Foley has been called the seventh-fastest-growing city in the country — and if you spend five minutes driving its corridors you understand why. A population of around 32,000 in 2026, up 53% since 2020, has turned what was once a quiet agricultural town into one of the most active real estate markets in Baldwin County. New subdivisions are breaking ground faster than some buyers can keep up with, and the city's infrastructure has been racing to match — a new library, expanded roads, and a growing retail and dining base that is now more substantial than most people expect when they first arrive.
The draw is straightforward. Foley sits just north of Gulf Shores, giving residents 25 to 30 minutes to the beach via the Foley Beach Express — one of the most practical commutes to the Gulf Coast anywhere in Alabama. At the same time, the median home price sits around $328K, making it significantly more affordable than Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, or Fairhope. For buyers who want beach proximity without beach pricing, Foley is the most logical answer in Baldwin County.
OWA Parks and Resort is Foley's most visible landmark — a 520-acre entertainment destination with 23 rides, the region's largest indoor water park (Tropic Falls), restaurants, and retail. It draws over a million visitors annually and has anchored a growing hospitality and service economy that makes Foley's job market increasingly self-sustaining. Tanger Outlets adds to the retail footprint. Lambert's Cafe — nationally famous for its "throwed rolls" — is a local institution that has been drawing visitors for decades before OWA existed.
The residential market reflects the city's character — broad and accessible. With 48 named subdivisions spanning everything from entry-level new construction under $200K to golf course communities like Glenlakes pushing $400K+, Foley genuinely has options for almost every budget. First-time buyers, retirees seeking affordability near the coast, investors chasing rental demand, and families priced out of Fairhope or Daphne all find something here. Tony and Jessica know which subdivisions are the best value right now, which builders are producing the best quality, and which areas are positioned for the strongest appreciation as Foley continues its growth trajectory.