Living on Ono Island: A Personal Look at Life on Alabama’s Private Coastal Island
By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
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Ono Island is unlike anywhere else I’ve ever lived. Tucked at the mouth of Perdido Bay and surrounded by water on nearly every side, this 5.5-mile-long barrier island is one of Alabama’s most private, most peaceful, and most remarkable places to call home.
As a Gulf Coast real estate advisor and full-time Ono Island resident, I feel incredibly fortunate to live here. Our streets wind gently between Bayou St. John to the north and Old River to the south. From any corner of the island, you’re just minutes from the water—whether you're headed out for a sunset cruise, casting lines off your dock, or enjoying the view with a cup of coffee in hand. It’s quiet. It’s beautiful. And it’s deeply rooted in Gulf Coast history.
A Snapshot of Ono Island
Ono Island sits just 500 yards from the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico. The island is bordered by Orange Beach, Alabama to the west, and Perdido Key, Florida to the south and east, but Ono itself isn’t part of any city or municipality. It’s privately governed, gated, and secure—accessed by a single guarded bridge from State Route 182. The Baldwin County Commission oversees the land, but our day-to-day operations are self-managed, with an on-site fire station, water tower, administrative center, and community amenities that make island life feel both independent and comfortable.
When you drive onto Ono, you’re met with a winding stretch of Ono Boulevard, the island’s main artery. From there, the community branches into waterfront streets, quiet cul-de-sacs, and peaceful canals. We have over 1,100 homes, ranging from canal-front cottages to expansive deep-water estates. You’ll find boat docks, boathouses, and beach walkways alongside native vegetation, protected oaks, and the kind of untouched beauty that’s becoming harder and harder to find.
The History Behind the Name “Ono”
One of my favorite parts of living here is sharing the island’s rich and unusual history. Before the island was a residential community, it was known as “Goat Island” or “George Kee’s Island.” George Kee was a caretaker who looked after the land for early landowner Fred Scott, who acquired it via Spanish land grants in the 1820s. Kee kept wild goats—and by the early 1900s, there were thousands roaming freely alongside wild hogs.
In 1916, a powerful hurricane reshaped the coastline, closing the original Perdido Pass and opening a new inlet at the island’s western tip. When Florida tried to claim the land between the old pass and the new one, Alabama legislators famously replied, “Oh no you don’t,” and that’s how Ono Island got its name.
The first residential development began in the 1970s. Since then, it has grown into one of Baldwin County’s most desirable coastal neighborhoods—with a strong sense of community, a love for boating and the outdoors, and a deep appreciation for the island’s wild beauty.
The Ono Island Lifestyle
For me, one of the most meaningful aspects of Ono Island is the way of life it offers. I often say, “You don’t just buy a home here—you invest in a slower pace, in sunrises over the water, in space to breathe.”
My neighbors agree. A retired couple who live nearby told me, “We’ve traveled the world and never imagined we’d find a place like this—quiet, coastal, and so full of heart.”
Another longtime homeowner said, “What we love most is that it still feels like a secret. Our friends visit and can’t believe this kind of place still exists.”
And I hear that all the time. Ono Island isn’t overdeveloped. It’s home—with quiet mornings, winding bike paths, the occasional osprey or dolphin, and neighbors who know your name.
Amenities, Privacy, and Peace of Mind
Living on Ono Island means enjoying the best of coastal Alabama without sacrificing privacy or security. The guarded entry, 24/7 EMT-staffed fire station, and well-maintained infrastructure make this a place where you can truly relax and feel protected.
We also have:
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Recreation center which has an indoor and outdoor pool, tennis and pickleball courts, a weight room, and community event spaces.
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A playground and community greenspace near the Harriet Cockrell Center, where events like steak nights, gardening clubs, and book discussions are held.
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Boat launch and canals that wind through the island, offering water access for everything from paddleboards to yachts.
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Private marinas and deeded slips for residents in certain areas, including Ono Harbour.
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A friendly network of neighbors who look out for each other and treat this island like the treasure it is.
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My Favorite Moments
Some of my most cherished memories have been made right here—relaxing on the deck while island birds sing in the background, watching the Blue Angels soar overhead on a training flight, or hearing laughter echo from boats as they cruise by on a calm morning.
It’s a place where I feel connected—not just to the water, but to the people and the history. Every sunrise here feels like a new chapter. Every afternoon thunderstorm reminds me how powerful and raw nature can be. And every evening, as the last bit of light reflects off the bayou, I’m reminded why I chose to call Ono Island home.
If you're considering a move to the Gulf Coast and want something private, peaceful, and uniquely special, I’d be honored to help you explore what life on Ono Island can look like for you.
Learn more and browse available homes: www.searchthegulf.com/ono-island
More about Ono Island living: www.searchthegulf.com/blog/category/ono-island
#searchthegulf #meredithamon #becausewelivehere
Ono Island Homes & Land for Sale – Luxury Waterfront Real Estate in Orange Beach Alabama
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