City Guide

Foley, Alabama

Small-town charm, big growth, affordable living, and quick access to the beach. The 14th fastest-growing city in America.

Schools

Part of Baldwin County Public Schools (89/100). Foley schools serve a growing family community.

Median Home Price

One of the most affordable cities on the Gulf Coast. Homes in the $200K-$400K range are common.

Population

About 31,600 residents. Foley is the 14th fastest-growing city in the United States.

Cost of Living

About 14% below the national average. The most affordable option in Baldwin County.

About Foley

What is it really like living in Foley?

Foley is the fastest-growing city in Baldwin County and the 14th fastest-growing city in the entire United States. With a population of about 31,600, it has grown from a small railroad town into a thriving community that offers affordability, family-friendly amenities, and easy access to the Gulf Coast beaches.

The cost of living in Foley is about 14% below the national average, making it the most affordable option in Baldwin County. Median home prices typically fall in the $200K to $400K range, with new construction communities offering modern homes at competitive prices. For families who want to be near the beach without paying beach prices, Foley is the sweet spot.

The big draw for families is OWA Parks & Resort, a 520-acre entertainment complex featuring Tropic Falls, a 14-acre amusement park with 23 rides and an indoor water park with a retractable roof. The retail and dining areas at OWA are free to enter, and the complex has become a year-round destination for locals and visitors alike.

Foley is about 15-20 minutes from the beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. You get the small-town atmosphere and affordable living while still being close enough to the coast for weekend beach days. The Baldwin County school system serves Foley with solid schools, and the community continues to attract new families, businesses, and healthcare facilities.

The downtown area is experiencing a revival, with new restaurants, shops, and community events. The annual Foley Jubilee and Balloon Festival draw crowds from across the region. And the city's location along the Highway 59 corridor means easy access to everything Baldwin County has to offer.

What are the top things to do in Foley?

OWA Parks & Resort (Tropic Falls)
Foley Outlet Mall & Tanger Outdoors
Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center nearby
Magnolia Springs State Park
Foley Railroad Depot Museum
Annual Balloon Festival
Farmers market & local events
Quick access to Gulf Shores beaches

Why should families consider Foley?

If you are a family looking for affordable housing near the Gulf Coast, Foley makes the math work. You get modern homes, good schools, family entertainment, and a 15-minute drive to the beach.

For investors, Foley's rapid growth means strong rental demand and new construction opportunities. The population is projected to continue growing significantly over the next decade.

FAQ

What questions do people ask about Foley?

Is Foley in a flood zone?

Some low-lying areas of Foley near creeks and floodplains are in FEMA flood zones, but much of the city sits outside the highest-risk areas. The map depends on the exact lot, so we check it before making an offer. The Gulf Shores insurance guide explains how flood coverage works if your lot maps into a zone.

How close is Foley to the beach?

About 15 to 20 minutes to the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach beaches. You get affordable homes, OWA, and small-town life with beach access close enough for a spontaneous sunset trip.

Is Foley a good place for families?

Yes. Solid schools through Baldwin County Public Schools, the family entertainment at OWA, affordable homes, and a growing community make Foley one of the most family-friendly values on the Gulf Coast.

Is Foley a good place to invest in real estate?

Foley is one of the fastest-growing cities in the US, and growth drives rental demand for single-family homes and new construction. It is a different play from beachfront condos, so the condo investment guide is useful for the income math while we run the Foley neighborhood numbers together.

What is the commute like from Foley?

Foley sits on the AL-59 corridor, so Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are 15 to 20 minutes away and Pensacola is roughly 30 to 35 minutes. Practically everything in Baldwin County is within a 30 to 40 minute drive.

Interested in Foley?

Let me show you the new construction communities, the neighborhoods, and the real numbers. Foley is one of the best values on the Gulf Coast right now.

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