How I Grow Lush Pampas Grass on the Gulf Coast

HOW I GROW LUSH PAMPAS GRASS ON THE GULF COAST

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

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

One of the most striking landscape features I see on Ono Island and throughout the Gulf Coast is pampas grass. Its tall, feathery plumes bring movement and drama to a garden—and when it's thriving, it feels wild, elegant, and wonderfully coastal.

As a homeowner and real estate advisor here on the island, I’ve learned exactly what pampas grass needs to look full, strong, and sculptural year-round. If you’re trying to encourage faster growth, or just want those big, showy plumes, I’d love to share a few of my favorite tips from experience.

 Why I Love Pampas…

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How to Build a Boathouse in Orange Beach | Permits + Setbacks

Building a Boathouse in Orange Beach: What You Need to Know

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

As a local real estate advisor and homeowner here on the Gulf Coast, I’m often asked about building a pier and boathouse—especially in Orange Beach, Alabama, where waterfront living is a dream for boaters and coastal enthusiasts alike. Whether you're considering building a full-time residence or a second home with boat access, understanding the process is essential to making that dream a reality.

Recently, I came across a waterfront lot in Orange Beach that reminded me just how valuable it is when a property already has the right pieces in place for boathouse construction. When done correctly, a pier and…

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Orange Beach Short-Term Rental Projections | The Bluffs

Short-Term Rental Potential at The Bluffs in Orange Beach

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

For those considering a short-term rental investment near the beach in Orange Beach, The Bluffs is one of the most promising opportunities available. Tucked just north of the Gulf State Park Pavilion and adjacent to the popular Coastal restaurant, this luxury community combines Gulf-front proximity with modern home design—an ideal mix for income-generating vacation properties.

Based on current projections from comparable homes in the area, gross rental income at The Bluffs can exceed $380,000 annually.

 Projected Rental Revenue by Season

Here's a…

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New Construction in Orange Beach: Understanding Pilings and Foundation Choices on the Coast

New Construction in Orange Beach: Understanding Pile-ons and Foundation Choices on the Coast

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

When building a new construction home in Orange Beach, Alabama, understanding the foundation system is one of the most important steps in creating a structurally sound, long-lasting home that will endure coastal conditions. As a Gulf Coast real estate advisor and longtime homeowner, I’ve walked many lots and collaborated with skilled builders who know exactly what it takes to start from the ground up—literally.

What Are Pilings?

Pilings or foundation piles, are long vertical structural members driven deep into…

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Ocean Edge Orange Beach Alabama

OCEAN EDGE ORANGE BEACH ALABAMA 

Discover Ocean Edge: Where Luxury Meets the Gulf in Orange Beach, Alabama

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

Nestled just off Perdido Beach Boulevard on Romar Vista Place, Ocean Edge is one of Orange Beach’s most exclusive beachfront neighborhoods—an architecturally elegant and thoughtfully planned community that I’ve come to admire deeply. As a real estate advisor and local homeowner, I’m always excited to introduce clients to this rare blend of Gulf-front tranquility and investment potential.

A Beachfront Retreat with Coastal Character

Ocean Edge spans approximately 300 feet of pristine shoreline,…

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Why Orange Beach, Alabama Stands Out for Vacation Rental Investors

Why Orange Beach, Alabama Stands Out for Vacation Rental Investors

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 with experience in both the Florida Panhandle and the Alabama Gulf Coast, I often help buyers and sellers navigate markets like, Orange Beach, and Destin Florida. Each of these destinations offers something truly special—but from a purely investment-minded perspective, I see Orange Beach as uniquely advantageous.

Let me explain why—and offer a few insights about property management fees, taxes, and commissions that can directly impact your bottom line.

Vacation Rental Performance Comparison

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Orange Beach Condo Complexes: A Complete Guide by Year Built

Orange Beach Condo Complexes: A Guide by Year Built

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

Orange Beach Condos: A Complete Guide by Complex and Year Built

When you’re shopping for a condo in Orange Beach—whether as a second home, investment, or full-time retreat—understanding the history and construction era of each complex matters. Certain buildings have become iconic over time, while others offer the latest in modern construction and amenities. Below, I’ve compiled a snapshot of notable condo complexes in Orange Beach, organized alphabetically with the year they were built.

This is the kind of information I share with clients who want to buy…

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Behind the Scenes of a Coastal Development: What I Learned About Building for Vacation Rentals

Behind the Scenes of a Coastal Development: What I Learned About Building for Vacation Rentals

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

Property Development on the Gulf: What You Need to Know About Vacation Rentals in Today’s Market

Not every coastal development idea translates easily into reality—especially in Orange Beach, Alabama, where city regulations, shifting tourism patterns, and insurance challenges can complicate even the most promising plan.

This week, I sat down with a developer, city planning contacts, and stakeholders to evaluate the feasibility of building townhomes for vacation rentals on a multi-lot property just steps from the…

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Frame vs. Block: Why Gulf Coast Homes Are Built with Wood

Why Most Homes on Ono Island and in Orange Beach Are Wood-Framed — Not Concrete Block

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

As a real estate advisor specializing in luxury homes and new construction on Ono Island and across Orange Beach, one of the most frequent questions I hear from buyers relocating from Florida or other coastal markets is:
"Why are homes here wood-framed instead of built with cinder block?"

It’s a great question—and the answer lies in local building practices, engineering strategy, regional climate conditions, and cost-effective fortified construction. Here’s a breakdown of what’s behind the frame-first…

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A Summer Evening at OSO and Bear Point Marina

A Summer Evening at OSO and Bear Point Marina

By Meredith Amon

There’s something magical about a summer evening in Orange Beach, and nowhere is that more evident than at Bear Point Marina and OSO at Bear Point Harbor.

As the sun began to slip below the horizon, casting its final glow over the Gulf waters, I found myself drawn to the gentle hum of the marina. Boats rocked softly in their slips, their silhouettes striking against the fiery gradient of the sky. The air was warm, salty, and filled with the kind of peace only a coastal evening can offer.

I wandered past the glowing string lights wrapped around the dockside bar, where friends were gathered over cold drinks and the occasional guitar strum floated through the air.…

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