Gulf Shores : Alabama
Living a Beach Lifestyle in Gulf Shores, Alabama
Gulf Shores is an upscale resort and beach town at the entrance to Mobile Bay. The coastline and its beaches offer many places to explore in your boat, Gulf State Park, play golf, or enjoy the white sand beaches. Nearby Orange Beach is a similar alternative to Gulf Shores. Fort Morgan is a nearby historic site.
Where to Retire in Gulf Shores and Home Prices
Gulf Shores is a beautiful coastal city and is considered by many as an ideal place to retire because of its compactness and cleanliness. The city thrives on a real estate and tourism based economy and is home to some of the best beachfront condos, hotels, vacation homes and apartments. The city is served by Jack Edwards Airport and is known for its sugary white sand that is great for walks and its emerald green waterfront that gives this city a divine appearance.
Buyers have the options to select from houses, condos and even apartments. Only about 96 homes present in this city were built before 1936. Most of the houses were built during late 1970’s until 1990’s and they are mostly 3-bedroom dwellings. According to Zillow.com, the median home value was $312,068, in early 2021.
What Is Special about Gulf Shores
The extensive white sand beaches could be the nicest and the longest on the north side of the Gulf of Mexico. This is a great tourist town with a lot to do. Alabama has an extensive array of great golf courses (369 holes) developed by the state with Robert Trent Jones called the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail - two of them are near to Gulf Shores.
What Is Not Special about Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores and the coast of Alabama is prone to hurricanes so living on a barrier island is a bit risky. It's a long drive to a big city.
Climate and Physical Environment
Gulf Shores is on an extensive barrier island where Mobile Bay meets the Gulf of Mexico trhough Perdido Pass. It is one of the few sandy beaches between New Orleans and Florida.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
The tourist industry means there are many restaurants and touristy attractions. Nearby Mobile and Fairhope are the closest culture.
Crime
Gulf-shores is a peaceful community with only 4-5 odd cases of burglary reported every year. It’s personal crime rate is about 62/10000 residents and property crime rate is 124/10000 residents, which is much less than the state and national average.
Medical Facilities
Although there are emergency medical clinics, the nearest hospitals are 14 -20 miles.
Transportation
Jack Edwards Airport; Gulf Shores is not considered a walkable community when compared to other communities.
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