Orange Beach vs. Gulf Shores, Alabama: What $350,000–$500,000 Buys — Homes vs. Condos


Guided by the Gulf. Grounded by Integrity — Meredith Folger Amon, Gulf Coast Expert Real Estate Advisor
Guided by the Gulf. Grounded by Integrity.

I work every day with buyers comparing Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, and the question I sometimes hear is simple: “In the $350,000–$500,000 range, should we buy a single-family home or a condo, and which city fits us best?” Here’s my straightforward, first-person guide using real-world examples and carrying-cost insights so you can decide with clarity.

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Alabama Homes and Condos


At a Glance: How the Markets Feel Today

Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Homes and Condos For Sale $350,000-$500,000

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22417 Beaver Creek Lane, Orange Beach

$379,999

↓ $20,000

22417 Beaver Creek Lane, Orange Beach

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,561 SqFt Residential MLS® # 379707

World Impact Real Estate

1027 W Beach Boulevard Unit 108, Gulf Shores

$380,000

↓ $15,000

1027 W Beach Boulevard Unit 108, Gulf Shores

2 Beds 1 Bath 840 SqFt Residential MLS® # 361172

NextHome Sunset Realty CELL: 337-654-5367

913 W Beach Boulevard Unit B33, Gulf Shores

$380,000

↓ $5,000

913 W Beach Boulevard Unit B33, Gulf Shores

2 Beds 1 Bath 792 SqFt Residential MLS® # 376659

RE/MAX of Gulf Shores

4306 Lost Bay Drive, Orange Beach

$381,021

↑ $31,021

4306 Lost Bay Drive, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,437 SqFt Residential MLS® # 382816

DHI Realty of Alabama, LLC

18784 Odra Court, Gulf Shores

$382,500

↓ $2,400

18784 Odra Court, Gulf Shores

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,700 SqFt Residential MLS® # 383373

Local Property Inc.

338 Thornhill Circle, Gulf Shores

$384,000

↓ $5,000

338 Thornhill Circle, Gulf Shores

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,725 SqFt Residential MLS® # 383424

Keller Williams AGC Realty - Orange Beach PHONE: 251-609-4434

5781 State Highway 180 Unit 4008, Gulf Shores

$384,500

↓ $10,400

5781 State Highway 180 Unit 4008, Gulf Shores

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,290 SqFt Residential MLS® # 369479

Luna Beach Properties, LLC Main: 251-948-2645

375 Plantation Road Unit 5610, Gulf Shores

$384,999

375 Plantation Road Unit 5610, Gulf Shores

2 Beds 2 Baths 785 SqFt Residential MLS® # 384153

EXIT Realty Lyon & Assoc.Fhope PHONE: 251-504-4429

25805 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 303, Orange Beach

$385,000

25805 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 303, Orange Beach

1 Bed 1 Bath 651 SqFt Residential MLS® # 382032

RE/MAX of Orange Beach PHONE: 870-926-8845

24101 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 303 C, Orange Beach

$385,000

24101 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 303 C, Orange Beach

2 Beds 2 Baths 1,050 SqFt Residential MLS® # 382971

Bellator RE LLC Orange Beach PHONE: 251-607-8570

645 Plantation Road Unit 6306, Gulf Shores

$385,000

645 Plantation Road Unit 6306, Gulf Shores

1 Bed 1 Bath 590 SqFt Residential MLS® # 383864

RE/MAX of Orange Beach CELL: 251-233-6695

200 Peninsula Boulevard Unit H202, Gulf Shores

$385,000

↓ $10,000

200 Peninsula Boulevard Unit H202, Gulf Shores

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,860 SqFt Residential MLS® # 376431

RE/MAX of Orange Beach PHONE: 251-223-2026


Orange Beach: Single-Family Homes ($350k–$500k)

Inside Orange Beach city limits, sub-$500k single-family options exist but are limited. Expect smaller footprints, older construction, or interior locations away from immediate Gulf amenities. One representative example that captures the feel of what’s possible:

  • Beaver Creek (Interior Orange Beach) — Around $379,000
    3BR/2BA, ~1,521 sq ft, Fortified roof, 2-car garage, community pool. This checks the “everyday-living” boxes under $400k while staying inside Orange Beach.

Carrying costs: Detached homes here typically avoid monthly condo dues. Plan for homeowners + wind coverage (flood is often not required in many X-zone pockets), utilities, and any modest annual POA dues if applicable.

Orange Beach: Condos ($350k–$500k)

Condos are where Orange Beach shines in this range, especially for couples or small households prioritizing beach access and amenities. Real examples that mirror what you’ll see:

  • Phoenix III (Gulf-front) — ~1BR, ~691 sq ft, around $495k
    Amenity-forward Gulf-front address. Typical HOA context: often seen around the $500–$850/mo spectrum depending on tower and services.
  • Harbour Place (Gulf-front) — 2BR/2BA, around $429,900
    Indoor/outdoor pool, direct beach access. HOA covers exterior master policy and common areas; always confirm current monthly.
  • Seaside Beach & Racquet (near Gulf) — 2BR, around $414,995
    Amenity-rich setting; select records show dues near the low-to-mid $400s/mo range.
  • Grand Caribbean (across from beach & near Cotton Bayou launch) — 2BR, low-to-mid $400s
    Pool, convenient location; a smart balance of access and cost at this level.

Carrying costs: Expect monthly HOA in the ballpark of ~$400–$850+ depending on age, amenities, and services (indoor pools, staffed front desks, internet/cable). You’ll carry an HO-6 interior policy, pay electric and property taxes, and I’ll review association budgets and reserve levels so there are no surprises.


Contact Meredith Amon Gulf Coast Realtor


Gulf Shores: Single-Family Homes ($350k–$500k)

Gulf Shores typically offers more house for the money in this band, from North of the Intracoastal Waterway to West Beach and the Little Lagoon corridor.

  • Brigadoon Pines (near Little Lagoon access) — ~$445,000
    4BR/3BA, ~1,809 sq ft, fenced yard, metal roof, notable updates. This is a good illustration of how far your dollars can stretch for a detached home. Insurance examples I’ve seen here often help frame annual carrying costs.
  • The Rookery III (cottage-style near the beach approach) — ~$389,900
    3BR/2BA, ~1,290 sq ft, screened porch. Note: this is a condo-regime cottage even though it lives like a house, so HOA runs closer to condo-style dues (~$550/mo in sample records) covering grounds and amenities; verify for the specific unit.

Carrying costs: For true single-family, there’s typically no monthly condo due. Budget homeowners + wind coverage (varies with age of roof, construction type, and distance to Gulf). Neighborhood POAs may be minimal or nonexistent.

Gulf Shores: Condos ($350k–$500k)

Gulf Shores has a wide selection at this budget — from Gulf-front to across-the-street towers with resort pools and lazy rivers, to low-density beachside buildings.

  • Regatta (Gulf-front, central) — 2BR around $399,000
    Walkable to the Hangout. HOA often reported around the high-$700s/mo range. Classic “park and enjoy” Gulf-front living in budget.
  • Crystal Tower (across-the-street with skywalk) — 2BR around $449,500
    Known for its amenity deck and Gulf-front pool via skywalk. HOA often around the ~$700/mo band in sample records.
  • Ocean Reef (beach-side, low density) — 2BR loft ~ $439,000
    HOA noted near ~$400/mo historically, and I’ve seen an example of a 2025 insurance assessment — a good reminder to review minutes and reserves before you commit.
  • Gulf Village (Gulf-front) — 2BR around $380,000
    HOA near the mid-$600s/mo range; laid-back and beach-easy.
  • Navy Cove Harbor (Fort Morgan; marina environment) — 2BR around $424,900
    HOA ~mid-$700s/mo in representative records, plus the boating access many buyers want at this basis.

Carrying costs: Plan for ~$400–$800+/mo HOA depending on location and amenities, plus HO-6 interior policy, electric, and taxes. Some associations adopt insurance surcharges in high-rebuild-cost years. I read budgets, reserves, and meeting minutes to help you buy with eyes open.


Single-Family vs. Condo — Which Best Fits Your Lifestyle?

FactorSingle-FamilyCondo
Space & Storage More bedrooms, garages, and yards in this band, especially in Gulf Shores. Smaller interiors but efficient layouts; storage varies by building.
Monthly Carry No condo dues; pay homeowners + wind insurance directly, utilities, and any small annual POA. Monthly HOA covers master policy/common areas; you carry HO-6, power, and taxes; review reserves/assessments.
Maintenance You control timing and standards; more personal responsibility. Exterior and common elements handled by the association; easier lock-and-leave.
Beach & Amenities Beach proximity depends on neighborhood; fewer resort-style amenities. Direct beach access and amenity decks are common in this price range, especially in across-the-street towers.

Orange Beach vs. Gulf Shores — How They Differ in This Range

  • Orange Beach: Fewer single-family options under $500k; stronger selection of 1–2BR Gulf-front or near-Gulf condos. If you want a known Gulf-front tower address in budget, OB delivers. Start here: Orange Beach — https://www.searchthegulf.com/orange-beach/
  • Gulf Shores: More single-family variety between $350k and $500k, plus an extensive mix of Gulf-front and across-the-street condos. Good value per square foot if you prefer a detached home. Explore: Gulf Shores — https://www.searchthegulf.com/gulf-shores/

Real-World Carrying Costs: How I Analyze for You

When we narrow to a short list, I’ll put together an apples-to-apples monthly carry. For condos, that means HOA dues, an HO-6 interior policy estimate, power/internet, and current tax projections. I also review association financials, reserves, and any ongoing or planned assessments. For single-family homes, we’ll line up homeowners + wind insurance quotes (and flood only where required or prudent), utilities, and any minimal POA dues. If rentals factor into your plan, I’ll isolate buildings with policies that fit and provide historical context so you can weigh revenue versus carrying cost with clear assumptions.


Let’s Make Your Short List

Tell me what matters most: bedroom count, elevator access, tolerance for stairs, garage/covered parking, view priorities, or a boat-slip requirement. I’ll assemble a side-by-side set across Orange Beach homes vs. condos and Gulf Shores homes vs. condos in the $350,000–$500,000 band, with current dues and total monthly carrying-cost estimates. You can browse neighborhoods anytime at:

  • Orange Beach — https://www.searchthegulf.com/orange-beach/
  • Gulf Shores — https://www.searchthegulf.com/gulf-shores/
  • Boating & waterfront overview — https://www.searchthegulf.com/boating-accommodations-on-the-gulf-coast/

I’m happy to coordinate video walk-throughs, insurance quotes, HOA reviews, and streamlined contracts so you only travel when it truly counts.

 #searchthegulf #meredithfolger #becausewelivehere Meredith Amon Gulf CoastNew Construction Meredith Amon Gulf CoastNew Construction

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