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

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

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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Cabo 35 Express: Ideal Sportfishing Yacht for Orange Beach Boaters

Why the Cabo 35 Express Is a Standout Sportfishing Yacht for Orange Beach and Ono Island

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

Living on Ono Island and spending countless hours on the water here in Orange Beach, I’ve come to appreciate the boats that strike the perfect balance between performance, function, and beauty. One vessel that consistently turns heads—and delivers on every front—is the Cabo 35 Express. Whether you’re chasing marlin in the Gulf or cruising over to Robinson Island, this sportfishing yacht is a true standout.

What Makes the Cabo 35 Perfect for the Gulf Coast

The Cabo 35 Express was built with both offshore performance and coastal comfort in mind. At 37'6" overall with a …

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Golden Hour on Ole River: A Slice of Paradise in Orange Beach Alabama

Golden Hour on Ole River: A Slice of Paradise in Orange Beach

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

Last night, I found myself barefoot at the end of a wharf, quietly taking in the golden hour over Ole River in Orange Beach, Alabama. The air was soft and warm, laced with that familiar salty breeze, and the sky reflected back in layers of gold, blue, and blush on the calm water below. From where I sat, I had an unobstructed view—Ono Island to my left, a pair of pelicans gliding overhead, and a few boats returning home at idle speed, their wakes gently folding into the shoreline.

This is one of those moments that stays with you. The kind of quiet that’s not empty, but full. Full of gratitude, rhythm, and perspective. The…

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

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.

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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Navigating No-Wake Zones in Orange Beach, Alabama

Navigating No-Wake Zones in Orange Beach, Alabama

Where to Buy the Best Homes and Condos with Boating Access
By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

I know firsthand how important it is to understand where no-wake zones are in Orange Beach. Whether you're headed offshore or just taking a quiet cruise around the back bays, the no-wake areas play a huge role in how quickly and easily you can access open water. For boaters, choosing the right home or condo with boating amenities means finding that balance between convenience, protection, and location.

What Is a No-Wake Zone?

A no-wake zone is a designated stretch of water where vessels must operate at idle speed to prevent producing a wake. These zones are typically enforced…

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What to Look for in a Marina or Boat-Friendly Community. Gulf Coast and Orange Beach

What to Look for in a Marina or Boat-Friendly Community

Tips for finding homes with boat lifts, deep water access, and protected docking
By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

Living on the water isn't just about the view—it’s about access, convenience, and lifestyle. As someone who lives and works in one of the most boating-centric areas of the country, I’ve had countless conversations with homeowners and neighbors who’ve shared their firsthand experiences navigating the Gulf, the back bays, and canal systems. If you’re looking for a home with direct water access, here’s what I suggest you keep top of mind when searching for a marina or boat-friendly community.

1. Water Depth and Tidal Impact

Not all waterfront…

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Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Home And Condo Activity May 11, 2025

Just Listed: Homes & Condos Across Orange Beach and Gulf Shores

By Meredith Amon | SearchTheGulf.com

From sun-splashed balconies to private docks on Old River and Little Lagoon, the latest listings in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores capture the essence of coastal Alabama living. Whether you're looking for a Gulf-front condo, a boater’s paradise, or a custom-built beach house, this market is buzzing with opportunity.

Let’s dive into some of the most exciting new and active listings on the market:

Beachfront Condos with Resort Amenities

Phoenix Condominiums (V, VII, III, IV & Gulf Tower Phase II)
From $625,000 to over $2.1M, these beloved Gulf-front towers offer two- to four-bedroom units with strong rental income potential. Units like…

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Current Homes for Sale on Ono Island – Full Market Overview

Current Homes for Sale on Ono Island – Full Market Overview

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

Living on Ono Island is a dream for many—me included. As a full-time real estate advisor and proud homeowner here, I keep a close eye on the inventory and trends that shape our unique market. As of May 11, 2025, there are 55 active single-family homes listed for sale on the island, with a wide range of styles, price points, and waterfront options.

Whether you're searching for a peaceful primary residence, a second home, or a boater's paradise, there’s something on the market today that fits nearly every lifestyle.

Market Stats at a Glance

• Total Listings: 55

• Price Range: $550,000 to $7,900,000

• …

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Coastal Luxury on the Water: A Closer Look at “Homemade” in Orange Beach, Alabama

Coastal Luxury on the Water: A Closer Look at “Homemade” in Orange Beach, Alabama

By Meredith Amon | SearchTheGulf.com

There's something unforgettable about spotting a custom-built sportfishing yacht gliding through the pass in Orange Beach. And on this particular day, "Homemade" turned heads for all the right reasons.

This stunning vessel, captured as it cruised out of Perdido Pass, represents everything we love about life on the Gulf Coast—freedom, craftsmanship, and the call of open water.

Built for Adventure—and Admiration

From her polished lines to the commanding tuna tower, “Homemade” exudes the kind of tailored precision that boaters and sportfishing enthusiasts instantly recognize. These aren’t just weekend cruisers—they’re…

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Can I Remove a Live Oak Tree on My Property in Ono Island? Here’s What You Need to Know

Can I Remove a Live Oak Tree on My Property in Ono Island? Here’s What You Need to Know

As a local real estate advisor familiar with the unique characteristics of Ono Island, I often get asked: Can I cut down a live oak tree on my property? The answer is: yes, but only with the proper approvals. Tree removal—especially of native species like the Southern live oak—on Ono Island is carefully regulated to preserve the island’s natural beauty and ecological integrity.

Here’s what you need to know before reaching for the chainsaw.

Understanding Local Tree Regulations on Ono Island

Ono Island is part of unincorporated Baldwin County, Alabama, which means it follows county-wide zoning laws in addition to the private community standards set by…

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