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Gulf Shores, Alabama

Infamous as the location of the Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, Gulf Shores is dependent upon tourism and fishing, thus its economy has taken a double whammy during this disaster. Today, however, stunning white sand beaches and crystal clear water are everywhere, and the fishing grounds have now been opened up and the shrimp are being caught in abundance, with no sign of oil contamination. Population: As of 2011, Gulf Shores' population was 6,611. Climate: Vulnerable to hurricanes, Gulf Shores gets 59 inches of rain per year and no snow. Cost of living: Affordable for retirees, the cost of living in Gulf Shores is 8% less than the national average. Housing costs: Housing, however, is a bit more expensive at 19.5% greater than the national average. The median retirement home in Gulf Shores will cost $254,800. Colleges and Universities: Road Scholar is a program which provides high quality, educational opportunities to older adults at affordable cost. Approximately 70 such programs are offered annually through the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Fairhope, Dauphin Island and Biloxi, MS. Transportation: Most major airlines service the nearby Mobile and Pensacola airports. By boat, you can travel the Intracoastal Waterway to the Gulf Coast. Baldwin Rural Area Transportation System (BRATS) provides ground transportation. Travel and tourism: Retirees will love the beach scene here where they can charter a fishing boat, enjoy succulent local seafood or just sip a drink and watch the sunset. It’s safe to eat the seafood now, so enjoy the abundant crab, shrimp, oysters and fresh fish caught daily from the Gulf in such dishes as a steaming bowl of authentic gumbo or a soulful bite of shrimp and grits.

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