Invest in Baldwin County Alabama......Here's
why:
In 2002 Baldwin County generated 25 percent of the 2002 Lodging Rentals in the six-county northern Gulf Coast region !! This is a highest percentage of the region that includes Florida panhandle counties with popular beach vacation destinations such as Destin, Ft. Walton, Pensacola Beach, Panama City,etc...
2002 Baldwin County Lodging Rentals of $205 million generated $8.2 million in tax revenue
During the five year period from 1996 to 2001, Retail Sales in Gulf Shores/Orange Beach grew 36%,
Total travel-related employment in Baldwin County in 2002 was an estimated 36,291, representing earnings of more than $701 million.
According to Alabama Department of Revenue figures, Baldwin County is also a leader in another key revenue source. In the five years from 1996 to 2001, retail sales in Baldwin County grew 48% (that total was 38% in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach), while statewide the growth rate was 19%.
"In 2002 Baldwin County produced
more lodging tax, at 26%, than any other Alabama county. The second-largest producer was
Jefferson County (Birmingham) with 15%. We produced more than the next three
highest-producing counties (Madison, Mobile and Montgomery) combined."
In 2002 Baldwin County's taxable
lodging rentals, as well as its share of the region's total tourism market, ranked above
Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton and Bay Counties in Florida. This is according to
room tax records from Haas Center for Business Research & Economic Development at the
University of West Florida and Auburn University Montgomery Center for Business &
Economic Development.
Baldwin County, home to the beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, garnered 25%
of the lodging rental dollars generated along the six-county region in 2002. That figure
climbed from 23% of the market in 2001, the top percentage for that year. Destinations
such as Pensacola Beach, Navarre, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, South Walton and Panama City
are located in the panhandle counties and were used in the comparison because they are
Baldwin County's primary competition. All offer white sand, Gulf waters, the same climate
and similar accommodations, restaurants and attractions.
Since September 11, the hottest second-home markets are in resort areas that are a tank full of gas from big cities. 77 million baby boomers are set to retire in the next three decades, housing in prime spots will only get pricier. And many desirable resort areas have a limited amount of land available for new development, which should keep vacation home prices firm.
Let the Real Estate Professionals at
Exit Realty of Gulf Shores help you find a getaway that's also a dream investment.
Call us today !!
251-974-1288 or Toll Free
1-866-974-1288
