How Orange Beach has changed, and where the market stands.

This area has changed dramatically over the last 25 years. Here's what I've seen, and what I'd tell you about buying here right now.

I remember going fishing after Hurricane Ivan in my 17-foot Cape Horn. There were fish everywhere, because they'd been moved from the deep water to the shallow water. You could go 8 or 9 miles and catch big groupers and snappers.

I also remember how slow the response to the damage was after Ivan, and how long it took to put the cities back together.

Then came Hurricane Sally. It didn't do as much damage as Ivan, but the response and the way the community came together were unreal. It was put back together in 2 months, and life went on.

The biggest change is how the area has moved away from playing to the spring break crowd. We've seen a lot more cottage developments.

The city has also gotten much larger, and it went to city-run schools, separate from the county. In my opinion, Orange Beach has done a lot more intelligent growth over just growth.

Prices have leveled off. I'm still seeing some growth at the lower price points, in both homes and condos. For the most part, though, it's very complex- or neighborhood-specific, depending on how properties were priced when the market started to level off.

I bought a home myself in 2025. I don't think the market is primed to make any massive adjustments in the next year or two, and I expect a lot of stability. I also think rates will stay high, so if you're looking to buy, you might as well get used to them. People have to buy when they have to buy.

If I were spending money I just wanted to invest, I still see investment properties with healthy enough returns. People paying cash don't care as much what the interest rate is. Either way, run the numbers on the specific property.

Chris Vail, Realtor, RE/MAX of Orange Beach, 26021 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561. 251-550-5052. This is my opinion as of November 2026, not a guarantee or financial advice. Markets and interest rates can change.