GULF SHORES, ALABAMA

Gulf Shores Alabama

Buying or selling a home or condo in Gulf Shores, Alabama is a unique experience, and I always tell my clients that understanding the nuances of this coastal market is the key to making confident decisions. Whether you're looking for a Gulf-front condo with strong rental potential or a quiet bayfront home with deep-water access, each property type comes with its own considerations. I've worked with buyers who fell in love with the views at Lighthouse Condominiums but didn’t initially realize how high rental competition could impact their income strategy. On the other hand, sellers who list in sought-after areas like West Beach or Fort Morgan are often surprised at how quickly well-priced properties move—especially when marketed strategically with high-quality photography, video tours, and an experienced local advisor like myself to guide them.

For sellers, pricing and timing are crucial. The market here fluctuates with the seasons, and while summer is the peak tourist season, I’ve found that serious buyers—especially those looking for second homes or investment properties—start searching in the winter months, preparing to buy before the busy rental season begins. I always advise my sellers to declutter, stage appropriately, and highlight features that matter in coastal living, such as hurricane-rated windows, boat slips, and proximity to key attractions like The Hangout and the Gulf State Park Pier. Buyers, on the other hand, should take the time to understand HOA fees, rental restrictions, and insurance requirements, as these factors can significantly impact long-term costs. I’ve had buyers fall in love with a beachfront condo only to realize later that HOA assessments or rental caps didn’t align with their financial goals—that’s why working with someone who knows the details of this market makes all the difference. If you're considering buying or selling in Gulf Shores, I'd love to help you navigate the process with expertise and local insight.

THE ULTIMATE INVESTOR’S GUIDE TO GULF COAST REAL ESTATE

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

gulf coast rental investment properties orange beach gulf shores alabama

When it comes to real estate investing along the Gulf Coast, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Whether you’re purchasing with reinvested capital, exploring a 1031 exchange, or entering the market for the first time, success depends on a few key questions:

  • How do you plan to use the property?

  • How long do you intend to hold it?

  • What type of return are you seeking—monthly income, long-term appreciation, or both?

As a full-time real estate advisor and Gulf Coast resident, I help investors answer these questions and match them…

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Waterway Village & Meyer Park: A Smart Move for Investors, Rental Properties & Vacation Homes


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

Gulf Shores Alabama Investments Waterway Village Meyer Park

Tucked just north of LuLu’s and the Intracoastal Waterway lies one of the most promising pockets of Gulf Shores real estate: Waterway Village and Meyer Park. As a local real estate advisor and full-time resident of the Gulf Coast, I’m seeing firsthand how this neighborhood is evolving—and why it’s the perfect location for investment properties, vacation homes, long-term rentals, and short-term rental income.

With walkability, upcoming infrastructure like the Waterway Village Pedestrian Bridge, and a growing demand for…

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How to Find the Perfect Investment Property in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores: A Checklist for Vacation Homes with Rental Potential

Orange Beach Gulf Shores Investment Rental Condo Guide

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

Purchasing an investment property that you can use personally for part of the year and rent out the rest of the time is a great way to make your beach getaway work for you financially. However, it’s important to understand the complexities involved in selecting the right property and making sure it aligns with your investment goals. To make your process smoother, I’ve created this checklist with everything you’ll need to consider when buying a vacation rental or investment property in Orange Beach or Gulf Shores.

Investment Property Checklist:

1. Speak with…

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Orange Beach vs. Gulf Shores: What’s the Difference?

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Alabama

As a real estate advisor here on the Gulf Coast, I often get asked by clients—especially those not familiar with the area—what the difference is between Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. While they’re both beautiful coastal communities in lower Alabama, each has its own unique characteristics that make them stand out. Let me break down the key differences and help you understand what each community has to offer, whether you’re looking for a vacation home, a second property, or considering making this your permanent home.

How Far Are Orange Beach and Gulf Shores From Each Other?

While Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are neighboring communities,…

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Gulf Shores Expands Golf Cart Access in Meyer Park and Gulf Pines Neighborhood

Gulf Shores Golf Cart Expansion Meyer Park Gulf Pines Neighborhood


By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

"Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon."

The Gulf Shores City Council has officially approved a major expansion of golf cart access throughout the Meyer Park area and Gulf Pines neighborhood. This isn’t just a convenience—it’s a meaningful step toward a more connected and accessible coastal lifestyle.

While helping buyers and sellers navigate life on the Gulf Coast, I see firsthand how thoughtful changes like this can enhance quality of life and boost property values. Expanded golf cart access means residents, second homeowners, and guests alike can now move more freely…

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The Advantages of a Metal Roof on the Gulf Coast

 

Why I Love a Metal Roof on the Gulf Coast

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

Living and working along the Gulf Coast—especially here in Orange Beach and Ono Island—means understanding how our environment shapes not only our lifestyle, but also the smart decisions we make as homeowners. One of the best decisions I see more and more Gulf Coast homeowners making? Choosing a metal roof.

Aesthetic Appeal Meets Sound Design

Metal roofs offer a sleek, architectural look that complements everything from a classic coastal cottage to a modern beach retreat. The color selections are stunning—from soft…

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Baldwin County Alabama Construction Supplies & Equipment


Perfection Tile
  • 12990 Hunters Chase Foley  AL 36535
  • (251) 978-5970
Blanchard Construction Services, LLC
Blanchard Construction Services, LLC
  • 23950 Montrose Woods Drive Fairhope AL 36532
  • (251) 359-0434
Brown Concrete Placement
Brown Concrete Placement
  • 1206 Doyle Ave Mobile AL 36605
  • (251) 391-8199
Superior Contracting Services
Superior Contracting Services
  • 12405…

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How to Spot a Rip Current in Orange Beach, Alabama

Orange Beach Safety Guide for Coastal Homeowners and Visitors
By Meredith Amon,  Gulf Coast Real Estate Advisor
www.searchthegulf.com

Orange Beach Alabama Rip Currents

As a real estate advisor living in Orange Beach, Alabama,, I not only help buyers find the perfect waterfront or beach-access home—I also believe in sharing valuable insights about what it means to live safely and confidently on the Alabama Gulf Coast. One of the most important coastal safety lessons every homeowner, guest, or visitor should understand is how to spot a rip current.

It’s not just about being cautious; it’s about being informed. Here’s what I share with my clients, neighbors, and anyone enjoying the water in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, or …

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Gulf Shores Takes Flight: What New Commercial Air Service Means for Gulf Coast Real Estate

By Meredith Amon, Gulf Coast Real Estate Advisor
Licensed in Alabama & Florida 

Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon

GUlf Shores Alabama Airport Commercial Flights

For decades, Gulf Shores has been one of the Gulf Coast’s best-kept secrets—accessible mostly by car or private aircraft, cherished by those who made the extra effort to reach our pristine beaches, quiet canals, and authentic coastal lifestyle. As someone who lives here on Ono Island and works daily with buyers and sellers throughout Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Perdido Key, I’ve seen firsthand how this seclusion added to our charm, while also presenting some logistical limitations for those…

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Why Shoalwater Drive Is One of the Best Boater-Friendly Streets on Ono Island

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

When I walk or drive down Shoalwater Drive on Ono Island, I’m always reminded why it’s one of the most sought-after streets for boaters on the entire Gulf Coast. As both a homeowner and a real estate advisor here, I know firsthand how rare it is to find a location that checks every box—wide canal frontage, deep water, quick access to big water, and gorgeous natural surroundings. Shoalwater has it all.

Shoalwater Drive Ono Island


Boating Perfection: Wide Canal, Deep Water, and No Bridges

Shoalwater Drive sits on an exceptionally wide 60-foot canal that’s been dredged to a depth of approximately 6 feet, providing generous clearance for…

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