Orange Beach Alabama Drinking Water Quality Report 2024: What Homeowners Need to Know

Orange Beach Alabama Drinking Water Quality Report 2024: What Homeowners Need to Know

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon

As a real estate advisor and resident of Orange Beach, I know how important it is for homeowners and future buyers to feel confident about the area’s infrastructure—especially when it comes to something as essential as drinking water. Fortunately, the 2024 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report confirms what many of us already know: Orange Beach isn’t just beautiful, it’s built on a foundation of safety, quality, and care.

Whether you’re buying a new home or living in one of the waterfront properties on Ono Island, you can…

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Orange Beach vs Destin: Coastal Living, Real Estate, and Boating Culture Compared

Orange Beach vs Destin: A Gulf Coast Boater’s Paradise Comparison

Introduction: My Gulf Coast Love Affair

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

Hello. I’m Meredith Amon, a Gulf Coast real estate advisor and boating enthusiast. If there’s one question I hear all the time from friends, clients, and fellow beach-lovers, it’s this: Orange Beach, Alabama or Destin, Florida – which is better? As someone who lives on Ono Island in Orange Beach and has spent countless days soaking up the sun in both places, I know firsthand that each coastal gem has its own magic. In this post, I’ll take you on a personal journey comparing vacation appeal, real estate investment potential, lifestyle quality, and…

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Orange Beach Proposes Zoning Amendment That Could Limit Density on Wetland Properties

Orange Beach Proposes Zoning Amendment That Could Limit Density on Wetland Properties

By Meredith Amon

The Orange Beach Planning Commission recently voted to recommend a zoning text amendment that would impact how developers calculate density and setbacks—specifically in areas that include wetlands. The proposed changes are now headed to the City Council for final consideration.

If approved, this amendment would exclude wetlands from being counted toward total acreage in density calculations. In other words, only upland (buildable) land would be used to determine how many units can be constructed on a property. Additionally, a 15-foot setback from all wetlands—defined in their natural, pre-development state—would be…

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How to Spot a Rip Current in Orange Beach, Alabama

How to Spot a Rip Current in Orange Beach, Alabama

Orange Beach Safety Guide for Coastal Homeowners and Visitors
By Meredith Amon,  Gulf Coast Real Estate Advisor
www.searchthegulf.com

As a real estate advisor living in Orange Beach, Alabama,, I not only help buyers find the perfect waterfront or beach-access home—I also believe in sharing valuable insights about what it means to live safely and confidently on the Alabama Gulf Coast. One of the most important coastal safety lessons every homeowner, guest, or visitor should understand is how to spot a rip current.

It’s not just about being cautious; it’s about being informed. Here’s what I share with my clients, neighbors, and anyone enjoying the water in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, or …

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New to Boating on the Gulf Coast? Here’s What You Need to Operate Legally in Alabama

New to Boating on the Gulf Coast? Here’s What You Need to Operate Legally in Alabama

Licensed in Alabama and Florida
Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon.

If you're planning to operate a boat in Alabama, whether you're a resident or just enjoying a day on the water in places like Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, or Perdido Bay, it’s important to understand the legal requirements. Here's a clear breakdown:

Alabama Boating Requirements

Boater’s License (Mandatory for All Operators)

In Alabama, all motorized vessel operators—including personal watercraft (PWC) like Jet Skis—must possess a boating license if they are 12 years of age or older.

How to Get a Boating License in Alabama:

1. Take a…

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The 2025 Gulf Coast Masters: A Premier MBGFC Tradition on Alabama’s Coast

The 2025 Gulf Coast Masters: A Premier MBGFC Tradition on Alabama’s Coast

By Meredith Amon, Gulf Coast Real Estate Advisor 

Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon.

Each year, one tournament stands out as the signature kickoff to the Gulf Coast’s deep-sea fishing season—the Gulf Coast Masters, hosted by none other than the Mobile Big Game Fishing Club (MBGFC). This Memorial Day weekend tradition isn’t just about who lands the biggest marlin—it’s about legacy, sport, and the remarkable community of anglers who return to Orange Beach Marina each spring to compete, connect, and celebrate the lifestyle that defines this coast.

A Tournament Backed by Heritage and Prestige

The MBGFC is one of the most…

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Interest Rates, GDP, and the Housing Market: A Strategic Outlook for Gulf Coast Real Estate

Interest Rates, GDP, and the Housing Market: A Strategic Outlook for Gulf Coast Real Estate

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

In luxury real estate, timing the market is about more than just watching listing trends. It requires understanding the deeper relationship between macroeconomic forces—like GDP growth and monetary policy—and the local housing market. As someone who lives and works on the Gulf Coast, I watch these signals closely because they directly shape the behavior of buyers, sellers, and lenders alike.

This year, the conversation has turned sharply toward interest rates, inflation moderation, and political pressure to stimulate economic growth. And with President Donald Trump…

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Margaritaville Resort Breaks Ground at The Wharf: A New Era Begins in Orange Beach

Margaritaville Resort Breaks Ground at The Wharf: A New Era Begins in Orange Beach

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
SearchTheGulf.com

On May 15, 2025, I stood at The Wharf in Orange Beach and watched history in the making. Construction officially began on what promises to be one of the most dynamic and game-changing resort communities on Alabama’s Gulf Coast—Margaritaville Resort Orange Beach.

For those of us who live, work, and play here, this isn’t just another development—it’s a bold reimagining of what coastal living and vacationing can look like. With its roots in music, relaxation, and escape, the Margaritaville brand is now anchoring a $300+ million lifestyle destination that blends fun, function, and…

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Overflow Parking in Orange Beach & Gulf Shores for Cars, Boats & RVs

Overflow Parking Options Along Alabama’s Beaches

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

Parking along Alabama’s stunning Gulf Coast can be tricky, especially during peak season when visitors bring more cars, golf carts, and even trailered boats than many vacation properties can accommodate. I often help second-home buyers and rental property owners plan for overflow parking—and now, I’ve compiled this go-to list of secure and reliable options for parking extra vehicles near Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.

 Parking Lots for Extra Vehicles

These businesses in Orange Beach offer designated spaces for cars—and some even allow trailers and boats:

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What You Need to Know About Buying Bank-Owned Vacant Land in Orange Beach, Alabama: Understanding the Right of Redemption and Bonding Options

What You Need to Know About Buying Bank-Owned Vacant Land in Orange Beach, Alabama: Understanding the Right of Redemption and Bonding Options

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

Vacant land opportunities in Orange Beach, Alabama are becoming more rare—and more desirable—by the day. Whether you’re looking to build a custom home, develop an investment property, or secure your piece of the Gulf Coast lifestyle, the chance to acquire bank-owned or foreclosed land at a discounted price may seem like an ideal opportunity.

However, if you’re considering building immediately on a recently foreclosed lot, it’s essential to understand how Alabama’s Right of Redemption laws may affect your plans—and how certain protections, such as a…

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