Why These Buyers Sold in Gulf Shores and Bought a $359,000 New Home in Foley Alabama

If you're thinking about moving to Foley, Alabama, one of the biggest questions is whether moving a few miles inland can actually improve what you get for your money.

For one set of our buyers, the answer was yes. They sold their existing home in Gulf Shores, and purchased a brand-new Gold Fortified home in GlenLakes, in Foley, for $359,000. The move gave them a new four-bedroom home, reduced several expenses, and allowed them to eliminate other debt using the equity from their previous property. Here is how the move came together, and what other Baldwin County buyers can take from it.

What Does $359,000 Buy in Foley Alabama?

The home is Lennar's Hudson floor plan, in GlenLakes, a golf course community in Foley. The approximately 1,815-square-foot layout includes: four bedrooms, two bathrooms, an open kitchen, dining and living areas, quartz countertops, a gas range, LVP flooring, a large primary suite, a walk-in primary closet, closet access directly into the laundry room, a screened rear patio, and a gas connection for an outdoor grill.

The community also offers golf and recreational amenities, including the GlenLakes golf course, clubhouse, pool, lake, and pavilion area. Buyers should confirm current membership requirements, costs, and amenity access before purchasing.

Why Move From Gulf Shores to Foley?

Their decision was largely financial and practical. Their Gulf Shores home went under contract after receiving an above-asking offer within 19 hours of hitting the market. It ultimately sold for $340,000. They then purchased the new GlenLakes home for $359,000. Although the purchase price was slightly higher than the sale price of their existing home, their accumulated equity changed the equation. They walked away from the Gulf Shores sale with roughly $239,000, and put approximately $188,000 down on the new home. They were also able to pay off other debts, including a vehicle, and an RV.

How Builder Incentives Changed the Numbers

At the time of their purchase, the buyers used Lennar's financing program, and secured a 5.1% mortgage rate after applying available incentives toward the transaction. They also received approximately $15,000 toward closing costs, along with certain included items such as the refrigerator, and blinds. Those incentives were specific to that transaction. Builder rates, credits, home prices, and financing programs change frequently, so buyers should compare the current incentive against outside financing rather than assuming the builder's offer is automatically the best choice. After restructuring their finances, their new house payment, including taxes, and insurance, came in at just under $1,100 per month according to the transaction figures discussed in the video.

Does Moving Inland Lower Homeownership Costs?

It can, but it depends on the property. One reason Foley attracts buyers comparing communities across Baldwin County is that moving farther from the Gulf can sometimes provide more house for the money while reducing certain ownership expenses. In this case, the buyers also moved into a brand-new Gold Fortified home. That meant a newer roof, HVAC system, appliances, and major systems, reducing the likelihood of immediate replacement expenses. Their insurance cost also decreased compared with their previous property. That does not mean every Foley home will cost less to own than every Gulf Shores home. Insurance, taxes, HOA costs, financing, and property characteristics all matter.

Is Foley Alabama Worth Considering?

For buyers who do not need to live directly on the beach, Foley can offer an interesting middle ground. You remain close to Gulf Shores, and Orange Beach while gaining access to newer construction, shopping, restaurants, golf, and everyday services. For these buyers, it also shortened their commute. The important lesson is not simply that Foley is cheaper than Gulf Shores. It is that your home equity, monthly expenses, insurance, debt, and lifestyle should all be considered together. Sometimes a housewith a slightly higher purchase price can leave you in a better overall financial position.

People Also Ask

Is Foley Alabama a good place to live?

Foley appeals to buyers who want Baldwin County living, access to Gulf Coast beaches, and more housing options away from the immediate beachfront market.

Is Foley cheaper than Gulf Shores Alabama?

Many Foley properties are priced below comparable homes closer to the Gulf, but buyers should compare insurance, taxes, HOA fees, and financing rather than purchase price alone.

Are there new construction homes in Foley Alabama?

Yes. Foley continues to have new construction communities, and builder inventory at a variety of price points.

What is a Gold Fortified home in Alabama?

FORTIFIED construction uses building standards designed to improve a home's resistance to severe weather. Buyers should verify the property's current certification, and ask their insurance company how it affects coverage, and premiums.

Should I sell my Gulf Shores home, and move to Foley?

It depends on your equity, lifestyle, commute, insurance costs, and monthly payment. Running both scenarios side by side can show you the real difference.

See y'all at the beach. — Andy