Top 5 Reasons People Are Moving to the Gulf Coast

Posted by Meredith Folger Amon on Tuesday, April 1st, 2025  2:16pm.



TOP 5 REASONS PEOPLE ARE MOVING TO THE GULF COAST


By Meredith Amon Licensed in Alabama and Florida

As a real estate advisor with over 20 years of experience selling luxury homes, I’ve never seen a time quite like this. More and more people are discovering what I've always known—the Gulf Coast isn’t just a vacation spot, it’s a lifestyle. From Orange Beach to Ono Island, Gulf Shores to Perdido Key, there's a wave of interest from buyers looking to put down roots or invest in their own slice of coastal paradise.

Whether you're dreaming of a full-time move, a second home, or an investment property, here are the top 5 reasons people are moving to the Gulf Coast right now:


1. Coastal Living with Southern Charm

The pace of life on the Gulf Coast is intentionally slower, more relaxed, and centered around nature, water, and community. Whether you're sipping your morning coffee on a screened porch with a view of the bay, or spending your evenings watching the sunset over the Gulf, it's hard not to fall in love with the daily rhythm of coastal living.

One homeowner on Ono Island recently told me, “We came for the water, but we stayed because of the people.”


2. Lower Cost of Living & No State Income Tax

Compared to other coastal destinations across the U.S., the Gulf Coast offers incredible value. Home prices here are still relatively affordable, and in Florida, there’s no state income tax—making it even more attractive for retirees and remote workers. I’ve helped buyers sell in markets like California and the Northeast, only to discover they can purchase waterfront property here with money left over.

Start exploring value-packed listings on the Gulf Coast’s premier home search site.

Contact Meredith Amon Gulf Coast Realtor


3. Boating, Fishing & Outdoor Adventure

Water is a way of life here. With easy access to the Gulf of Mexico, inland bays, and rivers, this region is a boater’s dream. From deep-sea fishing to paddleboarding in the back bays, outdoor opportunities are endless. I always tell clients: if you love the water, you'll love the Gulf Coast.

Ask me about homes and condos with deeded boat slips, lift systems, and private docks—they go quickly.


4. New Construction & Investment Opportunities

The Gulf Coast is booming with new construction, offering modern designs, energy-efficient systems, and Gold Fortified certification for storm resistance. From luxury homes on Ono Island to resort-style condos in Orange Beach, there’s an opportunity for every buyer.

Check out the latest listings in new construction communities and let’s discuss your goals. Whether you're looking to build, flip, or buy and hold, I can help you navigate the process.


5. A Destination for All Seasons

This isn’t just a summer town. The Gulf Coast shines year-round. We enjoy mild winters, colorful springs, sun-soaked summers, and breezy fall days that are perfect for festivals and football. It’s an ideal place for those seeking a full-time move or those who want to escape harsh winters without flying across the country.

Many of my buyers have turned what started as a vacation retreat into their permanent residence. The Gulf has a way of pulling you in and making you feel at home.


Thinking of Making the Move?

If the Gulf Coast is calling your name, let’s talk. I live here, I boat here, and I sell here. I know what makes each community unique, and I’d be honored to help you find your place along the coast.

Visit www.searchthegulf.com to browse homes, land, and condos—and let’s start the conversation.



Meredith Amon is a Gulf Coast Expert Real Estate Advisor, licensed in Alabama and Florida. She specializes in helping buyers and sellers navigate the buying and selling of homes along the Gulf Coast.

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

Search Coastal Alabama Homes and Real Estate For Sale

Sort by:
1920 West Beach Boulevard Unit 1701, Gulf Shores

$1,050,000

1920 West Beach Boulevard Unit 1701, Gulf Shores

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,988 SqFt Residential MLS® # 383381

White Shores Realty, LLC

29235 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 403, Orange Beach

$1,050,000

↓ $25,000

29235 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 403, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,862 SqFt Residential MLS® # 378237

RE/MAX of Orange Beach PHONE: 251-981-2400

375 Beach Club Trail Unit A301, Gulf Shores

$1,050,000

375 Beach Club Trail Unit A301, Gulf Shores

4 Beds 4 Baths 2,231 SqFt Residential MLS® # 383931

Bellator Real Estate LLC Gulf PHONE: 251-210-8741

23972 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 1107, Orange Beach

$1,050,000

↓ $100,000

23972 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 1107, Orange Beach

3 Beds 4 Baths 1,958 SqFt Residential MLS® # 384933

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

New
23450 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 2905, Orange Beach

$1,050,000

23450 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 2905, Orange Beach

3 Beds 4 Baths 1,959 SqFt Residential MLS® # 387088

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

23972 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 2302, Orange Beach

$1,050,000

↓ $20,000

23972 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 2302, Orange Beach

3 Beds 4 Baths 1,926 SqFt Residential MLS® # 375419

Farmstead Real Estate and Deve

26200 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 708, Orange Beach

$1,049,900

26200 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 708, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,687 SqFt Residential MLS® # 376616

Goode Realty, LLC

28929 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 3a, Orange Beach

$1,042,000

28929 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 3a, Orange Beach

4 Beds 3 Baths 2,000 SqFt Residential MLS® # 386846

Link Realty Gulf Coast LLC

26200 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 508, Orange Beach

$1,039,900

26200 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 508, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,687 SqFt Residential MLS® # 384161

Platinum Properties Southern

439 449 Kinzalow Lane, Gulf Shores

$1,029,900

439 449 Kinzalow Lane, Gulf Shores

8 Beds 4 Baths 2,331 SqFt Residential MLS® # 360914

eXp Realty Southern Branch PHONE: 678-457-0677

439 Kinzalow Lane, Gulf Shores

$1,029,900

439 Kinzalow Lane, Gulf Shores

8 Beds 4 Baths 2,331 SqFt Residential Income MLS® # 363624

eXp Realty Southern Branch PHONE: 678-457-0677

455 E Beach Boulevard Unit Unit 418, Gulf Shores

$1,025,000

↓ $25,000

455 E Beach Boulevard Unit Unit 418, Gulf Shores

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,547 SqFt Residential MLS® # 382928

Engel and Volkers Gulf Shores


Latest Stories

View all
Garage-to-Bedroom Conversions on the Gulf Coast: Pros, Cons, Codes, and Resale
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | October 28, 2025

Garage-to-Bedroom Conversions on the Gulf Coast: Pros, Cons, Codes, and Resale

Converting a Garage into a Bedroom or Living Area on the Gulf Coast: My Honest Take
I’m Meredith Folger Amon. I help homeowners in Orange Beach, Ono Island, and Gulf Shores make smart, value-forward updates. This topic is controversial, and in my experience, I lean against full garage-to-bedroom…

Garage Skins on the Gulf Coast: Coastal-Smart Curb Appeal, Win ROI
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | October 28, 2025

Garage Skins on the Gulf Coast: Coastal-Smart Curb Appeal, Win ROI

Gulf Coast Homes That Exude Gulf Grandeur: A Guide to Aesthetics, Balance, and Lifestyle
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | October 27, 2025

Gulf Coast Homes That Exude Gulf Grandeur: A Guide to Aesthetics, Balance, and Lifestyle

Caribe Seaside Orange Beach — New Beachfront Luxury Condos | Meredith Folger
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | October 26, 2025

Caribe Seaside Orange Beach — New Beachfront Luxury Condos | Meredith Folger


Signup is free and takes only a few seconds

Ask A Question or Sign Up To See New Real Estate Listings Before Your Competition

When it comes to finding the home of your dreams in a fast-paced market, knowing about new listings as soon as they are available is part of our competitive advantage.Sign up to see new listings in an area or specific community. Contact Meredith with any questions you may have.

Provide a valid email address.
Newsletter consent