Sure, Gulf Shores is nice and has a huge retirement community, but there is a reason that it has lower house prices and drastically lower property taxes than ju

Sure, Gulf Shores is nice and has a huge retirement community, but there is a reason that it has lower house prices and drastically lower property taxes than just a few minutes down the road in Pensacola. There aren't a lot of services. The hospital in Foley isn't super impressive compared to something you'd see in the Bay Area. The local amenities are way more focused on partying and/or kids, too. And finally, of course, is the weather. Winter on that part of the gulf isn't as warm as most people are looking for. You certainly aren't going swimming in the ocean, or even an outdoor pool unless it is heated. You'll have plenty of winter nights at or near freezing.