Ono Island’s pristine setting offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico, Perdido Bay, and its intricate canal systems, which allow residents to navigate the island by boat. Over 11 miles of waterfront, including deep-water access along Old River and canals, make it a boater’s paradise, with many homes featuring private docks and quick Gulf access via Perdido Pass. Fishing enthusiasts enjoy inshore catches like redfish and speckled trout or offshore pursuits for snapper and king mackerel. The island’s proximity to Perdido Key State Park and Gulf Islands National Seashore provides residents with easy access to sugar-white sand beaches for swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding, though the island itself has no public beachfront. Nature lovers can explore nearby Tarkiln Bayou Preserve or Big Lagoon State Park, spotting herons, ospreys, and dolphins

 

Accessible only via a private, 24-hour guarded bridge off State Route 182, Ono Island ensures unparalleled privacy and security, appealing to high-profile residents, including celebrities like Britney Spears and Jimmy Buffett over the years. The island’s 900+ single-family homes, ranging from 2,000 to over 6,000 sq. ft., showcase coastal architectural styles with grand entrances, stucco exteriors, and expansive windows. Home prices often range from $600,000 to over $6 million for waterfront estates, reflecting the island’s exclusivity. Community amenities include a water tower, private harbor, boat launch, two recreation centers with indoor and outdoor pools, basketball and pickleball courts, a playground, a fitness room, and a community greenspace. The Ono Island Property Owners Association (POA) governs the island, enforcing covenants to maintain its upscale character, while Orange Beach provides fire and police services for an annual fee of $245,000.

 

Originally called “Goat Island” due to early landowner Fred Scott’s herd of 2,000 goats, the island was renamed “Ono” after a 1916 hurricane shifted its geography, prompting Alabama legislators to declare “Oh no you don’t” to Florida’s claim, securing it as Alabama territory despite its eastern end lying geographically in Florida. Development began in the 1970s, transforming sand dunes into a residential haven. Today, the island fosters a tight-knit community, with residents gathering for barbecues, festivals, and boating events. The nearby Flora-Bama Lounge, visible from Ono’s southern shore, adds a lively cultural touch with its music and annual Mullet Toss

 

Ono Island’s private bridge, located just east of Perdido Pass Bridge and 1 mile west of the Alabama-Florida line, is the sole vehicular entry. Pensacola International Airport (PNS), 25 miles east (35-minute drive), is the primary commercial hub, with airlines like Delta and Southwest. Gulf Shores International Airport (JKA), 10 miles west, began limited commercial flights in 2025 via Allegiant Airlines. Mobile Regional Airport (MOB) and the upcoming Mobile International Airport (BFM), both 65 miles away, offer additional options

 

While Ono Island is entirely residential with no businesses, its proximity to Orange Beach and Perdido Key provides ample dining, shopping, and entertainment. Residents enjoy seafood at Cobalt The Restaurant or casual fare at Lillian’s Pan Pizza, both minutes away. The Wharf in Orange Beach, a 15-minute drive, offers a Ferris wheel, amphitheater, and shops, while Villagio Perdido Town Centre and Tanger Outlets in Foley provide upscale retail. Events like the Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival and Orange Beach’s seafood festivals enrich the area’s culture. Golfers frequent nearby Lost Key Golf Club, and families visit Adventure Island or the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola.

 

The humid subtropical climate brings hot summers (highs near 90°F) and mild winters (highs around 60°F), ideal for year-round living. As a barrier island, Ono is vulnerable to hurricanes, with significant impacts from Hurricane Ivan (2004) and Sally (2020). However, fortified construction, dune restoration, and the island’s high elevation (some lots on 18-foot bluffs) enhance resilience.

 

Ono Island’s real estate market is among Baldwin County’s most prestigious, with homes averaging $600,000 and waterfront estates exceeding $4 million. The island’s 1,100+ lots, including Ono North, Ono South, and Ono Harbour, offer canal-front, bayfront, or interior options, all with water access. Strict POA regulations ensure architectural quality, boosting property values. The market attracts buyers seeking privacy, with no condos or rentals allowed, though some owners offer vacation rentals. Baldwin County Public Schools serve K-6 in Orange Beach, with Gulf Shores for middle and high school. Columbia Southern University in Orange Beach offers online higher education