gulf Shores’ most popular subdivisions offers rare flexibility for multi-generational living and Gulf Coast lifestyle. This thoughtfully designed home features a 3-car garage and a private in-law suite with wet bar and adjoining bedroom and full bath. This additional space has multiple uses such as
TOUR YOUR WAY! We have a tour to fit your needs- virtual, self-guided, or agent-guided. Live a luxurious lifestyle at MAA Traditions in Gulf Shores, AL. Choose from one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments for rent, featuring designer interior finishes, unique floor plans, island kitchens, and pristine, peaceful surroundings. It's a vacation every day when your home is surrounded by luxury
Move-in ready home in great central Gulf Shores location! This beautiful freshly painted home is located at the very back of the neighborhood in a cul-de-sac just 2 lots down from the neighborhood green space, a park-like setting. Vaulted ceilings give this lovely home an abundance of natural light. Updates include NEW doors, LVP floors in primary and second bedrooms, water heater, kitchen sink &
Our beautiful apartments have quality options to make you feel right at home!Tucked away only miles from the beautiful beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama, Sweetwater Luxury Apartment Homes offers all of the comforts and conveniences you'd expect from an apartment community. Our apartments were designed to thrill our prospective residents with their careful and considerate attention
Brand new 4 bedroom, 2-bathroom new construction corner lot home in the Raley Farms neighborhood in Gulf Shores, AL. Home features engineered vinyl plank floors throughout, NO CARPET, double trey ceilings with ceilings fans in the living room and primary, crown molding in all common areas, and quartz countertops in kitchen and baths. Kitchen showcases large island as well a subway tile
Check out our price DROP on select apartments! Starting at $1,049.00. With prices this amazing, they won't last long!! Price includes washer/dryer, trash, valet trash and pest control.
Beautiful home in Osprey Landing community!! It offers a 3 bedroom, 2 full bathroom, open design. Upgrades include luxury vinyl plank flooring, blinds for the windows, granite countertops, a refrigerator, cabinet hardware, upgraded cabinets, LED coach lights on each side of the garage, and more! Special Features: double vanity, garden tub, separate shower, and walk-in closet in the primary suite,
Nestled within the quaint beach town of Gulf Shores, Alabama, Marbella Apartments is everything you have been searching for. Our fresh, new community provides easy access to Highway 59 so you can explore delicious restaurants, beautiful parks and outdoor recreation, irresistible shopping, and trendy local entertainment. Enjoy simple, comfortable, and convenient living at Marbella
4BR/2BA Home Located in RALEY FARMS For Rent. BUILT IN 2023. Just A Short Ride To The White Sandy Beaches. Located off of County Rd 8, this spacious floor plan offers a ton of usable space. This open floor plan 4 home features granite throughout the home, luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, a garden tub, a walk-in shower, a huge walk-in closet in the primary bedroom, an LED lighting package,
Located in Gulf Shores, AL, we offer stunning 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartment homes with open floorplans, contemporary design, and stylish finishes. Summer Trace at Gulf Shores is more than just a place to live, it is a lifestyle.
Rare Find in Gulf Shores! Unit #201 at The Ridge For Lease in Gulf Shores! Beautiful 2 bedroom 2 bath furnished condo For Lease in Gulf Shores...Clean as a pin and move-in ready! One-level living plus garage make this an ideal location! $1800/month and No Steps!
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