Orange Beach, AL Homes for Sale

Relative day-to-day costs are close to the U.S. average (overall cost-of-living index ~94–95), but housing and ownership costs are the swing factors: recent home values and list prices are high for Alabama’s coast (ZHVI ≈ $684K; Aug-2025 median list ≈ $725K), property taxes are low by national standards (Baldwin County effective rate ~0.30%; city estimates ~0.64%), while coastal insurance is among the state’s highest and condo HOA dues can be substantial (examples: Phoenix Gulf Tower ~$900–$1,200/mo; Turquoise Place $1,215–$3,171/mo).

Inventory spans entry-level older buildings to luxury Gulf-front towers; over the last 90 days of spring 2025, closed sales ranged roughly $230,000–$3.35M with a median around $702,500 and ~89 days on market; current list medians hover in the low-to-mid-$700Ks and average list $/ft² near $500–$550 depending on view and amenities. Expect material monthly HOA dues (hundreds to >$1,000) that typically include building insurance and common-area upkeep; Gulf-front towers command premiums, whereas older complexes like Perdido Dunes can trade lower.

For beach-oriented retirees, yes: the area combines low property taxes, no state tax on Social Security, moderate general living costs, and abundant recreation (32 miles of white-sand beaches, golf, and the award-winning Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail), plus generally mild winters (avg Jan high ~62°F/low ~44°F). The trade-offs are hurricane exposure and elevated insurance, though Alabama’s FORTIFIED-roof program and grants have demonstrably reduced losses and premiums for coastal homeowners.

It can be—particularly for vacation-rental condos—because tourism demand is durable and short-term rentals are allowed with a business license and compliance (local rules/taxes apply); recent analytics put average STR revenue around ~$75K/yr but results vary widely by building, view, and management. That said, 2025 market indicators show plateauing condo prices and rising holding costs (insurance, HOA), so underwriting should be conservative and building-specific (reserves, assessments, rental history, and house rules).

Beyond its sugar-white beaches, Orange Beach is a boater’s and angler’s hub (multiple public launches near Perdido Pass), anchored by The Wharf—a marina-front dining/entertainment district with family attractions—and connected to Gulf Shores via Gulf State Park’s beaches and nationally lauded backcountry trail network; festivals (e.g., Shrimp Festival) and even local culture (the iconic Bushwacker) round out a year-round coastal lifestyle.

“Nicer” depends on your priorities: Orange Beach tends to feel quieter and more upscale (marinas, newer luxury towers, slightly higher costs), while Gulf Shores skews more affordable and bustling, with the main public beach and many family attractions around Gulf State Park; cost-of-living comparisons show Orange Beach is modestly pricier than Gulf Shores.

Winters are mild and damp: typical highs ~62–64°F and lows ~44–47°F from December–February, with ~4–5 inches of monthly rain, very rare freezing, and no meaningful snow; many residents consider late fall to early spring the most comfortable season for walking, biking, and beach time without peak-summer humidity.