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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24400 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 611, Orange Beach

$525,000

↓ $15,900

24400 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 611, Orange Beach

1 Bed 1 Bath 801 SqFt Residential MLS® # 381564

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

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0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 385121

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$524,000

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25773 Canal Road Unit 35, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,514 SqFt Residential MLS® # 372276

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645 Plantation Road Unit 6401, Gulf Shores

$520,000

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3 Beds 2 Baths 1,095 SqFt Residential MLS® # 381600

Bellator RE LLC Orange Beach PHONE: 251-607-8570

24230 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 3125, Orange Beach

$520,000

↓ $20,000

24230 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 3125, Orange Beach

1 Bed 1 Bath 691 SqFt Residential MLS® # 382824

Bellator RE LLC Orange Beach PHONE: 251-607-8570

24522 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 4309, Orange Beach

$520,000

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24522 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 4309, Orange Beach

2 Beds 2 Baths 960 SqFt Residential MLS® # 373538

eXp Realty Southern Branch PHONE: 251-550-3730

1872 West Beach Boulevard Unit E 201, Gulf Shores

$520,000

1872 West Beach Boulevard Unit E 201, Gulf Shores

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,416 SqFt Residential MLS® # 377561

Bellator RE LLC Orange Beach PHONE: 251-751-2009

1051 West Beach Boulevard Unit 9d, Gulf Shores

$519,999

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2 Beds 2 Baths 1,000 SqFt Residential MLS® # 383955

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486 E Bernard Court, Gulf Shores

$519,999

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486 E Bernard Court, Gulf Shores

2 Beds 2 Baths 660 SqFt Residential MLS® # 374073

Bellator RE LLC Orange Beach PHONE: 828-337-7831

24568 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 807, Orange Beach

$519,900

24568 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 807, Orange Beach

2 Beds 2 Baths 1,000 SqFt Residential MLS® # 385825

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473 E 2nd Avenue, Gulf Shores

$519,900

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473 E 2nd Avenue, Gulf Shores

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,098 SqFt Residential MLS® # 377893

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24400 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 907, Orange Beach

$519,900

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24400 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 907, Orange Beach

1 Bed 1 Bath 801 SqFt Residential MLS® # 383812

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