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
Micaela Green
Photography Contributed By
Gabrielle Mazur
Video By
Alex Finneran
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 110 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Gulf Shores, AL over the last 12 months is $449,000, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Southern living at it's finest. Welcome to The Retreat at Bon Secour. This community is peacefully set on the Intracoastal Canal with wonderful common areas along the water and throughout the neighborhood. There is also a community pool for those hot summer days. This beautiful home is a just a short walk to the pool as well as the trails along the canal. Enjoy your morning cup of coffee while
Impeccable Magnolia Construction Home Near the Intracoastal – Loaded with Custom Touches! Welcome to this stunning Gold Fortified home nestled in a beautiful community just off the Intracoastal Waterway. Featuring brick-paved sidewalks, lush courtyard spaces, and access to a sparkling community pool, this home offers luxury coastal living at its finest.Step inside to find high-end lighting
Your coastal escape begins at Unit 4205 in Gulf Shores Plantation! Located in Building 4, this fully rebuilt 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo offers modern comfort and stunning Gulf views, and is just steps from the beach. This property is truly turnkey and worry-free. After Hurricane Sally, the building was reconstructed from the studs up, completed in September 2022 with brand-new plumbing, electrical,
PRICE CUT! REDUCED $25,000...This newly updated 3-bedroom, 3-bath condo east corner unit is located directly across the street from the beach, providing spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico. The living room and dining room is designed for seamless indoor-outdoor living with the balcony running the length of these rooms, offering panoramic views. Whether you're enjoying a morning coffee, or
Beautifully updated and fully furnished, this 2 bedroom 2 bathroom condo at Colony Club in Gulf Shores is ready for enjoyment! WITH OVER $26K ON THE BOOKS SO FAR THIS YEAR, THIS MONEY MAKER IS READY FOR ITS NEW OWNER! Featuring luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, stainless steel appliances, ensuite bathrooms with tiled showers and an open-concept, this unit is perfect for those seeking a
Primary or Vacation Dream home with lots Peace and Quiet or as busy as you want to be with this perfect little gem at 1000 sq ft with 2 bed/2 bath, tile throughout, two patios and just steps to the pool. W/D , dishwasher, refrigerator, stove (all electric). No steps-easy entrance. Condo has brick non working fireplace giving all sorts of character and two sliding doors letting in lots of
Ready to lease in Raley Farms! 4 bed 2 bath with open / split floor plan built GOLD FORTIFIED and has SMART HOME CAPABILITIES! Vinyl flooring throughout, open kitchen with stainless appliances, spacious master bed/bath combo, fenced yard, and a double-car garage! The Raley Farms community features a zero-entry pool and is conveniently located between Hwy 59 and Baldwin Beach Express for quick
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 to
Conveniently located 3 bedroom/ 2 bath townhome in the heart of Gulf Shores-- minutes from the beach, schools, dining, & shopping! Lakewood Townhomes OO5 has been completely renovated offering fresh paint, new appliances, including washer/ dryer, and flooring (no carpeting)! A semi-private lanai is accessible from the Living Room & Primary Bedroom. We are offering this unit Pet Friendly for
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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.
