Area tour · Classic beach town with a wide price range
Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores has the widest price range: West Beach condos, homes on the canals, and cheaper options north of the Intracoastal. Prices dropped over the past year, so buyers have more room to negotiate.
Median sale price$493KRedfin, 3 months ending Aug 2026 (−14.8% YoY)
Days on market96Redfin, Aug 2026
Property tax33 millsCity of Gulf Shores; 20% assessment if rented
Lodging tax16%In city limits (11% in police jurisdiction)
Who it fits
Good for
- First-time investors who want a lower entry price
- Buyers who want a second home near Gulf State Park and the public beaches
- Buyers who want a mix: rent it most of the year, use it some weekends
Before you buy
Watch out for
- Lodging tax depends on the location: city limits vs. police jurisdiction. Confirm it by address.
- Older condo buildings may have upcoming special assessments. Ask for the last two years of HOA minutes.
- Many homes south of the canal sit in AE flood zones, so get a flood quote before you make an offer.
What it costs
Example: $450K West Beach condo
Monthly cost to own, using starting estimates. Real quotes for your property will be different.
| Monthly | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Mortgage (25% down, 7%, 30 yr) | $2,245 |
| Property tax (rental) | $248 |
| Insurance (wind + flood) | $208 |
| HOA | $850 |
| Utilities, internet, TV | $300 |
| Cost to own | $3,851 |
Cash to close: about $123,750. Example rental revenue: $48,000/yr, with estimated cash flow of -$1,171/mo after management, platform fees, and reserves.
Looking in Gulf Shores?
Book a callSend me the listing. I'll tell you if it works.
Real insurance quotes, the HOA budget, and rental comps for the exact property.