Gulf Shores welcomes back the winter guests. Each year thousands of retired couples trade in white snow for the white beaches of the Gulf Coast. These retiree's are affectionately known as snowbirds. These snowbirds start migrating down in November staying anywhere from a month to several months, departing in the spring months giving way to the spring breakers.
Most of these snowbirds rent beach front condos, with others either renting homes or traveling and staying in their motor homes. They migrate down to the warmer more moderate temperatures to escape the bitter harsh winters of the Midwest and Canada. The majority are from states such as Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
Despite renting by the month and at a much reduced rate, as compared to the spring/summer months, they are an integral part of the economy. During these non-peak months of the year, they provide the local businesses with much needed revenue. Businesses that may not survive otherwise. In addition, having these months occupied, it rounds out and increases rental revenues for rental companies and condominium owners alike.
For these condominium owners who rent their units, we have seen rental rates and occupancy increase over the past several years. Thus, making condos f or sale in Gulf Shores a great investment. Unlike areas such as the south Florida communities that have just a short window of time in which owners are able to rent their condos, the rental season for Gulf Shores' can average 260-325 days a year. It is a destination that investors can purchase a second home/investment property and actually "cash flow" it. Imagine owning a beach front condominium and have renters make your payments for you. It's an investment of love. An investment that appreciates over the time period it is being paid off. In the mean time, it is also providing the owner with a beautiful place to vacation (thus a second home).
Tourism is what makes the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach areas what they are today. Over the past 10 years we have seen many changes to our beach front community. Gulf Shores continues to grow and develop into one of the premiere vacation destinations in the entire country. As such, it also offers a unique community to live and work. Much has changed from the early days when this was nothing more than a "fishing" community. From the high rise condominiums along the beach to the infrastructure that continues to develop.
Now Gulf Shores offers amusement and water parks, arcades, parks, championship golf courses, a zoo, horseback riding, numerous restaurants and some of the best shopping anywhere. There is something for everyone. If fun in the sun is your cup of tea, Gulf Shores Condos sit on some of the prettiest beaches in the world. The beaches are sugar white sand that is made up of crushed quartz. There are less that 100 miles of this type of sand in the entire world. At the beach, the warm Gulf of Mexico waters make for great swimming. In addition, vacationers can enjoy diving and snorkeling, parasailing, jet skiing, boating and fishing or just basking in the sun. Gulf Shores offers numerous activities when the sun goes down as well. There are many unique restaurants ranging from seafood to theme restaurants. Visit one of our night clubs for dancing, or to listen to top bands. There is even an outdoor amphitheatre that draws in top music acts throughout the year as well.
Gulf Shores hosts many events throughout the year. In the spring there is the annual Mullet Toss that is hosted at the famous Florabama bar. This is a fish throwing contest that is hilarious to participate in or just watch. Also, over the past couple few years the Hangout in Gulf Shores hosts a music festival on the beach. This is 4 days of live music with several stages set up on the beach with music for most of the days and nights. In the Fall the biggest event of the year is the Shrimp Festival. Held the second week of October, this event is held at the "T" in Gulf Shores. It is offers crafts, food vendors and music. It is estimated that over 30,000 people come each year to be part of this event.
We have a lot of informational sites available. Whether you're looking to rent an Orange Beach, AL condo or maybe you are interested in Gulf Shores Real Estate or Orange Beach Real Estate we have all the details you will need to make well informed decisions concerning your Gulf Shores experience.
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