Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.
Ratings
Locals express favorable opinions about the proximity of everyday local amenities, parks, public transit, neighborly atmosphere, strong sense of community and the general safety of the area.
Amenities
A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.
Located in the state of Alabama, Gulf Shores is a medium-sized city with a population of 12,877 residents. If we look at the most recent Census, Gulf Shores is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. The Gulf Shores population appears to be aging at a faster rate than normal. The median age is currently 51, which is on the high side when compared to most other cities. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Gulf Shores. With an average one way commute time of only 20 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in Gulf Shores is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before relocating to any new city in Alabama, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. With useful information like crime, health & safety, employment and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Gulf Shores and in the areas around Gulf Shores is a much easier task.
Gulf Shores, AL receives 68 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #56 in Alabama and #9,009 in the USA. Based on the grades for each individual category, Gulf Shores has received high marks for education (B) and housing (B+). The bad news for Gulf Shores, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: amenities (F).
The unemployment rate in Gulf Shores has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 2.2%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Gulf Shores market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Gulf Shores is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Gulf Shores come in at $455,357, which is 93.3% higher than the Alabama average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Gulf Shores, the home price to income ratio is 5.7, which is 58.3% higher than the Alabama average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Gulf Shores | Alabama | National |
| Average one way commute | 20min | 25min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 84.6% | 85.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.4% | 8.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 0.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.4% | 0.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.0% | 1.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 6.3% | 2.9% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in Alabama
Most Dangerous States In The US
Check out the 10 most dangerous cities in Alabama
See the best places to live in Gulf Shores