Foley/Gulf shores area (Mobile, Robertsdale: relocating, real estate, homes)

[RPNATL]

Hello everyone,
I am thinking about relocating to the Alabama Gulf Coast. I originally was thinking about FL but that state does have it`s problems with the ever growing high cost of living.
My other two choices would have to be the coast of AL or GA.
I`m actually an AL native but haven`t been down to the Gulf Coast in years.
My questions are mainly about the city of Foley because it is very close to but not exactly on the coastline.
How is this city`s economy? Is it growing?
Is there a local dog park?
Is this a good place for a pet groomer to relocate to?
I currently live in ATL GA and it does have a great economy for my chosen career trade but it can be a very stressful city to live in at times as well.
Foley seems to be really close to Mobile and Panama City as well which I assume is a plus.
Any responses are appreciated.
Thanks!

[RPNATL]

I meant Pensacola not Panama City, LOL!
Any info on Foley and the surrounding areas is greatly appreciated.
Thanks

[Kegan]

We moved from Atlanta to Gulf Shores recently. Lasted a few months and moved up to Mobile. Mobile is close to the beach, but with a better choice of things to do, restaurants, etc. Foley is a nice town, but doesn't really have anything that 'sets it apart' in my opinion. I have never heard of a dog park in Baldwin County (Foley, Gulf Shores, etc).

Depending on what you like to do, Foley may or may not be a good choice....

[manniecole]

DON'T DO IT! I live in Gulf Shores and am planning on leaving. It could not be more miserable! Rednecks, hillbillies and more rednecks. And nothing to do. Unless you like to continuly eat fried food. No wonder Redneck Alabama is #2 in the country for obesity. It is about 90 degress and 90% humidity eight months out of the year. And good luck finding a decent job. It is the slowest year it has been here- ever and people are getting laid off.

[RPNATL]

LOL!! That last post was amusing.
Well, thanks guys for your input. I was sorta afraid that it might not be what I was really looking for but I do plan to make a trip down that way after the Holidays. I just haven`t been to that area in so long. I`m just kind of curious about it right now. More than likely I will stay in GA for though.

[Kegan]

Originally Posted by manniecole

And good luck finding a decent job. It is the slowest year it has been here- ever and people are getting laid off.

Huh? People getting laid off? I was with you (almost) up till the working part. Maybe a given plant may have moved or closed that resulted in a lay-off, or some seasonal business like a sno-cone stand, but Baldwin County has nearly zero unemployment. People are screaming for employees. Yes, some of them are probably low paying, but not all.

The Goodrich Aerospace plant in Foley has a no-charge welding training program. I don't know about the rest of the country, but a trade school ike that normally costs some bucks. Pass the course and you're offered an $11+ hour job. Don't like 11 bucks? Go over to Austel on the bay and they are paying $20.

So, I guess if you are a zamboni driver or something jobs are scarce, but if they're are definately more jobs than people willing to work.

[duncan st clair]

Foley is a poor little town with a large influx of blue collar minority workers.They drive in 5 miles to work and do not "bother" anyone.It is country living.Gulf Shores is still wrecked from Ivan.Progress is very slow except for the condos which were already under construction.Yes people are losing their jobs in the food service industry construction jobs are in excess however you would have to take what the minorities are accepting for a wage.And $11 an hour is poverty level,not a good job.The only white collar jobs are in commercial (speculation now) real estate.You have to know someone to get into that here.

[Shug58]

Surely you jist...........you GOTTA go back to Gulf Shores and SEE for yourself what all is going on. WOW.........it's going to be great and a lot to do.

[Luella]

Gulf Shores is on the rise. You should Google The Wharf in Gulf Shores, AL. Every one is starting to call it Pleasure Island or Little Orlando. We are about to relocate there the problem is finding a long term rental if you need a big home but there are several new town homes and apartments being built as we speak if you want something smaller (1 or 2 BR)

[4321glenn]

There are many people from the North who live in this area. This is a growing area with lots of opportunity especially a groomer! There is money in this area. Rent and homes to buy are high in Gulf Shores, but in nearby areas you can find rates much more reasonable.

The people are friendly and on the contrary not loaded with hillbillies. It is full of Southern grace as well as characters. Both blue and white collar.

I like the area closer to I10 in Robertsdale. The traffic isn't so bad especially during summer months. The steel plant coming in will effect Balwin County with yet more growing spurts to come.

I lived in Pensacola Florida for a long time. Currently Moderator cut: Advertise personal residence in our Classified Ads forum only, please

I once had a business there. It is on a corner lot and has also been used as a gift shop in front area. It is close to Gulf Shores only 25 minute drive.

Gulf Shores is a super nice area and growing. To own or rent will be quiet costly, but your business should do well. GOOD LUCK...