Information on Orange Beach/Ono Island (Pensacola: HOA, to buy, schools)

[AnsleyPark]

I originally posted this in the Mobile, Alabama forum, but considering the proximity of Pensacola / Perdido area to Orange Beach and Ono Island, I thought I should post here as well.

My wife and I, now empty nesters in our early 50s, are contemplating moving to Ono Island from Atlanta. We would very much appreciate any opinions about the pros and cons of living there and / or the Orange Beach area in general. Clearly, we are not worried about schools (except, perhaps, for eventual resell purposes, but that would be 20+ years down the road). We are retired, so commuting is not an issue for us.

Many thanks, in advance, for your insight.

[EscAlaMike]

Ono Island has a reputation for being a bit snooty towards outsiders and very strict like an HOA. The area is beautiful though. Orange Beach itself does not have that reputation (Note: Ono Island is outside the city limits).

[jmoore133]

Very envious of you Ansley! Love Orange Beach! Also, up here in Atlanta and so ready to get away from this madhouse! Unfortunately still have a few more years before retirement.

[AnsleyPark]

Originally Posted by FSUMike

Ono Island has a reputation for being a bit snooty towards outsiders and very strict like an HOA. The area is beautiful though. Orange Beach itself does not have that reputation (Note: Ono Island is outside the city limits).

Thanks, FSUMike! I'm accustomed to a strict HOA, but sorry to hear about snootiness. Don't like that, so maybe our presence would help tone it down!

[AnsleyPark]

Originally Posted by jmoore133

Very envious of you Ansley! Love Orange Beach! Also, up here in Atlanta and so ready to get away from this madhouse! Unfortunately still have a few more years before retirement.

We can't wait, jmoore133! While I love Atlanta, I've just run out of patience to endure it any longer. We'll look forward to meeting you when you move down one of these years!!!

[southernnaturelover]

Why not look at Dauphin Island? It’s much more relaxed.

[AnsleyPark]

Originally Posted by southernnaturelover

Why not look at Dauphin Island? It’s much more relaxed.

Isn't Dauphin a bit difficult to get to? I was under the impression that it was accessible only by ferry. Am I wrong? Thanks!!!

[beachmouse]

There's a bridge to Dauphin Island. The down side is that a fair amount of the island is very prone to coastal erosion and storm surge. Even with the slightly higher and wider parts of the island, I wouldn't but a primary residence there- a modest beach cottage that you're willing to lose in the next hurricane because the land underneath it is gone is more appropriate for conditions

[AnsleyPark]

Originally Posted by beachmouse

There's a bridge to Dauphin Island. The down side is that a fair amount of the island is very prone to coastal erosion and storm surge. Even with the slightly higher and wider parts of the island, I wouldn't but a primary residence there- a modest beach cottage that you're willing to lose in the next hurricane because the land underneath it is gone is more appropriate for conditions

Thanks, beachmouse!

[corkdork3]

Hi AnsleyPark,
Checking in to see if you moved to OB, and whether you decided to buy on Ono? We’ve been visiting family in OB for many years, and we are considering a move from ATL to OB. If you moved to OB, do you mind sharing your experiences of adjusting to a small town lifestyle? If you bought on Ono, does the HOA require homeowners to seek approval to build a pool, add an outdoor living space, and/or paint your house? Any other information or insights you would like to share, I would appreciate it. Thanks in advance.