Boardwalk

Living at Boardwalk

Boardwalk is a 10-story Gulf-front building in the middle of the action in central Gulf Shores. It was completed in 1985 and holds just over 70 residences.

Homes range from one-bedroom units of about 615 to 980 square feet to three-bedroom units of about 1,035 to 1,150 square feet. Every unit has a private balcony with beach views and a full-size washer and dryer, and some larger units sleep up to 10.

Owners and guests share a large, seasonally heated beachfront pool with a sundeck, a grilling and picnic area, a beach walkway and on-site parking. Boardwalk has a strong vacation-rental following.

Next door to Sea-N-Suds

Boardwalk sits directly behind Sea-N-Suds, a Gulf Shores institution that first opened in 1975 on a pier in an old bait shop. Hurricane Frederic destroyed the original in 1979, and the owners rebuilt it on the beach, where it is still a favorite spot for fresh seafood and sunsets. Across the street are Hooters and Island Grill, and Pirate's Island Adventure Golf, The Track family recreation center and the Gulf Shores Welcome Center are all within walking distance.

Real estate at a glance

Current listings run from about $450,000 to $535,000, including a top-floor one-bedroom of about 980 square feet and a second-floor two-bedroom. HOA dues run about $475 to $750 a month and cover cable, water and sewer, trash, pest control, the pool, insurance, management, common-area maintenance and reserves.