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:
4847 Boat Street, Orange Beach

$789,000

4847 Boat Street, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,731 SqFt Residential MLS® # 384214

RE/MAX of Orange Beach PHONE: 251-786-4915

5639 Pensacola Avenue, Orange Beach

$788,000

↓ $2,000

5639 Pensacola Avenue, Orange Beach

4 Beds 4 Baths 2,325 SqFt Residential MLS® # 382098

Living My Best Life Realty Main: 251-948-5335

27006 Canal Road Unit B 106, Orange Beach

$787,500

27006 Canal Road Unit B 106, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,540 SqFt Residential MLS® # 344766

RE/MAX Paradise

27006 Canal Road Unit B 205, Orange Beach

$787,500

27006 Canal Road Unit B 205, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,540 SqFt Residential MLS® # 344771

RE/MAX Paradise

27006 Canal Road Unit B 102, Orange Beach

$787,500

27006 Canal Road Unit B 102, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,540 SqFt Residential MLS® # 344765

RE/MAX Paradise

27006 Canal Road Unit B 203, Orange Beach

$787,500

27006 Canal Road Unit B 203, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,540 SqFt Residential MLS® # 344768

RE/MAX Paradise

27006 Canal Road Unit B 206, Orange Beach

$787,500

27006 Canal Road Unit B 206, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,540 SqFt Residential MLS® # 344772

RE/MAX Paradise

27006 Canal Road Unit B 204, Orange Beach

$787,500

27006 Canal Road Unit B 204, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,540 SqFt Residential MLS® # 344769

RE/MAX Paradise

1940 West Beach Boulevard Unit 401, Gulf Shores

$785,000

1940 West Beach Boulevard Unit 401, Gulf Shores

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,860 SqFt Residential MLS® # 385094

Keller Williams AGC Realty-Da PHONE: 251-232-5640

12558 Frondfield Lane, Elberta

$785,000

12558 Frondfield Lane, Elberta

3 Beds 3 Baths 2,976 SqFt Residential MLS® # 386452

eXp Realty, LLC Gulf Shores Br ricky_carruth@yahoo.com

28925 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 301, Orange Beach

$785,000

28925 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 301, Orange Beach

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,337 SqFt Residential MLS® # 380020

EXIT Realty Lyon & Assoc.Fhope PHONE: 251-504-4429

5126 Pine Road, Orange Beach

$785,000

↓ $14,000

5126 Pine Road, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,969 SqFt Residential MLS® # 381451

Realty Executives Gulf Coast PHONE: 251-747-1638


Latest Stories

View all
Orange Beach, Alabama Rental Homes and Investment Properties | SearchTheGulf.com
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | October 30, 2025

Orange Beach, Alabama Rental Homes and Investment Properties | SearchTheGulf.com

Orange Beach, Alabama Rental Homes and Investment Properties


Orange Beach, Alabama Rental Homes and Properties: What Really Rents, What’s Restricted, and How to Get Ahead
By Meredith Folger
I live and work right here on the Alabama Gulf Coast, and I watch our rental market every week because…

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

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


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