| Snuggled up against Florida's panhandle at the | | | | These communities are perfect for people who want |
| southernmost point of Alabama, is a cozy community | | | | to escape busy metro areas, but still reside close |
| renowned for its silky soft sand and warm, | | | | enough to big city conveniences and cultural |
| emerald-green waters. The Gulf Shores & | | | | opportunities. Local offerings, however, keep most |
| Orange Beach area is referred to as Pleasure Island, | | | | residents from leaving except out of absolute |
| and for good reason. Sand dunes rise and fall as | | | | necessity. Indeed, shopping in local centers such as |
| gentle breezes sweep across them; bare footers | | | | Bayou Village--featuring beach apparel and other |
| meander alongside the water's edge as sand sifts | | | | unique items--offers hours of purchasing pleasure. Arts |
| slowly through their toes; and birdwatchers look | | | | and culture buffs find endless pleasure here and in |
| skyward, in awe of gliding shorebirds. | | | | nearby Mobile. Amateur theater companies, symphony |
| Nearby, multi-story hotels and condominiums dot the | | | | concerts and operas presented by University of South |
| landscape to accommodate the growth that continues | | | | Alabama students, and numerous festivals add to |
| to take place here. The town receives a steady | | | | Baldwin County's high cultural index. |
| source of tourist and traveler income, while sectors | | | | Higher education is a continuing priority in southern |
| such as real estate, construction, health care, and | | | | Alabama. The University of Mobile's Center for Adult |
| education reap the benefits. Much like a tropical | | | | Programs strives to meet the needs of full-time |
| paradise, Gulf Shores & Orange Beach allow | | | | students and working adults, as do other local |
| outdoorsy types to soak up year-round mild | | | | institutions. Those looking for a new place to call |
| temperatures. Temps in the cooler part of the year | | | | home--where the crime rate is low, the cost of living is |
| average around 65 degrees; summertime is a bit | | | | reasonable, and the soothing sounds of the surf put |
| warmer--registering about 87 degrees--but it's never | | | | them to sleep--need look no further than Gulf Shores |
| too warm to lounge on the beach, play golf or tennis, | | | | & Orange Beach. |
| or go sightseeing out on the open water. | | | | |