Ultimate Guide to Building with Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) on the Gulf Coast and Orange Beach

Your Ultimate Guide to Insulated Concrete Form Construction on the Gulf Coast and Orange Beach

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

If you’re thinking about building a new home on the Gulf Coast—whether in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Ono Island, Perdido Key, or anywhere along our beautiful stretch of coastline—there’s one construction method I consistently recommend for both luxury homes and high-performance builds: Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF).

As a real estate advisor who works closely with some of the most experienced ICF builders in the region, I’ve seen firsthand how ICF transforms the way we build along the coast. From storm…

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Boating Homes on Ono Island | Deep Water, Lifts & Gulf Access

Owning a Boat on Ono Island: The Ultimate Boater’s Guide

As a homeowner and boater on Ono Island, I’ve learned there’s nowhere quite like this gated community in Orange Beach, Alabama when it comes to waterfront living. Our island offers a rare blend of deep-water access, private canals, and quick routes to the Gulf, making it a boater’s paradise. But not all waterfront homes here are the same – each area of Ono has unique features, from bridge-free deep water lots to tranquil canals with size limitations. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything a boater needs to know about owning a boat on Ono Island, including the best areas for boating, water depths, suitable boat types, lifts and boathouses, and key regulations. Welcome aboard!

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New Construction and Orange Beach Home Building with Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF): Your Ultimate Gulf Coast Guide

New Construction and Orange Beach Home Building with Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF): Your Ultimate Gulf Coast Guide

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

Why I Recommend ICF Construction on the Gulf Coast

Living on the Gulf Coast, especially on Ono Island, Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, or Perdido Key, means building with resilience and longevity in mind. ICF, or Insulated Concrete Form construction, offers exactly that—and more. After helping buyers and builders evaluate options for coastal durability and modern design, ICF consistently rises to the top for new home construction.

I work closely with builders and engineers who specialize in ICF and…

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Ono Island Home Prices August 2025 | Meredith Amon

WHAT DOES IT COST TO BUY A HOME ON ONO ISLAND?

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

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a home in a private, gated waterfront community, Ono Island in Orange Beach, Alabama, offers a lifestyle that’s hard to match—especially for boaters. From canal-front cottages to bayfront estates with deep water dockage, the island offers a wide range of property options.

So, how much does it cost to buy a home on Ono Island right now?

As of August 2025, here’s the market breakdown:

Current Price Ranges

• Lowest Priced Home: $535,000

• Highest Priced Home: $7,900,000

• Average List Price: ~$1,991,735

• Median Price Point: $1,700,000

…

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Living on Ono Island in Orange Beach, AL | Meredith Amon

Living on Ono Island: A Personal Look at Life on Alabama’s Private Coastal Island

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

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…

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2025 White Marlin Shootout in Orange Beach, Alabama | Meredith Amon

2025 White Marlin Shootout in Orange Beach, Alabama

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

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

There’s something special about August on the Gulf Coast — the water is warm, the sunsets are golden, and the excitement in Orange Beach kicks up a notch with one of the most anticipated events of the season: the White Marlin Shootout.

This year’s tournament runs August 17–23, 2025, and as someone who lives right here in Orange Beach, I can tell you firsthand, the buzz around the docks is already building.

Whether you're an avid offshore angler or just love the energy that comes with a world-class sportfishing tournament, this is a week you don’t want to…

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The Rise of Waterway Village: Gulf Shores’ Most Exciting Coastal Neighborhood

Waterway Village: The Future Heart of Gulf Shores

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

If you’ve been watching Gulf Shores evolve, you know there’s something special happening just north of the Intracoastal Waterway—and it’s called Waterway Village. What was once a sleepy corridor with a few hidden gems is quickly transforming into the vibrant, walkable waterfront district our area has been waiting for. And from what I’ve seen as a local real estate advisor, Waterway Village is on track to become one of the most sought-after communities along the Alabama Gulf Coast.

 What Is Waterway Village?

Inspired by the energy and charm of destinations…

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ICF Bracing in Coastal Home Construction | Meredith Amon

Behind the Build: Why ICF Bracing Matters for Coastal Construction

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

Along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, more homes are being built using Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF)—and for good reason. ICF construction offers enhanced energy efficiency, superior storm resistance, and reduced maintenance, making it an ideal solution for coastal living in places like Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and Ono Island.

But behind every structurally sound ICF wall is a process that few people outside the job site ever see: bracing. It’s temporary, but it’s essential. Bracing ensures that every wall is aligned, stable, and ready to withstand the…

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Summer Sunset on Ono Island | Why I Love Living on the Gulf Coast

Golden Hour on Ono Island: Why Summer on the Gulf Coast Captivates My Heart

By Meredith Amon, Licensed In Alabama and Florida
"Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon."

Last night, I took a moment to step back, breathe deeply, and just appreciate the view from my home on Ono Island. I snapped this photo from the north side of the island, looking out across the calm water as the July sun dipped below the horizon. The golden glow reflected across the bay like a ribbon of light, while the boats rested quietly at the dock, their reflections gently swaying with the current.

It was one of those warm summer evenings where everything slows down. The breeze softens. The sky turns to art. And the entire island…

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July 2025 Market Update | Orange Beach Real Estate with Meredith Amon

July 2025 Real Estate Update: Is Now a Good Time to Buy or Sell in Orange Beach?

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

The summer sun is high, the boats are moving up and down Cotton Bayou and Terry Cove, and real estate activity in Orange Beach is heating up—just like the temps. If you're asking, “Is now a good time to buy or sell?” you're not alone. As someone who lives and works in Orange Beach every day, I can tell you this: July 2025 is revealing some surprising trends that both buyers and sellers should know.

What I’m Seeing on the Ground

The July market has seen a notable uptick in showing activity—especially for new construction…

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