Are You Moving to Foley AL? Here Are 11 Reasons Why It's a Good Idea . . .
So you're thinking about moving to Foley, huh? What an exciting time for you to be relocating to a new area. Foley happens to be a hub for shopping and restaurants for lower Alabama. In addition to that, the beautiful beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are just a short drive away. Whether you're moving from another state or just from a nearby city, taking up new roots can be a little overwhelming.
That's the very reason why this page was created for you. Below you'll find a comprehensive resource, The Ultimate Guide to Life in Foley AL.
Here's What You'll Find Below:
- Facts and Figures
- Strong Economy and Jobs
- Thriving Community
- Things to Do
- Easy Commute
- Restaurants and Entertainment
- Weather and Climate
- Public Safety
- Schools and Programs
- Real Estate
- Final Thoughts
Ultimate Guide to Life in Foley
To find this information anywhere else, you would have to comb through a few dozen different websites and search through each page to find what you're looking for about Foley. Here you're going to find a ton of information on 110 categories, all in one place. Let's get started . . .
Facts and figures about a city can be a little mundane, but I think it's important to know where Foley is at and where it's going.
- Population: 17,607
- Total Area: 31.33 square miles
- Median Home Price: $167,398
- Median Household Income: $46,578
- Sales Tax: 10%
- State Income Tax: 5%
- Median Age: 47.2
- Average Commute Time: 23 minutes
With a population of 17,607, Foley is the 3rd largest city in Baldwin County behind Daphne (25,913) and Fairhope (19,421). One interesting fact about population in the area is that Baldwin County cities hold 4 of the top 5 fastest growing cities in the entire state, including Foley, Gulf Shores, Daphne, and Fairhope. Foley was 3rd on the list with a growth of 20.45%.
Out of 194 cities in Alabama, Foley is ranked #54 for Best Places to Live.
Here are a couple of reviews taken from Niche.com:
Foley AL is located in the southern section of Baldwin County, just north of Gulf Shores and the Gulf of Mexico. Learn more about local routes in the Easy Commute section below.
The Cost of Living in Foley is 8.5% lower than the national average.
- Retail trade - 21%
- Construction - 20%
- Manufacturing - 9%
- Accommodation and Food - 7%
- Professional, scientific, and technical - 6%
- Real estate, renting, and leasing - 6%
- Healthcare and social assistance - 5%
The area of Daphne, Fairhope, and Foley was ranked 7th in the nation for creating jobs.
Major Employers in Foley are:
- UTC Aerospace Systems
- South Baldwin Regional Medical Center
- Vulcan Inc.
- Ascend Materials
- Riveria Utilities
Since the incorporation of Foley in 1915, the city has continued to grow through today. The biggest explosion of growth occurred through the years 2000 and 2010 where the city witnessed a 92% increase in population. From 2010 to 2017, Foley remains one of the fastest growing cities in Alabama with a population increase of 20.4%.
The ever-increasing popularity of the Gulf Coast has caused Foley to fill a demand of people wanting to move closer to our beautiful beaches. In order to fill that demand, Foley had to answer with new developed neighborhoods and a thriving business community. In addition to the increase of new residents, tourism in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach also continues to grow with Foley being the last city you enter before hitting the beach (just 8 miles away). In 2016, over 6 million people visited our white sandy beaches with nearly all of them having to travel directly through the thriving city of Foley.
So how did Foley answer the demand?
Tanger Outlets Mall
Well in addition to the hundreds of locally-owned businesses and restaurants that were already present, Tanger Outlets Mall was added to the mix providing over 600,000 square feet for 120 national and internationally well-known stores to Foley shoppers.
2601 S Mckenzie Street
Foley, Alabama 36535
Phone: (251) 943-9303
Tanger Outlets Mall is an attractive outdoor shopping mall located in the heart of the business district on the east side of Route 59. They pride themselves in offering the most popular brands while saving customers money at the same time. You'll find stores in just about every category including:
- Accessories & Jewelry
- Apparel
- Children's Apparel
- Food
- Footware
- Housewares & Home Furnishings
- Services
- Specialty
Click here to see the full list of stores of Tanger Outlets in Foley.
OWA Family Theme Park
One of the most exciting additions to the Foley business community was the OWA Family Theme Park. In 2017, OWA (which means "big water") opened Phases 1 and 2 of a 5-Phase mega-project consisting of a huge amusement park, unique shopping, and restaurants.
Here are some of the highlights of this 520-acre master-planned business development:
- Located at the intersection of County Road 20 and the Foley Beach Expressway (You won't miss it!).
- The amusement park portion of the entire project is 14 acres
- 21 rides ranging from kiddie rides to a massive rollarcoaster
- With 800 feet of track, the Rollin' Thunder Rollercoaster is one of the longest in the country.
- There are 3 "thrill" rides
- Amusement games
- Family-friendly dining and entertainment
- 14-acre lake with a 1.5-acre island
- The island includes a 400=seat outdoor amphitheater
- Lake amenities include boat rentals and fountain shows
- 150-room Marriott TownePlace Suites
- 154,000 square feet of retail, dining, and entertainment space
- The economic impact will average $244 million to the county and will bring an additional 7% of all tourist spending
- OWA will increase the area's payroll by $78 million
The Foley Sports Tourism Complex
Interconnected with the OWA Theme Park is the City of Foley's $40 million dollar sports complex with 16 state-of-the-art outdoor sporting fields and a 90,000-square-foot indoor sports events complex.
The 16 natural grass fields are multi-functional and will attract sporting events from all over, including championship soccer, lacrosse, archery, ultimate frisbee, and a myriad of other sports. The championship field contains upgraded lighting for television broadcasts, a press box, and stadium seating.
The huge indoor sports complex will host gymnastics, basketball, volleyball, and a lot more. This facility will also be perfect for trade shows and conventions.
Check out the calendar for upcoming sporting events held at the Foley Sports Tourism Complex.
The Foley Sports Tourism Complex will, no doubt, fill a need for the southeast and provide a facility that will match that which you would find at Disney.
So if you're moving to Foley, just know that the city is thriving and can only go up from here. You may be concerned about the crowds but don't worry too much. There are plenty of places in and around Foley to relax and rewind too.
Foley is also updating hundreds of acres of waterfront property that will be perfect for outdoor activities, camping, and hiking.
Once you have moved to Foley, you'll find that there's so much going on other than shopping, OWA, and sports. Take a look at other activities to keep you busy.
Alabama Model Railroad Museum and Train Depot
For model railroad enthusiasts, this place is for you! It's been open since 2007 and is located in downtown Foley. Admission is free.
Holmes Medical Museum
The Holmes Medical Museum is located in what was the county's first hospital. You'll find an interesting display of medical artifacts from the 30's, 40's, and 50's.
The Foley Art Center
Represented by over 150 artists from the southeast, the Foley Art Center features original art including prints, stained glass, candles, fused glass, sculpture, and much more.
Heritage Antique Mall
Located at 802 S McKenzie Street in downtown Foley, you'll find a large collection of antiques in this 12,000 square foot Antique Mall.
The Gulf Bowl
The bowling alley of the area is located at 2881 S Juniper St.
FootGolf 
The newest sporting trend has hit lower Alabama - FootGolf. It's a combination of soccer and golf, located at the Glenlakes Golf Course.
Disc Golf
Disc (or Frisbee) Golf is popular all over the country, including Foley. There are 2 full disc courses located at the Graham Creek Natural Reserve. Follow this link for exact location and instructions.
Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermens Market
Located at 20733 Miflin Rd, this Farmers and Fishermens Market is THE place to go for fresh vegetables and seafood in southern Alabama.
Golf Courses of Foley
Gulf Links - 18 holes with 4,034 yards and a driving range.
Glenlakes - 18 holes with 6,938 yards and the 9 holes with 3,065 yards.
Foley Parks
Graham Creek Nature Preserve - The Reserve contains 484 acres of natural habitat for hiking, biking, nature watching, picnicking, and canoeing. Located at 23030 Wolf Bay Drive.
Wilbourne Antique Rose Trail - Find hundreds of various roses in downtown Foley one block east of Route 59 beginning on Violet Ave.
The Foley Dog Park - Located at 200 E. Orange Ave. Open from dusk until dawn, you find areas for large and small dogs, water for your pets, benches, and shade.
Wolf Creek Park - This is a current project that underway for canoeing, picnicking, and fishing. Located off of Route 20 on Hance Lane.
Heritage Park - This 6-acre park is used for many outdoor city events and is located with the Foley Depot Museum, Model Train Exhibit, and the pavilion.
Max Griffin Park - Home to the first public swimming pool in Foley. Located at 300 Roosevelt Ave.
John B. Foley Park - Sits next to Heritage Park and is the near the newly constructed pedestrian bridge.
Cedar Street Park - Includes a basketball court, 4 lighted tennis courts, baseball fields, playground, and pavilion. Located at 901 North Cedar Street.
Foley Kids Park - Built by volunteers and enjoyed by many. Located in Max Griffin Park.
Aaronville Ball Park - Softball and baseball fields and large gazebo. Located off of W. Michigan Ave.
Florence B. Mathis Park - Public pool that includes a shaded playground. Located on South Cedar Street.
Beulah Heights Park - Playground, tennis courts, basketball court, softball and baseball fields, and covered pavilion. Located at 809 East Jefferson Ave.
Evans Park - Open green space just south of Foley High School.
Ralph Shumacher Soccer Park - Lighted soccer fields at 18507 US Hwy 98.
Raymond C. Christensen Sportsplex - Huge area with 10 baseball and softball fields and large public playground. Located at 1250 Cater Lee Way.
Foley Horse Arena - The horse arena is used for an annual rodeo along with barrel racing through the year. Located at 113 East Rosetta Ave.
Foley Skate Park - Enjoy 6,000 square feet of a hubba ledge, 2 quarter pipes, 2 grind rails, a half pipe, and stairs. Located in Max Griffin Park.
Most people who move to Foley probably all love the beach but more than likely they're moving due to a new job or they are retired. Route 59 is the most direct route that runs from the beach, through Foley, and all the way north to Interstate 10. Through this main thoroughfare, you would be able to reach all of the major cities and towns of Baldwin County. On the other hand, the fastest way to Interstate 10 is via the new Foley Beach Expressway. Take a look.
This example is using Downtown Foley as a starting point, making a drive to Spanish Fort. You can see that the left route is the one you would take if you wanted to visit Fairhope or Daphne. The middle route takes you through the smaller towns of Baldwin County like Summerdale, Robertsdale, and Loxley. All three routes will take you to Interstate 10, but the fastest is by using the Foley Beach Expressway (the blue route).
Of course, this is showing routes going north but if you could see below this picture you'd find that the beach is just about 12 miles away.
Let's look at some distances to popular areas:
- Orange Beach - 17.1 miles
- Gulf Shores - 11.7 miles
- Fairhope - 20.6 miles
- Daphne - 25.5 miles
- Spanish Fort - 27.9 miles
- Mobile - 36.6 miles
- Pensacola - 30 miles
So as you can see, even though Foley is located in "lower Alabama", it's really not a far drive at all to go anywhere in the county.
American
| Lambert's Cafe III | 2981 S McKenzie St | 251-943-7655 |
| Groovy Goat | 106A S Owa Blvd | 251-999-4628 |
| Island Dogs | 3820 S McKenzie St | 251-215-9182 |
| Doc Holliday's | 203 N Cypress St | 251-943-3151 |
| Down South Barbeque | 19891 County Rd 10 | 251-955-6622 |
| Moe's Original Bar B Que | 20733 Miflin Rd | 251-923-0079 |
| Chick & Sea Foods | 1127 N McKenzie St | 251-943-8443 |
| Stacey Drugs & Olde Tyme Soda | 121 W Laurel Ave | 251-943-7191 |
| The Wacked Out Weiner | 215 E Laurel Ave | 251-971-9225 |
| Wahlburgers | 105 S Owa Blvd | |
| Gift Horse Restaurant | 209 W Laurel Ave | 251-943-3663 |
| Dinner Bell Kitchen & Smokehouse | 11487 County Rd 65 | 251-752-1268 |
| O'Charley's Restaurant & Bar | 3060 S McKenzie St | 251-943-3181 |
| Cracker Barrel | 3150 S McKenzie St | 251-943-7060 |
| Summit Grill | 1301 N McKenzie St | 251-943-6835 |
| Applebee's Neighborhood Grill | 2409 S McKenzie St | 251-943-6006 |
| Ruby Tuesday | 2500 S McKenzie St | 251-971-2800 |
| IHOP | 1605 S McKenzie St | 251-207-2700 |
| Honeybaked Ham Cafe | 2770 S McKenzie St | 251-923-4361 |
| Walt's | 2601 S McKenzie St | 251-943-5800 |
| Magnolia River Bar & Grill | 14984 US Hwy 98 | 251-965-6801 |
| Roger's Backroad Bar B Q | 11487 County Rd 65 | 251-233-4272 |
| Racks BBQ | 2147 S McKenzie St | 251-952-7225 |
| Stews to Go | 2601 S McKenzie St | 251-971-8646 |
| A La Carte Katy's | 1500 S McKenzie St | 251-943-7427 |
| Cahall's Deli | 105 W Orange Ave | 251-970-3030 |
| Dagwood's Sandwich Shoppe | 2159 S McKenzie St | 318-446-3026 |
| Round Back Sandwich Shop | 107 W Orange Ave | 251-943-4712 |
| Day Break Deli | 120 W Berry Ave | 251-971-3354 |
| Courtyard Cafe | 105 W Orange Ave | 251-943-9273 |
| Betty Lou's Restaurant | 12456 Sandy Ln | 251-986-7980 |
| Waffle House | 2660 S McKenzie St | 251-943-3813 |
| Waffle House | 12615 Foley Beach Expressway | 251-943-5411 |
Seafood
| Fish River Grill 2 | 608 S McKenzie St | 251-952-3474 |
| Wolf Bay Lodge | 20801 Miflin Rd | 251-987-5129 |
| Shrimp Basket | 1500 S McKenzie St | 251-943-6643 |
| Captain's Choice | Located in The Gulf Bowl (bowling alley) | 251-943-4575 |
| Mama Tls Fish'N Chicken | 201 E Michigan Ave |
Italian
| The Forge Pizzeria | 21040 Miflin Rd | 251-955-1233 |
| Portabellas | 321 S McKenzie St | 251-943-7773 |
| Gelato Joe's | 202A E Michigan Ave | 251-971-5637 |
| Mellow Mushroom | 2303 S McKenzie St | 251-970-1414 |
| Mama Mia Pizzeria | 246 W Laurel Ave | 251-971-7492 |
| Papa Murphy's | 2062 S McKenzie St | 251-970-7272 |
| Bella Pizza | 2601 S McKenzie St | 251-943-7361 |
| Papa's Pizza | 321 B S McKenzie St | 251-943-3330 |
| Italian Wise Guyz Grill | 1518 N McKenzie St | 251-943-9489 |
| Fox's Pizza Den | 1508 S McKenzie St | 251-971-3697 |
| Dibella's Pizza | 2601 S McKenzie St | 251-943-7361 |
| Domino's Pizza | 713 S McKenzie St | 251-970-1010 |
| Pizza Hut | 1350 S McKenzie St | 251-943-8561 |
Mexican
| Central Taqueria | 1500 S McKenzie St | |
| Taqueria La Cabana | 201 E Michigan Ave | 251-747-6663 |
| El Paso Mexican Grill | 3191 S McKenzie St | 251-943-3316 |
| Vallarta Mexican Restaurant | 1145 S McKenzie St | 251-971-1399 |
| Los Tacos | 740 W Laurel Ave | 251-971-8226 |
| Central Tiqueria | 1508 S McKenzie St | 251-943-3436 |
| Ooh La La | 2601 S McKenzie St | 251-962-9696 |
| Margarita's Tortilleria Y Taqueria | 1331 S Commercial Dr | 251-971-1010 |
| Argentango Grill | 116 N Alston St | 251-943-8555 |
Asian
| Rock n Roll Sushi | 2601 S McKenzie St | 251-943-4648 |
| Ichiban Japanese Steak House | 2167 S McKenzie St | 251-971-8770 |
| Peng Garden Chinese Restaurant | 1404 S McKenzie St | 251-943-2600 |
| Dragon City | 1220 S McKenzie St | 251-952-1688 |
| Panda Express | 2230 S McKenzie St | 251-943-9988 |
| Jade Garden | 2630 S McKenzie St | 251-943-2988 |
| Hunan Chinese Restaurant | 306 E Laurel Ave | 251-943-3909 |
| Mr Wok | 2601 S McKenzie St | 251-943-4421 |
Other International
| Oxente Brazilian Grill | 8272 Hwy 59 S | 251-943-7904 |
| Gyromayers | 2847 S Pine St | |
| John's Gyro & Mediterranean | 121 W Orange Ave | 251-970-2268 |
| Desmond's Taste of Jamaica | 214 W Laurel Ave | 251-970-3287 |
Fast Food
| Foosackly's | 2420 S McKenzie St | 251-970-2412 |
| Whataburger | 3141 S McKenzie St | 251-943-1692 |
| Five Guys | 3117 S McKenzie St | 251-970-1200 |
| Chick-fil-A | 3013 S McKenzie St | 251-971-6505 |
| Sonic | 2401 S McKenzie St | 251-943-9741 |
| Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen | 1710 S McKenzie St | 251-970-2425 |
| Zaxby's Chicken | 707 S McKenzie St | 251-943-0400 |
| Firehouse Subs | 167 9th Ave | 251-986-7827 |
| Wendy's | 2501 S McKenzie St | 251-943-1656 |
| Cici's Pizza | 3061 S McKenzie St | 251-970-3242 |
| McDonald's | 1010 S McKenzie St | 251-943-6960 |
| Hardee's | 2935 S McKenzie St | 251-943-5960 |
| Rally's | 2150 S McKenzie St | 251-943-6478 |
| Dairy Queen | 1270 S McKenzie St | 251-597-6943 |
| Burger King | 910 S McKenzie St | 251-943-2105 |
| Little Caesar's Pizza | 613 S McKenzie St | 251-970-1382 |
| Taco Bell | 1165 S McKenzie St | 251-943-6212 |
| Arby's | 2420 S McKenzie St | 251-971-1331 |
| Krystal | 2400 S McKenzie St | 251-943-6101 |
| KFC | 2460 S McKenzie St | 251-943-3100 |
| Subway | 610 S McKenzie St | 251-943-4333 |
| McDonald's | 1295 Walk Magnolia Dr | 251-970-2121 |
| Subway | 1159 N McKenzie St | 251-943-8951 |
Source: WeatherSpark
The hot season lasts from May 23rd through September 27 with an average daily high of 84 degrees. July 23rd is the hottest day of the year with an average high of 90 degrees.
The cool season lasts from December 3rd through February 28th with an average high of 67 degrees. The coldest day of the year in Foley is January 29th with an average low of 42 degrees.
The season that feels the most muggy lasts from April 16th through October 24th. The muggiest day of the year is July 23rd with 98% humidity.
The least muggy day of the year has 3% humidity and is January 29th.
The Foley Police Department is comprised of 65 sworn officers who operate 4 patrol shifts, a bike unit, a K-9 unit, a Special Response Team, Detective Unit, and many more programs.
Foley gets a lower score on crime than the other major cities in Baldwin County but according to the Chief of Police, 75% of the crime in Foley is theft. Foley is a retail-driven city and much of this crime is shoplifting.
The good news is, violent crime is lower than the national average. In fact, there hasn't been a murder in Foley in 7 years.
With the growth that Foley has had and will continue to have, the police department is working hard to keep Foley's quality of life where it needs to be.
Foley Police Department
200 East Section Street
|
Foley High School 1 Pride Place Students: 1,818 Ratio: 19:1 |
Foley Middle School 201 N Pine Street Students: 683 Ratio: 19:1 |
|
Foley Intermediate School 2000 S Cedar Street Students: 441 Ratio: 21:1 |
Foley Elementary School 200 N Cedar Street Students: 1,370 Ratio: 19:1 |
|
Magnolia School 1 Jaguar Loop Students: 700 Ratio: 18:1 |
 |
Have you been thinking about moving? If so, I'm your Foley Realtor! I've been selling homes for 13 years and would love the opportunity to work with you. I want to know what's important to you for your next home and what kind of areas are appealing. Do you prefer to be "off the beaten path" or walking distance to everything? My specialty is residential real estate, and I can help you find the best home for you at the best possible price.
If you're moving to Foley, there's good news. Despite the explosion of growth, Foley has some of the best home prices in the entire county.
Here are some other real estate links for Foley:
All Foley Neighborhoods - Here's an extensive list of all neighborhoods in the city, including links showing what homes are for sale in those neighborhoods.
All Foley Single Family Homes for Sale by Price
$100,000 to $200,000 - $200,000 to $300,000 - $300,000 to $400,000
$400,000 to $500,000 - $500,000 to $600,000 - $600,000 to $1,000,000
I believe that the majority of people who move to Foley do so to be closer to the beach. Living in Foley, however, gives them an opportunity to buy a nice home that is far less per square foot than living in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
If you're moving to Foley, I built this page for you! I hope you found some value in this long article. Please contact me if you need any other information about the city or if you want to know more about Foley real estate. Real estate is what I do and I know it well.
About the author: The above Real Estate information on Moving to Foley was provided by Jeff Nelson of IXL Real Estate – Eastern Shore. Jeff can be reached via email at jeff@livegulfshoreslocal.com or by phone at 251-654-2523. Jeff has helped people move in and out of properties for nearly 13 years.
Thinking about selling your home? I have a passion for Real Estate and would love to share my marketing expertise!
I service Real Estate sales in Baldwin County, including the cities of Spanish Fort, Daphne, Fairhope, Foley, Gulf Shores, and Orange Beach.
