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
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County Road 8, Gulf Shores

$990,000

↓ $100,000

County Road 8, Gulf Shores

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 381870

Ryals Realty Services, Inc allanikitina@ryalsrealty.com

30351 River Road, Orange Beach

$989,000

30351 River Road, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 2,740 SqFt Residential MLS® # 379878

Ono Island Luxury Realty LLC

2820 Straits Boulevard, Gulf Shores

$989,000

2820 Straits Boulevard, Gulf Shores

3 Beds 4 Baths 2,587 SqFt Residential MLS® # 381201

RE/MAX of Gulf Shores

27582 Canal Road Unit 2411, Orange Beach

$989,000

↓ $106,000

27582 Canal Road Unit 2411, Orange Beach

3 Beds 4 Baths 2,342 SqFt Residential MLS® # 377099

RE/MAX of Orange Beach PHONE: 334-654-0750

521 W Beach Boulevard Unit 1401, Gulf Shores

$989,000

521 W Beach Boulevard Unit 1401, Gulf Shores

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,621 SqFt Residential MLS® # 384039

eXp Realty Southern Branch PHONE: 251-979-6003

455 E Beach Boulevard Unit 604, Gulf Shores

$989,000

455 E Beach Boulevard Unit 604, Gulf Shores

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,547 SqFt Residential MLS® # 386248

RE/MAX Paradise

521 W Beach Boulevard Unit 702, Gulf Shores

$985,000

521 W Beach Boulevard Unit 702, Gulf Shores

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,597 SqFt Residential MLS® # 386441

RE/MAX of Orange Beach PHONE: 251-609-9994

845 Inlet Circle, Gulf Shores

$985,000

845 Inlet Circle, Gulf Shores

3 Beds 4 Baths 2,715 SqFt Residential MLS® # 381554

RE/MAX of Gulf Shores

24880 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 803, Orange Beach

$984,000

↓ $15,000

24880 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 803, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,943 SqFt Residential MLS® # 384439

Wellhouse Real Estate LLC

581 Gulf View Drive, Gulf Shores

$975,000

581 Gulf View Drive, Gulf Shores

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,440 SqFt Residential MLS® # 380329

Century 21 J Carter & Company PHONE: 251-752-9198

16825 Buchanan Place, Gulf Shores

$975,000

↓ $75,000

16825 Buchanan Place, Gulf Shores

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,240 SqFt Residential MLS® # 378382

Keller Williams AGC Realty-Da PHONE: 703-919-2632

25250 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 304e, Orange Beach

$975,000

↓ $100,000

25250 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 304e, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,634 SqFt Residential MLS® # 375980

Joy Sullivan Realty LLC


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