Gulf Shores, Alabama - Great for Vacation

A three-bedroom, two bath cottage home is available in Gulf Shores for $135,000. Located just five miles from the ocean, the clean home with crown molding, cathedral ceilings, and an open floor plan is next to state park land so privacy is also assured. There are numerous new construction homes also available for under $130,000. Where a buyer would get a subdivision lifestyle, they would also have all new appliances, flooring, paint, cabinets, and yard. One craftsman style home has 1600 square feet, three bedrooms, two baths, a two-car garage, garden style bathtub, and is listed at $129,900.

If your pocketbook allows for a more expensive home, a home on the river or a few blocks away from the ocean could be a good option if you'd like to keep the price below $500,000. To live on the ocean, however, count on spending a half million or more. One home currently listed for $399,000 is just one block from the ocean. The fun, eclectic house features tile stairs, built in shelves in the living room, a glorious wraparound deck, and new roof, new paint, and storm windows and doors throughout.

If you live one block from the beach, how would you spend your free time? Walk to the pier with a fishing pole for some fresh seafood for dinner. Bring a towel, comfortable chair, lots of sunscreen, and a good book to spend an afternoon soaking in the rays. Or if you're an early bird type, walk to the ocean with a basket to collect sand dollars and conch shells for your craft projects or shell collection.

Fresh seafood is always an option in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Whether you prepare it yourself as a resident or if you dine at one of the numerous restaurants that specialize in seafood, crab legs and shrimp are always available. However given the recent oil spill in the Gulf, talk to some locals about what to watch for before you voraciously eat from the ocean's bounty. Gulf Shores offers one of the most beautiful ocean fronts in the nation and it's good to know that just about anyone can make their home in the affordable, fun area.