Real Cost of Owning a Home on Ono Island: 4 Case Scenarios

Posted by Meredith Folger Amon on Wednesday, June 4th, 2025  8:32am.



Understanding Property Taxes and Monthly Costs on Ono Island: 4 Real-World Scenarios

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
"Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon."
www.searchthegulf.com/ono-island/

Ono Island Homes Carrying Costs Orange Beach Alabama


One of the most common questions I get from buyers considering a home on Ono Island is: What are the true monthly costs of ownership? While Alabama’s property tax rates are among the lowest in the country, there are several variables—like construction type, waterfront location, and insurance status—that affect the total carrying cost.

Here are four real-world scenarios based on current market data to help illustrate what you can expect.


Scenario 1: Luxury Waterfront Estate on Old River


Price: $5,300,000
Size: 4,718 sq ft | 100’ waterfront | Gold Fortified
Built: 2024 | 6 Bed, 5 Full + 2 Half Baths

Annual Costs

Monthly Carrying Costs

≈ $3,361 – $3,445 (excluding mortgage)

Meredith's Note: This home reflects the high end of Ono Island real estate with elevated construction, storm-resistant features, and deep water access—ideal for large vessels. Its Gold Fortified status provides meaningful savings on insurance.


Scenario 2: Older Canal-Front Home (Non-Gold Fortified)

Price: $1,000,000
Size: Approx. 2,800 sq ft | Built in 1990
Waterfront: Yes – Canal with private dock
Roof: Not Gold Fortified

Annual Costs

Monthly Carrying Costs

≈ $2,900 – $3,200 (excluding mortgage)

Meredith's Note: Canal-front homes built before the 2000s without fortified roofs often face higher insurance premiums. Buyers may choose to upgrade the roof or negotiate a credit from the seller to do so after closing.

Contact Meredith Amon Gulf Coast Realtor



Scenario 3: Non-Waterfront Home – Not Gold Fortified

Price: $1,000,000
Size: Approx. 3,000 sq ft | Built early 2000s
Waterfront: No
Roof: Not Gold Fortified

Annual Costs

Monthly Carrying Costs

≈ $2,300 – $2,600 (excluding mortgage)

Meredith's Note: Even without waterfront access, inland properties offer peace, privacy, and access to Ono Island’s exclusive amenities. These homes can be an excellent value—especially if you’re not a boater.


Scenario 4: Non-Waterfront Home – Gold Fortified

Price: $1,000,000
Size: Approx. 3,000 sq ft | Recently Built
Waterfront: No
Roof: Gold Fortified

Annual Costs

Monthly Carrying Costs

≈ $2,000 – $2,300 (excluding mortgage)

Meredith's Note: Gold Fortified homes reduce insurance costs significantly. Inland new builds with this certification can offer one of the best long-term value scenarios on the island.


 What All Buyers Should Know

One-Time Transfer Fee: $8,000 (paid by buyer at closing)
Lender Documentation: Submit a pre-approval letter or proof of funds with any offer
Flood Zone Considerations: Check zone maps—some homes may still require flood insurance, even if elevated
Fortification Savings: A Gold Fortified roof can save 30%–50% on insurance premiums


 Ready to Explore Ono Island?

I live here and specialize in helping buyers evaluate every aspect of ownership—from POA regulations to insurance strategies and waterfront construction. Whether you’re looking at an estate on the river or a quiet lot near the tennis courts, I’ll help you make a confident and informed decision.

 Email: meredith@searchthegulf.com
Explore Ono Island Listings Now


Meredith Amon is a Gulf Coast Expert Real Estate Advisor, licensed in Alabama and Florida. She specializes in helping buyers and sellers navigate the buying and selling of homes along the Gulf Coast, with deep expertise in luxury homes and waterfront properties on Ono Island.

Contact Meredith Amon Gulf Coast Realtor
#searchthegulf #meredithamon #becausewelivehere
 

Ono Island Homes & Land for Sale – Luxury Waterfront Real Estate in Orange Beach Alabama

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3983 Oleander Court, Orange Beach

$5,500,000

3983 Oleander Court, Orange Beach

5 Beds 5 Baths 3,972 SqFt Residential MLS® # 385551

Brett R/E Robinson Dev OB Main: 251-981-6180

31292 River Road, Orange Beach

$5,300,000

31292 River Road, Orange Beach

6 Beds 7 Baths 4,718 SqFt Residential MLS® # 360051

Signature Properties

30510 River Road, Orange Beach

$4,500,000

↓ $300,000

30510 River Road, Orange Beach

4 Beds 5 Baths 6,000 SqFt Residential MLS® # 367056

C Properties Sales & Managemen PHONE: 251-979-6011

33202 River Road, Orange Beach

$4,200,000

↓ $600,000

33202 River Road, Orange Beach

4 Beds 5 Baths 4,943 SqFt Residential MLS® # 351716

RE/MAX Paradise

29879 St John Drive, Orange Beach

$3,900,000

29879 St John Drive, Orange Beach

5 Beds 6 Baths 6,709 SqFt Residential MLS® # 377376

Bellator RE LLC Orange Beach PHONE: 251-979-6600

29765 St John Drive, Orange Beach

$2,990,000

↑ $90,000

29765 St John Drive, Orange Beach

6 Beds 6 Baths 7,078 SqFt Residential MLS® # 384580

Bellator RE LLC Orange Beach PHONE: 251-979-6600

30475 Harbour Drive Unit Oh-03, Orange Beach

$2,937,000

30475 Harbour Drive Unit Oh-03, Orange Beach

4 Beds 5 Baths 3,225 SqFt Residential MLS® # 384885

Liveoak Realty, LLC

28452 Ono Boulevard, Orange Beach

$2,800,000

28452 Ono Boulevard, Orange Beach

5 Beds 5 Baths 6,100 SqFt Residential MLS® # 381213

RE/MAX of Orange Beach PHONE: 251-424-4123

32220 River Road, Orange Beach

$2,795,000

↓ $30,000

32220 River Road, Orange Beach

4 Beds 3 Baths 3,900 SqFt Residential MLS® # 381305

RE/MAX Paradise

31729 River Road, Orange Beach

$2,520,000

↓ $75,000

31729 River Road, Orange Beach

5 Beds 5 Baths 3,632 SqFt Residential MLS® # 376932

RE/MAX of Orange Beach PHONE: 251-786-4915

28932 Ono Boulevard, Orange Beach

$2,400,000

28932 Ono Boulevard, Orange Beach

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 379580

Signature Properties

30525 Harbour Drive, Orange Beach

$2,370,000

↓ $25,000

30525 Harbour Drive, Orange Beach

5 Beds 5 Baths 2,672 SqFt Residential MLS® # 371953

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