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

Posted by Meredith Folger Amon on Sunday, October 19th, 2025  1:50pm.


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

Sort by:
350 Shoreway Drive Unit 7 Phase 1, Gulf Shores

$365,000

350 Shoreway Drive Unit 7 Phase 1, Gulf Shores

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,409 SqFt Residential MLS® # 377988

RE/MAX Paradise

26063 Canal Road Unit A2, Orange Beach

$365,000

↓ $14,500

26063 Canal Road Unit A2, Orange Beach

2 Beds 2 Baths 1,080 SqFt Residential MLS® # 380014

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

23601 Perdido Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach

$365,000

↑ $6,000

23601 Perdido Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 383048

RV Resort Management LLC

372 E Beach Boulevard Unit 11, Gulf Shores

$365,000

↓ $10,000

372 E Beach Boulevard Unit 11, Gulf Shores

2 Beds 2 Baths 908 SqFt Residential MLS® # 384005

Fiv Realty Co Alabama LLC

375 Plantation Road Unit 5312, Gulf Shores

$365,000

375 Plantation Road Unit 5312, Gulf Shores

2 Beds 2 Baths 785 SqFt Residential MLS® # 385337

Goode Realty, LLC

1772 West Beach Boulevard Unit 106, Gulf Shores

$365,000

1772 West Beach Boulevard Unit 106, Gulf Shores

2 Beds 2 Baths 825 SqFt Residential MLS® # 386340

eXp Realty Southern Branch PHONE: 251-510-7572

New
23044 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 227, Orange Beach

$365,000

23044 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 227, Orange Beach

2 Beds 2 Baths 808 SqFt Residential MLS® # 386558

RE/MAX of Orange Beach PHONE: 251-504-1121

201 E Beach Boulevard Unit 307, Gulf Shores

$365,500

↓ $14,400

201 E Beach Boulevard Unit 307, Gulf Shores

1 Bed 2 Baths 634 SqFt Residential MLS® # 372383

Roberts Brothers TREC annagcatranis@robertsbrothers.com

4676 Club Court, Orange Beach

$369,000

4676 Club Court, Orange Beach

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 372456

Ono Island Luxury Realty LLC

Dancing Water Lane, Gulf Shores

$369,000

Dancing Water Lane, Gulf Shores

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 375941

Kaiser Sotheby's Int-GS PHONE: 251-752-7345

375 Plantation Road Unit 5116, Gulf Shores

$369,000

375 Plantation Road Unit 5116, Gulf Shores

2 Beds 2 Baths 785 SqFt Residential MLS® # 382327

Beycome Brokerage Realty LLC

5936 Shady Woods Court, Gulf Shores

$369,000

5936 Shady Woods Court, Gulf Shores

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,818 SqFt Residential MLS® # 385645

RE/MAX of Orange Beach CELL: 251-752-5720


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:

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:

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.

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.

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


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:


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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