1031 Exchanges: Orange Beach vs. Gulf Highlands | Gulf Coast Real Estate

Orange Beach Alabama 1031 Tax Deferred Exchanges

I recently had a great conversation with a client preparing to sell her out of state rental property and reinvest in the Gulf Coast using a 1031 tax-deferred exchange. She and her husband have multiple homes and are now looking for something coastal—private, peaceful, and profitable.

She told me she loved the look and feel of Gulf Highlands, Florida, where the homes sit on larger lots and you’re not staring directly into your neighbor’s window. She’s also open to Navarre and Perdido Key, but kept circling back to Orange Beach, Alabama as a possible “sleeper” market with upside potential. And I couldn’t agree more.

Florida vs. Alabama: Where Should You Invest?

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INTERIOR VACANT LOTS FOR SALE ON ONO ISLAND

What to Know Before You Build in This Premier Gated Community
By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon.

Ono Island Interior Lots and Vacant Land For Sale


If you’ve been searching for a rare opportunity to build your dream home or investment property on Ono Island, interior lots may be the perfect place to begin. These non-waterfront parcels offer all the privacy, security, and prestige of life behind the gates—without the premium price tag of canal or bay-front property.

As of June 15, 2025, available interior lots are priced from $169,000 to $299,000. These parcels are generally 90' x 150', flat, and located in X and AE flood zones—making them easier and…

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Short-Term Rental Potential at The Bluffs in Orange Beach


By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
"Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon."

Bluffs Orange Beach Alabama Homes For Sale Rentals

For those considering a short-term rental investment near the beach in Orange Beach, The Bluffs is one of the most promising opportunities available. Tucked just north of the Gulf State Park Pavilion and adjacent to the popular Coastal restaurant, this luxury community combines Gulf-front proximity with modern home design—an ideal mix for income-generating vacation properties.

Based on current projections from comparable homes in the area, gross rental income at The Bluffs can exceed $380,000 annually.

 Projected Rental Revenue by Season

Here's a…

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New Construction in Orange Beach: Understanding Pile-ons and Foundation Choices on the Coast


By Meredith Amon, Licensed In Alabama and Florida
"Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon."

Orange Beach Alabama Pylons New Home Building Construction

When building a new construction home in Orange Beach, Alabama, understanding the foundation system is one of the most important steps in creating a structurally sound, long-lasting home that will endure coastal conditions. As a Gulf Coast real estate advisor and longtime homeowner, I’ve walked many lots and collaborated with skilled builders who know exactly what it takes to start from the ground up—literally.

What Are Pilings?

Pilings or foundation piles, are long vertical structural members driven deep into…

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OCEAN EDGE ORANGE BEACH ALABAMA 

Orange Beach AlabamaDiscover Ocean Edge: Where Luxury Meets the Gulf in Orange Beach, Alabama
By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon

    

Nestled just off Perdido Beach Boulevard on Romar Vista Place, Ocean Edge is one of Orange Beach’s most exclusive beachfront neighborhoods—an architecturally elegant and thoughtfully planned community that I’ve come to admire deeply. As a real estate advisor and local homeowner, I’m always excited to introduce clients to this rare blend of Gulf-front tranquility and investment potential.

A Beachfront Retreat with Coastal Character

Ocean Edge spans approximately 300 feet of pristine shoreline,…

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The 2025 Orange Beach Billfish Classic: A Legendary Weekend at The Wharf

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon

Wharf Orange Beach Billfish Fishing Tournament


Each May, the Gulf Coast’s elite fishing community converges at The Wharf in Orange Beach for one of the most iconic offshore tournaments in the country—the Orange Beach Billfish Classic. The 2025 edition did not disappoint. With record-caliber catches, seasoned pros, and rising stars battling Gulf waters, this year’s Classic once again showcased the strength, strategy, and Southern hospitality that define Orange Beach sportfishing.

2025 Winners: Champions of the Deep

Blue Marlin Champion
Boat: CE
Weight: 640.2 lbs.
Angler: Scott…

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Key Rules and Requirements for Demolition with Asbestos in Alabama

1. Pre-Demolition Asbestos Inspection

Before any demolition, federal law (40 CFR Part 61 Subpart M - NESHAP) requires a certified asbestos inspection of the structure, regardless of age or condition.

  • This applies to all public, commercial, and some residential buildings (especially if part of a larger project involving multiple units).

  • Inspections must be conducted by an Alabama-licensed asbestos inspector.

2. Notification to ADEM

A written notification must be submitted to ADEM at least 10 working days before demolition begins if the project involves:

  • Commercial buildings

  • Public structures

  • Multi-family dwellings (with more…

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Is Costco Coming to Foley, Alabama? What We Know—And What’s Confirmed in Pensacola

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon.

There’s a lot of buzz circulating around Costco potentially opening a location in Foley, Alabama, and as a Gulf Coast real estate advisor, I’ve been following the story.

According to community chatter—particularly on Facebook and in local conversations—residents speculate that the wholesale retailer may be planning to build behind the new hotel near Highway 59 and next to Culver’s. The area makes sense: high traffic, new development nearby, and a growing population in southern Baldwin County.

However, as of today, no official…

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Real Estate Wire Fraud Is on the Rise: How to Protect Your Closing Funds

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon.

Real estate wire fraud is one of the most devastating—and increasingly common—threats facing buyers and sellers today. Just this week, I was reminded of how real and close to home this risk is. An agent here on the Gulf Coast recently had a buyer fall victim to wire fraud. It wasn’t my transaction, but it deeply impacted their client, who lost over $130,000.

It happened when hackers intercepted email communication between the buyer and the title company. The buyer received what looked like a legitimate email with wiring instructions—only the…

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Gulf Highlands, Florida vs. Orange Beach, Alabama: A Gulf Coast Real Estate Comparison

Orange Beach Alabama Homes For Sale

Investors and second-home buyers are increasingly drawn to the laid-back charm and long-term potential of the Gulf Coast. Two standout locations—Gulf Highlands, Florida and Orange Beach, Alabama—offer very different experiences, both in terms of lifestyle and investment returns. This comparison breaks down the advantages, disadvantages, taxes, rental income potential, and overall character of each destination to help buyers determine the better fit for their goals.

Location & Lifestyle

Gulf Highlands, Florida is located just west of Panama City Beach and east of 30A. Known for its wide lot sizes and quieter atmosphere, it attracts buyers seeking…

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