Explore Condos vs. Homes on the Gulf Coast: What’s Right for You?

Explore Condos vs. Homes on the Gulf Coast: What’s Right for You?

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

If you’re considering a move or investment along the Gulf Coast, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether a condo or single-family home is the better fit. I work with buyers every day—from first-time beach homeowners to seasoned investors—who are weighing the lifestyle, financial, and long-term benefits of each.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there is a perfect fit for your needs. Let's walk through the pros and cons of each so you can make an informed decision with confidence.

Why Choose a Condo on the Gulf Coast?

Condos, especially beachfront or waterfront options, are extremely popular in …

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Deep Sea Fishing & Boating in Orange Beach, Alabama: A Way of Life on the Gulf Coast

Deep Sea Fishing & Boating in Orange Beach, Alabama: A Way of Life on the Gulf Coast

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

There’s something about watching the sun rise over the Gulf of Mexico while the bow of your boat cuts a glassy trail toward open water. As a real estate advisor and full-time resident of Ono Island, I don’t just help people find homes—I help them live the boating and fishing lifestyle that defines Orange Beach and the surrounding Gulf Coast.

At www.searchthegulf.com, I work with homeowners and buyers who crave this lifestyle. Whether you’re searching for a deep water dock, a boat lift-ready canal front lot, or a luxury home minutes from Zeke’s Landing Marina or Orange Beach Marina, boating isn’t just a bonus…

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Honoring Dr. Bob Shipp and Understanding Alabama Fishing Limits

Honoring Dr. Bob Shipp and Understanding Alabama Fishing Limits

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

I’ve come to appreciate how deeply the health of our fisheries and the passion of our fishing community are tied together. One name that continues to echo across docks, marinas, and science forums is Dr. Bob Shipp—a marine biologist, professor, and advocate whose work helped shape the way we fish, conserve, and connect with our Gulf waters today.

Whether you’re considering buying a coastal property or planning a deep sea charter, understanding Alabama’s fishing regulations is essential to the lifestyle we enjoy here.

A Legacy Rooted in the Gulf

Dr. Shipp, who passed away at the age of 81, was a cornerstone of marine…

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Pivot Doors & Gulf Coast Architecture: A Signature Element in New Construction

Pivot Doors & Gulf Coast Architecture: A Signature Element in New Construction

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

In the world of coastal new construction, design is more than visual—it’s experiential. One of the most elegant architectural features I’ve seen rising in popularity among luxury Gulf Coast homes is the pivot door. These sleek, oversized doors make a dramatic first impression while perfectly aligning with the clean lines, light-filled spaces, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow that define our waterfront lifestyle here.

What Is a Pivot Door?

Unlike a traditional hinged door, a pivot door rotates on a set of pins mounted at the top and bottom—typically a few inches from the door’s edge. The result is a …

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Condos vs. Houses in Orange Beach, Alabama: Which Should You Buy?

Condo vs. House in Orange Beach, Alabama: Which Should You Buy?

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

If you’re exploring real estate in Orange Beach, Alabama, you’re likely asking the same question I hear from buyers every week:
“Should I buy a beach condo or a house?”

Having lived, boated, and worked full-time as a real estate advisor on the Gulf Coast, I’ve walked countless clients through this exact decision. And the answer?
It depends on how you plan to use your property—and how much freedom, maintenance, rental income, and space you’re looking for.

Let’s break it down.

1. Price & HOA Fees

Beach condos often come with a lower entry price than single-family homes, but that doesn’t mean they’re always the cheaper…

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Can You Finance a Condo in Orange Beach, Alabama?

Can You Finance a Condo in Orange Beach, Alabama?

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
What Buyers Need to Know in 2025

If you’ve been browsing the Gulf Coast real estate market and thinking about buying a condo in Orange Beach, you’re not alone. Interest remains strong for beachfront condos, investment properties, and second homes with Gulf views. But one of the most common questions I hear from potential buyers is this:

Can I finance a condo in Orange Beach in 2025?

The answer is yes—but with a few caveats. Condo financing at the beach isn’t as straightforward as financing a traditional home, and I want to help you understand why.

Why Financing Orange Beach Condos is Complicated

Many condos along the coast fall…

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Explore Orange Beach Marina with Meredith Amon

Explore Orange Beach Marina with Meredith Amon

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

Orange Beach, Alabama, is the kind of coastal destination that stays with you long after you leave. From its turquoise waters to its vibrant boating community, this town offers a lifestyle that’s both luxurious and relaxed. In my latest YouTube video, I walk you through one of the most admired spots on the Gulf Coast—Orange Beach Marina.

A Coastal Destination with Character

As someone who lives and works in Orange Beach full time, I love sharing the places that make this area so special. Orange Beach Marina is more than a dock—it's a curated hub for boaters, anglers, and those who value the finer things in life. Located on Terry…

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Fishing Charters in Orange Beach, Alabama: Your Ultimate Guide to Gulf Coast Angling

Fishing Charters in Orange Beach, Alabama: Your Ultimate Guide to Gulf Coast Angling

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

As a real estate advisor and full-time resident of Orange Beach, I can tell you firsthand—our Gulf waters are more than just a backdrop for beautiful homes. They’re home to one of the most exciting and diverse recreational fishing scenes in the country. Whether you’re casting for redfish in the back bays, chasing Spanish mackerel just offshore, or heading out for an unforgettable deep-sea trip, there’s a fishing charter here ready to guide you.

Below is a curated list of trusted local captains, organized by trip type. From inshore bowfishing to 65-foot offshore “head boats,” every one of these charters…

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Are There Alligators in Gulf Shores, Alabama? Here’s What to Know

Are There Alligators in Gulf Shores, Alabama? Here’s What to Know

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

If you're considering buying a home or investing in property along the Alabama Gulf Coast, you might be wondering:
Are there alligators in Gulf Shores?

Yes—alligators do live in Gulf Shores and nearby areas like Orange Beach and the Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge. They’re native to the region and typically inhabit freshwater environments like lakes, marshes, swamps, ponds, and canals.

In Gulf Shores, the most common place to see one is at Lake Shelby inside Gulf State Park—a beautiful, brackish lake located just north of the beach road. You may also spot them around smaller freshwater retention ponds in residential communities,…

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Pines at Wolf Bay in Orange Beach | Neighborhood

Pines at Wolf Bay in Orange Beach

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

Nestled beneath the canopy of tall pines and tucked just minutes from the water, The Pines at Wolf Bay offers a peaceful yet connected lifestyle right in the heart of Orange Beach, Alabama. I’ve had the pleasure of walking through many neighborhoods along the Gulf Coast, and this one always stands out for its blend of natural beauty, quiet surroundings, and close proximity to everything that makes our coastal community so desirable.

A True Hidden Gem with Prime Location

Located just off Canal Road, The Pines at Wolf Bay is perfectly positioned for homeowners who want quick access to both the water and inland conveniences. The neighborhood is a short…

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