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:
27189 Blue Marlin Drive, Orange Beach

$875,000

27189 Blue Marlin Drive, Orange Beach

4 Beds 4 Baths 2,283 SqFt Residential MLS® # 386246

JPAR Gulf Coast - Spanish Fort PHONE: 251-262-3176

28900 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 3a, Orange Beach

$875,000

28900 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 3a, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,626 SqFt Residential MLS® # 374158

RE/MAX of Orange Beach CELL: 251-752-0497

200 W 8th Avenue, Gulf Shores

$874,900

↓ $24,100

200 W 8th Avenue, Gulf Shores

3 Beds 3 Baths 2,248 SqFt Residential MLS® # 378593

RE/MAX of Orange Beach PHONE: 251-424-4123

28105 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit C514, Orange Beach

$870,000

↓ $10,000

28105 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit C514, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,796 SqFt Residential MLS® # 377096

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

1488 W Beach Boulevard Unit 4, Gulf Shores

$870,000

↓ $30,000

1488 W Beach Boulevard Unit 4, Gulf Shores

4 Beds 3 Baths 2,653 SqFt Residential MLS® # 385493

RE/MAX of Orange Beach PHONE: 251-533-6677

1488 W Beach Boulevard Unit 5, Gulf Shores

$870,000

↓ $30,000

1488 W Beach Boulevard Unit 5, Gulf Shores

5 Beds 3 Baths 2,653 SqFt Residential MLS® # 385494

RE/MAX of Orange Beach PHONE: 251-533-6677

30610 Ono North Loop, Orange Beach

$869,900

30610 Ono North Loop, Orange Beach

4 Beds 4 Baths 2,251 SqFt Residential MLS® # 386598

RE/MAX Paradise

8743 Greenwich Court, Gulf Shores

$869,000

↓ $60,000

8743 Greenwich Court, Gulf Shores

4 Beds 4 Baths 2,208 SqFt Residential MLS® # 374066

Signature Properties

5307 Florida Avenue, Orange Beach

$869,000

5307 Florida Avenue, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 2,200 SqFt Residential MLS® # 373500

Signature Properties

31261 Oak Drive, Orange Beach

$868,900

↓ $11,000

31261 Oak Drive, Orange Beach

4 Beds 3 Baths 2,550 SqFt Residential MLS® # 385771

Realty Pro Group LLC

113 Sand Dune Drive, Gulf Shores

$864,900

↓ $10,000

113 Sand Dune Drive, Gulf Shores

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,755 SqFt Residential MLS® # 383253

eXp Realty Southern Branch PHONE: 251-550-3730

9354 Lorrain Court, Gulf Shores

$859,899

↓ $1

9354 Lorrain Court, Gulf Shores

3 Beds 4 Baths 2,483 SqFt Residential MLS® # 383896

LPT Realty, LLC


Latest Stories

View all
Caribe Seaside — Orange Beach Pre-Construction Condos with Seaside, Riverside & Skyside Amenities
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | October 30, 2025

Caribe Seaside — Orange Beach Pre-Construction Condos with Seaside, Riverside & Skyside Amenities

Caribe Seaside Condos in Orange Beach, Alabama — Pre-Construction Preview

Why I’m Watching Caribe Seaside As a Gulf Coast real estate advisor based in Orange Beach, I’m tracking Caribe Seaside closely because it pairs rental-friendly resort programming with a true beachfront setting and panoramic…

Orange Beach vs. Gulf Shores: Homes vs. Condos in the $350k–$500k Range
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | October 29, 2025

Orange Beach vs. Gulf Shores: Homes vs. Condos in the $350k–$500k Range

Perdido Key Beach Mouse & New Construction:  Guide | Meredith Folger
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | October 28, 2025

Perdido Key Beach Mouse & New Construction: Guide | Meredith Folger

Gulf Coast New Construction: Reservation & Payment Guide
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | October 28, 2025

Gulf Coast New Construction: Reservation & Payment Guide


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