Alabama / County

Moving to Gulf Shores, AL

Thinking of making a move to Gulf Shores, AL? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Gulf Shores, AL

Considering a move to Gulf Shores, AL? This welcoming community of 16,857 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $380,000 and average rents near $1,350. Commute times average 21 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (65% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Gulf Shores's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Gulf Shores, AL

Gulf Shores has a population of 16,857 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 49 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 92% White, 3% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 4% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
16,857
Density
535 per sq mi
Median Age
49.2
Gender Ratio
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
3.6%

Ethnic Composition

White
92.3%
Black
2.5%
Asian
1.0%
Others
4.2%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Gulf Shores, AL?

The cost of living in Gulf Shores is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 102.5. Median home values are around $380,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,350. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$380,000
Gross Rent
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges
$160
Auto Insurance
$1,240
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,780
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$600
State Taxes
Low: 2.0%| High: 5.0%
Cost Of Living Index
102.5
Grocery
98.4
Housing
112.3
Utilities
104.2
Transportation
91.7
Health Care
98.9
Miscellaneous
97.5

Crime

Is Gulf Shores, AL a safe place to live?

Gulf Shores is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 265 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 41. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Alabama.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
265
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,420
Crime Index
2,685
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 377
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 41

Weather

What is the weather like in Gulf Shores, AL year-round?

Gulf Shores experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 89°F and cold winters dipping to 45°F. The area receives about 68 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 65% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
45°F
Max
63°F

Summer

Min
73°F
Max
89°F

Spring

Min
57°F
Max
77°F

Fall

Min
59°F
Max
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches
68.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
65%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $62,900 and a low poverty rate of 10.1%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 36% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 21 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$35,600
Household Income
$62,900
Family Income
$77,150
Per Capita Income
$37,100
Income Male
$42,000
Income Female
$32,400
Poverty Rate
10.1%
Non English Speakers
3.6%
Rent
$1,350
Unemployment Rate
2.5%
Public Transport Usage
0.5%
Commute Time
20.7 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
92.1%
Bachelors or More
36.3%

Education

How are the schools in Gulf Shores, AL?

Gulf Shores offers quality education options, with public schools like Gulf Shores Elementary School, Gulf Shores Middle School, and Gulf Shores High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Coastal Alabama Community College and University of South Alabama. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Gulf Shores Elementary School
Street
1600 E 3rd St
Phone
251-968-7375
Students
1,000
Student Teacher Ratio
16.2
Name
Gulf Shores Middle School
Street
450 E 15th Ave
Phone
251-968-8711
Students
500
Student Teacher Ratio
17.5
Name
Gulf Shores High School
Street
600 E 15th Ave
Phone
251-968-4747
Students
800
Student Teacher Ratio
18.1

Private Schools

Name
South Baldwin Christian Academy
Street
6900 AL-59, Gulf Shores, AL
Phone
251-968-1230
Students
150

Colleges

Name
Coastal Alabama Community College
City
Foley
State
AL
Distance
12 miles
Students
8,000
Name
University of South Alabama
City
Mobile
State
AL
Distance
50 miles
Students
14,000

Healthcare

Gulf Shores residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like South Baldwin Regional Medical Center and Thomas Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.2 per 1,000 people and 88.4% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
South Baldwin Regional Medical Center
Address
1613 N McKenzie St, Foley, AL 36535
Phone
(251) 949-3400
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Thomas Hospital
Address
750 Morphy Ave, Fairhope, AL 36532
Phone
(251) 928-2375
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage
88.4%
Health Care Index
71.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Gulf Shores, AL?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $380,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 69%. The market has seen a 7.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 8.1%. Gulf Shores offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$380,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate
69.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
7.2%
New Construction Rate
2.4%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

DMV Information

Residents of Gulf Shores handle vehicle services through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License Division, conveniently located in Montgomery. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Alabama
Department
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License Division
Address
202 W. Washington Ave, Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone
1-334-242-4400

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Gulf Shores, AL

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Gulf Shores, review the core fields on this page: population 16,857, median home value $380,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,350, commute time 20.7 minutes, and sunny days percentage 65%.

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