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GULF SHORES BON SECOUR The area is the epitome of easy living with fishing being the main priority of the day. The name Bon Secour derives from the French phrase meaning Safe Harbor due to the secluded location on the inside coast of the Fort Morgan peninsula of Southern Alabama. Home to one of the largest shrimp companies in the region, Bon Secour still maintains an eclectic and cozy feel. Simplicity and southern comfort combine to create a truly unique community. The pace is slow and the fishing is good in Bon Secour, AL! The area is located in between Foley and Gulf Shores, on the west side of Highway 59. Starting from the Intracoastal Bridge in Gulf Shores it extends north to County Road 10. There are other county highways that lead to Bon Secour including County Road 4, also called Oyster Bay Road, County Road 6, and County Road 8. One can drive to the beach within 10-20 minutes or to the Eastern Shore in about 30 minutes. CENTRAL GULF SHORES The area known as Central Gulf Shores has seen its fair share of growth within the past 10 years. As Gulf Shores has continued to welcome more and more seasonal guests and new residents, the city has definitely evolved to provide for this outstanding growth. The central area of Gulf Shores is one of the oldest communities on the island. Unusually varying elevations trademark this small area of mostly older homes surrounded by many small, local businesses. Within a portion of this area, the city has imparted rent restrictions regarding short-term rentals. Much of this area is situated on the Lagoon and is an excellent place for permanent or retirement living. Central Gulf Shores is located starting at 3rd Avenue and runs north to Fort Morgan Road and to the east of Highway 59. EAST GULF SHORES East Gulf Shores has the hustle and bustle along the edges but is quiet and secluded inside this part of Gulf Shores, so if you re looking for an area close to the fast paced world but also want the luxury to retreat to calm quiet areas too, this is the area for you. East Gulf Shores is just south of the W.C. Holmes Bridge and Canal Road that leads to the Wharf and Orange Beach; it also borders to the Gulf State Park. This is a great location due to being only minutes away from Orange Beach, the Wharf, and the beaches of Gulf Shores.
GULF SHORES GULF SHORES NORTH The Gulf Shores North area has experienced rapid commercial and residential growth within the past 10 years. Starting at the Intracoastal Waterway Bridge in Gulf Shores, it stretches north approximately 3 miles along Highway 59. It ends at the south end of Foley at County Road 10. This area has multiple dining, entertainment, and shopping venues to choose from. Additionally, it is a 5 to 10 minute drive from the beautiful sandy beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, which is a good thing when hurricane season rolls around. It is home to the Gulf Shores Sportsplex, the Wetlands Nature Park, and the soon to be new Zoo location. Gulf Shores North is centrally located making it incredibly convenient for those that commute to Foley, Orange Beach, and almost all other surrounding areas. Due to the location, home insurance rates are often much more affordable for buyers looking to get the most for their money. The majority of new commercial developments built within Gulf Shores over the last 10 years has occurred in this area. You will find Publix, Super Target, and the Pelican Place shopping center right around the corner from wherever you live in Gulf Shores North. EAST BEACH For buyers looking for an affordable beach home, look in this area first. Most of the homes are older beach cottages. Some are used as rentals, while even more are used as traditional second homes. There are plenty of eateries to visit for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. All are just a few minutes from any point within East Beach. Be sure to try the Bacon Egg Cheeseburger at the Hangout! WEDGEWOOD Wedgewood has more permanent residents than any other area in Gulf Shores. Because of this, it is a community that appeals to all ages. If you are driving through this area and a child crosses the street, then take caution. There are likely a dozen more following behind. Wedgewood has experienced steady residential growth since the 1980s, when people realized the benefit of its high elevation and central location. Buyers that want to be far from the tourist crowd but still live on the island make Wedgewood their first choice. Many of the City's administration offices and parks are found in this area, including the police and fire station, Bodenhamer Recreation Center, Ball Fields, Kids Park, and the South Baldwin Community Theater. When heading South on Hwy 59, it is the first area you will come to after crossing the Gulf Shores Bridge. Wedgewood is centrally positioned between Ft. Morgan Road (Highway 180) to the South, the Intracoastal Canal to the North, and Highway 59 to the East. WEST BEACH Gulf Shores West Beach has long been a favorite for family vacations. It is one of the oldest and best known beach spots in Baldwin County. Home to a majority of gulf front condo buildings and homes, this area has experienced solid growth over the last three decades. It stretches for more than 6 miles along the sugar white beaches of the gulf. It also home to the south shore of the Little Lagoon. If you are not directly on the waterfront, don t worry. There are numerous public-access beach points that are easily reachable from nearly anywhere in West Beach.
ORANGE BEACH COTTON BAYOU The neighbor to Terry Cove, Cotton Bayou is one of the best locations in Orange Beach for residential life. Like Terry Cove, this area provides for perfect water access for fishing and island exploring! Most residents in this area are either primary residents or second home owners. Because there is no Gulf Front, there are less vacation renters that come to Cotton Bayou. Many times buyers find that they are able to get great properties for less of an investment. The waterfront homes here are either directly on Cotton Bayou, or connected to the larger body of water via a system of man-made canals. It s no secret amongst the locals that this area is exquisite due in part to the easy backwater and gulf access. Some of the Bayou front properties offer a view of the Perdido Pass Bridge and beautiful Robinson & Bird Islands. Cotton Bayou is an excellent area for Gulf Coast life and truly offers some of the best water access that Orange Beach has to offer. TERRY COVE When compared to any other area along the Alabama Gulf Coast, Terry Cove is one of the two best places to live if quick access to deep sea fishing is on the must have list. It truly is a boater s paradise. The other area, Cotton Bayou, is a neighboring body of water to Terry Cove that is located just to the Southwest. Both of these areas are often chosen by fishermen that want to walk out, gear up, and be fishing within minutes. The Terry Cove area also offers several restaurants and marinas. There are two types of waterfronts found here, Bay Front and Canal Front. Bay Front refers to real estate located directly on the bigger waters of Terry Cove that include expansive views. (You can find Bay Front condo buildings here.) The Canal Front properties in Terry Cove, describes those that are found inland and feature man-made canals that provide protected and quick access to the larger Terry Cove waters. Most residents in this area are either primary residents or second home owners. Because there is no Gulf Front, there are less vacation renters that come to Terry Cove. Many buyers choose this area for just that reason: it is a bit more laid back and quiet. Buyers also find more bang for the buck when hunting properties here because of the lack of Gulf Front as well. PERDIDO BEACH Perdido Beach is a very beautiful stretch of the Gulf Coast that has seen its fair share of growth over the course of the past ten years. The Perdido Beach area of Orange Beach, AL is home to over 18 different Condo complexes. The age of these residences vary from the mid 1980s to as recent as 2005. Higher end complexes in this area include the Caribe Resort, Vista Bella, Bella Luna, and Legacy Key. Many people have flocked to this area of the Orange Beach Community in order to take advantage of the amazing Gulf views and fantastic location. ALABAMA POINT BEACH Alabama Point Beach is home to many of the newer condo complexes in Orange Beach. Turquoise Place, the Alabama Gulf Coast s, newest and hottest condo tower is located within this corridor. This area is the heart of Orange Beach and during peak season a very lively part of the community; however there are areas right off of the main street that are quieter yet convenient to everything. This beautiful stretch of beach truly represents the epitome of Gulf Coast beach life. One of the most fascinating views in all of Orange Beach is that of the jetties at Perdido Pass. Traditionally, locals to the area enjoy spending their evenings watching the fishing yachts returning to dock with their catch!
ORANGE BEACH BEAR POINT The Bear Point community in Orange Beach, AL is a fantastic area for full-time and second-home living. It has the perfect small town, peaceful feel and the location is quite superb being surrounded by multiple waterways! The community is governed by the Bear Point Civic Association. Bear Point has a rich history being home to many long-term residents and natives to the area. As a matter of fact, this community is home to Native American Indian burial mounds! Bear Point is a one of kind, special community in Orange Beach, AL. CENTRAL/WEST ORANGE BEACH The Central West region of Orange Beach has experienced exponential growth over the course of the last 15 years. In 1999 construction of the James Bridge began and in 2000 the toll plaza was opened for travelers, making travel into the Orange Beach area a breeze. With the erection of The Wharf, a centralized entertainment, dining, and shopping hot spot, the area truly began to boom. The Wharf, Levin s Bend offers 9 floors of beautiful 1 to 4 bedroom luxury condominiums overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway and The Marina at The Wharf. Along Canal Road headed East there are many various subdivisions with single-family homes and town homes. Although not beach front, this area does provide for waterfront living on the ICW and Wolf Bay. ROMAR BEACH Romar Beach is a great place for people who like to be close to everything no matter which way they go. Romar Beach sits right between the main streets of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. This area offers beachgoers many vacation condo options. The majority of the complexes are direct Gulf Front; however, some smaller complexes are on the north side of Beach Blvd and often provide deeded beach access. Many tourists/short-term renters flock to this area during peak seasons to enjoy the beach and the excellent location. ONO ISLAND Beautiful Ono Island is an amazing example of classic Gulf Coast luxury. It is situated at the mouth of Perdido Bay and is considered one of Alabama s barrier islands with Bayou St. John to the north and Old River on its south side. Ono Island is neighbor to Perdido Key, FL to the East and Orange Beach, AL to the West. Interestingly enough, Ono Island hosts/has hosted residents such as Kenny Stabler, Woody Harrelson, and Andy Andrews!
FORT MORGAN FORT MORGAN If you are a historical buff, just like playing golf, or like seclusion without being in the middle of nowhere, this is the place for you. Located to the West of Gulf Shores, this is a quiet and predominantly undeveloped area. Some consider it remote; others consider it quaint and not too busy. It features a 12 mile long beach on the Gulf Side and over 15 miles of coastline on Bon Secour Bay at the North side of the Peninsula. At the end of Fort Morgan Road is nothing but history. This is a place where famous battles have taken place and people have been made famous for their words and actions. FOLEY FOLEY Nestled along the gorgeous banks of Wolf Bay you will find the city of Foley, Alabama. Foley is a beautiful waterfront town that has properties and attractions that are sure to delight visitors and residents alike. Whether you are spending the day taking advantage of the Tanger Outlets, enjoying the outdoors at John B. Foley Park, or taking advantage of the proximity to Wolf Bay, there is no shortage of things to do in Foley. Foley residents also enjoy a convenient commute to Mobile! With just a 45 minute drive, residents can enjoy all of the attractions and opportunities of the city.
THE EASTERN SHORE FAIRHOPE This small artsy city on the eastern side of Mobile Bay lacks the dominant beach culture of the Gulf shores. But it does have character, and plenty of it. There are numerous art galleries, festivals, and public art in this town, where tourism is a main focus. DAPHNE Daphne, on the eastern portion of Mobile Bay, is known as the Jubilee City. The quaint location, full of historic homes and beachfront fishing camps, is home of the Jubilee Festival. Daphne has seen a nearly 50 percent jump in its population since 2000, making it the most populous municipality in Baldwin County. It has all one might expect from a standard city such as numerous banks and grocery stores as well as access to a major highway, Interstate Route 10 to be exact. MALBIS This story of this land dates back to the early 1900s when Jason Malbis came from Chicago to settle this rural area near the eastern shores of Mobile Bay. Born in Greece, Jason started a 10,000-acre plantation that prospered and grew to include farmland, livestock, an electric power plant, an ice plant, and a turpentine still as well as providing the environment for Greek culture to grow. Although much of the plantation land has since been sold some of the original buildings remain, providing a historic record of plantation life in Alabama. The Greek identity of the land also adds to this record, leading to the plantation s listing on the National Register of Historic Places. SPANISH FORT The bridge to Mobile stretches from the shores of this city, named for a Spanish fort from the Revolutionary war. It s also home to ecological wonders as part of the Mobile Bay Delta. Spanish Fort has a population of about 8,300, which is an increase of more than a 1,000 from 2010. The small city is known as a bedroom community and it has among the best performing schools in Baldwin County.
THANK YOU! Contact Us Have a Question About Real Estate in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach? Let Us Know. We Can Help! The Sweat Team RE/MAX Paradise 24037 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach, AL 36561 Phone: 251-948-1260 Fax: 251-517-4970 info@gulfshorespropertysearch.com Ballard Sweat Sales Team Leader, Licensed in AL & FL 251.747.5930 mobile 251.948.1260 office ballard@gulfshorespropertysearch.com SEARCH GulfShoresPropertySearch.com