Easygoing beach community on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico and Bon Secour Bay
With its white sands, stretches of bayous, and endless views of the Gulf of Mexico and Bon Secour Bay, Gulf Highlands offers authentic beach town living. Its colorful homes, many of them elevated to avoid flooding, stand between rolling sand dunes and grassy wetlands. The Fort Morgan National Historic Landmark at the tip of the peninsula attracts some sight-seers, and visitors can find short-term rentals in a few condo developments, but Gulf Highlands doesn't see the crowds of tourists found further down the beach in Gulf Shores. "We have a very old community here; the peninsula was one of the first outposts on the Gulf coast," says Realtor Joe Emerson, who has been selling homes for five years with Exit Realty and is president of the Fort Morgan Civic Association. "Because of that, we all kind of know each other. There's always an influx of new people because everyone wants to retire to the beach, but we still have that small beach town feel." There's little else here except a few restaurants, a golf course and a wildlife refuge, but, according to Emerson, that's exactly what full-time residents love about Gulf Highlands.
Large beach houses welcome guests to Gulf Highlands on Alabama's gorgeous Gulf coast.
Visitors to Gulf Highlands can explore the historic Fort Morgan.
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Close to the Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge
Gulf Highlands' direct beach access is undoubtedly the community's main draw. Unlimited swimming, fishing and boating are available here, with access to both the Gulf of Mexico and Bon Secour Bay. The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is in the community, offering miles of walking trails, brushy dunes and lush forest. The trails lead to an observation tower with views of Gator Lake or Little Lagoon before reaching the soft beaches of the Gulf. Golfers enjoy Kiva Dunes, a public course with deep green fairways and five-star amenities, and history buffs can stroll the well-preserved grounds of Fort Morgan. The community is also only 11 miles from Gulf State Park, which offers miles of trails surrounded by woodlands, pickleball courts, a boat launch and a nature center. Hurricane season runs from June through November, and waterfront communities like Gulf Highlands are particularly susceptible to storm impact.
Get away from it all on the Pine Beach Trail in Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge.
Kiva Dunes in Gulf Highlands always tops the list of best golf courses in Alabama.
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Low-density beach bungalows in Gulf Highlands
Though more vacation and investment properties are built each year in Gulf Highlands, the Fort Morgan Civic Association does a lot to protect local wildlife and the small-town vibe, says Emerson. "We've been working very hard to memorialize low-density zoning," Emerson says. "Everyone wants a piece of beach, but there are endangered habitats and species here that need protection. And we want to keep that small beach town feel as much as possible." Homes here primarily consist of beach bungalows with bright exteriors and lifted foundations settled on dunes overlooking the Gulf of Mexico or the bay. A few subdivisions are tucked in woodsy nooks, with contemporary homes featuring southern neoclassical touches like porches and balconies lined with columns. Prices for single-family homes typically range between $450,000 and $775,000, with larger homes reaching over $1 million. Gulf Highlands has several high-rise condo buildings like The Beach Club. Prices for condos typically range from about $700,000 to $1.5 million, with monthly HOA fees ranging between $500 and $1,500, though smaller, one bedroom condos can start around $300,000.
The Rookery is a great coastal cottage community located in Gulf Highlands.
Gulf Highlands has two coastlines, homes along Bon Secour Bay typicaly have there own piers.
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Locally loved restaurants in Gulf Highlands
Gulf Highlands is primarily residential, but there are some restaurants, like Jesse's on the Bay, an upscale casual restaurant with covered patios and views overlooking Bon Secour Bay. Other favorites include Sassy Bass, a peninsula chain where locals are often seen downing oysters or enjoying an eggs benedict during weekend brunch, and Selah Coffee, a recently renovated cafe serving espresso drinks and pastry. There's a Dollar General on Fort Morgan Boulevard, but residents travel into Gulf Shores for larger stores like Walmart and Rouses Market.
Sassy Bass Amazin' Grill in Gulf Highlands has a busy lunch hour during the tourist season.
Dining options in Gulf Highlands include Jesse's on the Bay for an upscale option.
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Baldwin County Public Schools
While students in Gulf Shores proper attend the city's district, those on the Fort Morgan peninsula attend Baldwin County Public Schools, which earns an overall A-minus rating from Niche. Students can start about 20 miles away at Foley Elementary, which earns a B rating, before attending the B-minus-rated Foley Middle. B-rated Foley High offers students a variety of extracurricular activities, including the robotics club, the Foley Theater Company and the aerospace-focused AFJROTC program.
Students thrive at Foley Middle School.
Promoting collaboration and embracing diversity at Foley High School.
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Commuting from Gulf Highlands
Fort Morgan Boulevard is the peninsula's main thoroughfare. When it reaches Gulf Shores, it turns into Beach Boulevard, connecting residents to Orange Beach and Pensacola, 45 miles away. It also connects to Highway 59, which follows the length of Baldwin County. Gulf Highlands is only 20 miles from Foley, 40 miles from Fairhope and 60 miles from Mobile. The Baldwin Regional Area Transit system has routes in Gulf Shores and can be scheduled via the BRATS app. Residents can also take the Mobile Bay Ferry, which carries cars and foot passengers across the bay, to Dauphin Island and Mobile County. The closest hospital is the South Baldwin Medical Center, 22 miles from Gulf Highlands. Pensacola International Airport is 50 miles from the community, and Mobile International Airport is 60 miles away.
Crime
Gulf Highlands has a CAP Index crime score of 1 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge Mobile Street Beach
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Gulf Highlands
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Gulf Highlands Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Gulf Highlands, Gulf Shores sell after 139 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Gulf Highlands, Gulf Shores over the last 12 months is $617,500, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
UNIT IS PRICED TO SELL. Welcome to Gulf Shores Plantation, a beautifully updated complex just steps from the sugar-white sands and turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico! This stunning 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo is situated on the top floor, offering breathtaking views of the pristine beaches and sparkling Gulf. Gulf Shores Plantation has an abundance of amenities, including a fully equipped fitness
Donna DavisKeller Williams AGC Realty - Orange Beach
Price Improvement! Discover your dream coastal retreat in this stunning Gulf-front corner unit at The Beach Club Resort and Spa, Doral Building. This spacious, fully furnished 3 bedroom 3 bath condo offers an open-concept layout with breathtaking Gulf views from an expansive wrap-around balcony featuring a newly tiled floor. Inside, enjoy ceramic hardwood tile flooring throughout, a gourmet
Spectacular Mediterranean style home located in one of the premier, gated, beachside neighborhoods in Gulf Shores, Martinique on the Gulf. This custom 5 bedroom/ 5 bath home will not disappoint! Beautiful chef's kitchen with custom cabinets and lovely granite. Large open family room and primary bedroom(w/private study) located on first floor. Additional bedrooms are located off of second and
REDUCED - the seller is realistic about market values and is ready to move closer to family. Direct bay access and boat launch! If you're looking for the Sweet Southern Charm of South Alabama beach community living in PARADISE, you've found it right here in this beautiful raised beach cottage with gingerbread trim. When you drive out to see this home you'll notice it's in the Bon Secour Wildlife
Feel at home at the MT Nest Beach Club in Fort Morgan, where this bright beachfront condo offers a two-minute walk to the sand and Gulf of Mexico. Perfect for families and couples, the condo features two bedrooms with comfortable mattresses and cozy linens, each with its own en-suite bathroom. Unpack, relax, and enjoy a sunset or sunrise on the balcony or a walk along the beach. Prep meals in the
Beach getaway has never been more exciting than when you choose to stay at this beautiful condo overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. This Beach Club 708D is a two-bedroom, two-bath condo with incredible Gulf views from the 7th floor. This impeccable unit is equipped with all the necessary amenities to make your stay memorable. You will have a beach view from the balcony, where you can start your day
Welcome to The Sip at Sea, a charming 3-bedroom, 3-bath crescent home located in the Martinique on the Gulf community. Ideally situated on the first row of standalone homes, just behind the beachfront condos, this home offers easy access to the boardwalk leading to the beach and beachside pool. Recently renovated, it includes a brand new golf cart for guests to enjoy breezy cruises throughout the
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