Cover photo by RODNAE Productions
Foley is a hidden oasis tucked away off of Mobile Bay, where the beautiful beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are just a short drive away. Living in Foley, AL has a suburban feel, which can be excellent for anyone looking for more space than in larger, densely packed cities.
If you’re considering moving to Foley, Alabama, read on to learn about the benefits of living in this city, the best neighborhoods in the area, and how to find the best home to rent or buy.
Photo by cottonbro studio
The Benefits of Moving to Foley Alabama
There are many benefits to living in Foley, Alabama, making it an ideal city to move into.
Convenient Location
Location is everything when it comes to renting or buying a home. One of the advantages of living in Foley is you’re close enough to enjoy the coastal life but also far enough to avoid the tourist hustle and bustle.
Even though Foley is located in “lower Alabama”, it offers convenient access to various popular areas, such as Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Fairhope, Daphne, Spanish Fort, Mobile, and Pensacola.
Affordable Cost of Living
The cost of living in Foley is lower than the national average and most cities in the state, with an overall cost-of-living index of 86.5. This means that basic expenses in the city are 13.5% lower compared to the national average.
Housing, which is typically the highest expense across the states, is only at a 72.3 index in Foley, making it an excellent choice to buy a home. The median home value in Foley, AL is $214,800, lower than the national median of $291,700.
A Safe Place to Live
Violent crime in this city is lower than the national average. The Foley Police Department is composed of 65 sworn officers operating 4 patrol shifts, a bike unit, a K-9 unit, a special response team, detective unit, among other programs.
Weekends by the Bay
Photo by Oleksandr Pidvalnyi
Friday afternoons are the beginning of amazing weekends by the Bay and surrounding rivers, which are easily filled with fishermen, tours, and kayaking adventurers. Gulf Shores is one of the popular destinations with getaways such as Hangout Restaurant and the Track.
Access to Wildlife
Aside from having amazing views provided by the Bay, residents have convenient access to the wildlife living in the surrounding areas. The Delta, which is located at the top of the bay, is one of the most biodiverse areas in the country, with both freshwater and saltwater marine life.
Is Foley, Alabama a Good Place to Live?
Yes, Foley is definitely a great place to live! Convenient location, low cost of living, more affordable homes, access to the Bay and nearby rivers, and safety are just some of the advantages of living in this city.
These benefits have drawn people to move to Foley, AL. In fact, the number of residents has grown by 92% from 2000 through 2010. And the city’s response is to fill the demand of people moving here with newly developed neighborhoods and a thriving business community.
Photo by Sieuwert Otterloo on Unsplash
Places to Live in Foley, Alabama
There are several wonderful neighborhoods in this city; here are some of the best places to live in Foley, Alabama:
Ashford Park
This community features fairly new homes in Traditional styles at affordable prices, ranging from $150,000 to $200,000. It has a wonderful location away from the busy traffic but situated just a few minutes from all the shopping centers.
Glenlakes
Glenlakes residents enjoy the sprawling green vistas of Glenlakes Golf Club, and a golf and swimming pool membership. This neighborhood is just a five-minute drive to local shops, the city’s historic downtown district, restaurants, and many more outdoor attractions.
Graham Creek Estates
This quaint neighborhood is located on the water, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy boating, fishing, and watersports. Also, Graham Creek Estates is just across the Graham Creek National Preserve, which is a great place for hiking and enjoying time out in nature.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn is an excellent neighborhood for first-time homebuyers. Here, you’ll find smaller homes that are brand new or fairly new at affordable rates, priced in the mid $150k’s.
Hickory Bend
Located near downtown Foley and the Foley Soccer Park, Hickory Bend offers affordable prices for new and fairly new homes, which are priced in the mid $150k’s.
Photo by RODNAE Productions
Tips for Looking for a Home/Apartment in Foley, Alabama
You can try searching online, but the best way to find the perfect home or apartment in Foley, Alabama is to work with a real estate agent. Yes, this comes with a cost, but it is surely worth it.
If you’re looking to buy a home in Foley, AL, working with a realtor offers the following benefits:
- A real estate agent can help you get the most for your budget.
- Your realtor will be the one attending open houses and events on your behalf.
- Real estate agents have access to MLS, one of the most effective communication tools in the home buying and selling marketplace.
- Realtors belong to a professional network that keeps them up to date about properties and hidden gems in the area.
- Market knowledge, neighborhood background, understanding of complex transactions, and other real estate insights are some of the things a realtor is adept at that are vital in looking for the perfect home in a neighborhood that will satisfy your needs and preferences.
If you need help finding an apartment for rent in Foley, AL, seeking the help of a local real estate agent brings the following advantages:
- A realtor can help you find an apartment building with a rent you can cover in a good neighborhood.
- Your real estate agent can read the lease and make sure your rights as a renter are protected.
- Having a local agent who knows the neighborhood can save you time searching for the perfect place, especially in housing markets with a limited supply of rentals and stiff competition from other prospective renters.
Conclusion
Foley, AL is an amazing place to live, with so many great neighborhoods that offer unique features. If you’d like to explore these neighborhoods and know more about the homes that are available, please feel free to give me a call at 251.543.6094 or send me an email at bruce@inlandbayrealty.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Foley, Alabama compared to other areas?
The cost of living in Foley is lower than the national average and most cities in the state, with an overall cost-of-living index of 86.5. This means that basic expenses in the city are 13.5% lower compared to the national average.
What are some of the most popular things to do in Foley?
There are tons of fun things to do in Foley, including:
- Try the famous “throwed rolls” from Lambert’s Café
- Enjoy the rides with your family at OWA, a 520-acre amusement park home to 23 thrill rides, a gaming center, live music, shopping, and dining experiences.
- Check out the Alabama Model Railroad Museum and Train Depot
- Visit the Holmes Medical Museum
- Check out the prints, stained glass, candles, fused glass, and sculptures at the Foley Art Center
- Shop antiques at the Heritage Antique Mall
