5 Popular Beach Towns in Alabama to Live in 2024

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From Southern hospitality and rich history to BBQ cuisine and seaside towns, Alabama is one of the many great places to reside along the Gulf Coast. With magnificent waves and sandy coves, boating and kayaking, fishing and sightseeing, these scenic Alabama beach towns are some of the best you’ll find. Whether you’re looking to relocate to Alabama or one of the many Alabamians looking for a beachside property, you have lots of options to choose from.

But if you’re not sure what beach towns in Alabama to check out, we’ve got you covered. To help you find the right coastal area, Redfin has put together a list of 5 beach towns in Alabama from Daphne to Gulf Shores. Let’s explore some of the state’s top beaches, listed in alphabetical order, and you might just be tempted to move there.

dauphin island alabama shores at sunset

#1: Daphne

Median home price: $302,670 
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,260 
Daphne, AL homes for sale
Daphne, AL apartments for rent

Home to roughly 28,800 people, Daphne is the first on our list. If you’re considering moving to this beach town make sure to explore Village Point Park Preserve, spend the day at Bayfront Park, and check out the downtown area.

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#2: Dauphin Island

Median home price: $485,000 
Dauphin Island, AL homes for sale
Dauphin Island, AL apartments for rent

Another one of Alabama’s great coastal towns to consider buying a home in is Dauphin Island, where there are just about 1,800 residents. There are plenty of beaches to visit like Bienville Beach, Dauphin Beach, East End Public Beach, Hernando Beach, and West End Public Beach. You can also check out Indian Shell Mound Park, stroll through downtown, and visit Fort Gaines.

#3: Fairhope

Median home price: $470,000 
Fairhope, AL homes for sale
Fairhope, AL apartments for rent

With about 23,100 residents living in Fairhope, there are lots of beaches to explore on a sunny Alabama day. For example, you can check out Orange Street Pier Beach, North Beach Park, and South Beach. If you find yourself moving to Fairhope, make sure to stroll through the Fairhope Pier, check out the shops and restaurants downtown, and explore the Montrose Historic District. It’s also near some of the best lakes in Alabama to live on.

aerial view of Gulf Shores Alabama hotels and condos_Getty

#4: Gulf Shores

Median home price: $487,500 
Gulf Shores, AL homes for sale
Gulf Shores, AL apartments for rent

Home to beautiful beaches like Gulf Shores Beach, Gulf State Park, and Lake Shelby, there are countless places to spend a beach day in the town of Gulf Shores. About 15,700 people live in Gulf Shores, where you can also visit Gulf State Park and check out Shelby Lakes, grab a meal along Portage Creek, and explore the shops by Gulf Shores Beach.

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#5: Orange Beach

Median home price: $733,750 
Orange Beach, AL homes for sale
Orange Beach, AL apartments for rent

The quaint coastal town of Orange Beach has about 8,300 residents, making it a great place to consider moving to. You’ll find stunning beaches such as Orange Beach. Living in Orange Beach, you can explore The Wharf and see a show at The Wharf Amphitheater, spend the day at Adventure Island, and hang out along the FloraBama border. In addition to these beach towns, there are plenty of affordable places to live in Alabama

 

Note, this list is not comprehensive of all the beach towns in Alabama. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during June 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com June 2023. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.

If you are represented by an agent, this is not a solicitation of your business. This article is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional advice from a medical provider, licensed attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional. Consumers should independently verify any agency or service mentioned will meet their needs. Learn more about our Editorial Guidelines here.
Alison Bentley

Alison Bentley

Alison is part of the Content Marketing team as a Marketing Program Manager. In her 5 years at Redfin, Alison has written a variety of articles ranging from home design tips to housing affordability, and specializes in first-time homebuyer and seller resources. A California-native, Alison currently resides in Seattle where you can find her catching a concert or exploring farmers’ markets. Her dream home is a cottage-style house with a chef’s kitchen and a cozy room to store and play vinyl records.

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