Cynthia Hughes Real Estate

Commercial Real Estate

Commercial Real Estate in Foley

Baldwin County's fastest-growing commercial zone — retail corridors, industrial space, and development land at the gateway to the Gulf Coast.

Market Overview

The Gulf Coast's Growth Engine

Foley has emerged as the commercial hub of southern Baldwin County, driven by explosive population growth, strategic highway infrastructure, and its position as the primary gateway to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. The city sits at the crossroads of Highway 59, Highway 98, the Foley Beach Express, and the Baldwin Beach Express — corridors that funnel millions of visitors through the area annually and create sustained commercial demand.

The OWA entertainment district, a 520-acre complex featuring an amusement park, water park, shopping, dining, and hotels, has transformed Foley from a pass-through town into a destination in its own right. Tanger Outlets adds another major commercial anchor, drawing shoppers from across the region. Along Highway 59, national retailers and restaurant chains continue to open new locations to serve the area's booming population.

For commercial investors, Foley offers a compelling value proposition: land and construction costs significantly below coastal prices, with traffic counts and population growth that rival or exceed many established markets. The Foley Beach Express corridor in particular represents one of the most significant commercial development opportunities on the central Gulf Coast, with large parcels still available at attractive price points.

What's Available

Commercial Property Types

Retail & Restaurant Space

Storefronts and dining spaces along Highway 59, near Tanger Outlets, and within the OWA entertainment district serving both residents and millions of annual beach-bound visitors.

Industrial & Warehouse

Distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, and flex-industrial space along the I-65 and Highway 98 corridors, strategically located for Gulf Coast logistics.

Office Space

Professional, medical, and general office suites in Foley's expanding commercial districts, serving the fastest-growing population in southern Baldwin County.

Land & Development Sites

Large commercially zoned parcels along the Foley Beach Express and Baldwin Beach Express corridors, offering ground-floor development opportunities at a fraction of coastal land prices.

Mixed-Use Properties

Combined retail, service, and residential developments in emerging growth corridors designed to serve the area's rapidly expanding residential base.

Growth & Development

Current Development & Infrastructure

121-Acre Industrial Park. In March 2026, Foley secured a $3.33 million SEEDS grant from the Alabama Industrial Development Authority to acquire a 121-acre industrial site at the intersection of Foley Beach Express and Baldwin Beach Express. Selected as the #1 site out of 16 statewide candidates, the park positions Foley as a serious industrial player in the region.

OWA — $414M and Growing. The Poarch Creek's total investment in OWA has reached $414 million with the opening of a new $50M+ resort hotel in May 2025. The planned “Waters at OWA” — a 150-acre multi-family residential development — is in early planning stages, creating a built-in customer base for surrounding commercial properties.

Sports Tourism Records. Foley's sports tourism complex generated $44.5 million in business sales in 2025 across 85 events and 253,177 visitors, with $11M in food and beverage spending alone. New pickleball and sand volleyball facilities are complete, and a civic center, aquatic center, and senior center are planned.

Toll-Free Beach Express. The removal of tolls on the Foley Beach Express Bridge in May 2024 has significantly increased traffic volumes, reshaping commercial development patterns and boosting property values along the corridor.

Zoning Information

Zoning Snapshot

Foley's commercial zoning includes B-1 (Neighborhood Business), B-2 (Highway Business), B-3 (Central Business District), and M-1 (Light Industrial) classifications. The city has been proactive in rezoning land along the Foley Beach Express and Baldwin Beach Express for commercial use, reflecting the market's growth trajectory. Foley's Planning Commission and City Council maintain development standards that balance growth with quality. Contact the Foley Planning Department for current zoning maps, permitted uses, and development review processes.

Investment Case

Why Invest in Foley Commercial?

Foley Beach Express and Baldwin Beach Express corridors are opening thousands of acres to new commercial development

Significantly lower land and construction costs compared to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, with strong traffic from beach-bound visitors

OWA entertainment district draws over 3 million annual visitors, anchoring the area's commercial growth

Strategic location at the intersection of Highway 59, Highway 98, and proximity to I-65 for logistics and distribution

Fastest-growing commercial zone in Baldwin County, with new national retailers and restaurants arriving continuously

Explore Commercial Opportunities

From express corridor development to industrial warehouse space, Cynthia can help you capitalize on Foley's commercial growth.