Foley AL

Foley, Alabama – A charming Southern gem nestled just a short drive from the Gulf Coast, Foley blends small-town hospitality with vibrant attractions and rich heritage. Whether you're strolling oak-shaded streets, indulging in fresh seafood, or enjoying family fun at nearby beaches and parks, Foley offers a laid-back lifestyle with plenty of surprises. It’s the kind of place where neighbors wave, festivals bring people together, and every sunset feels like home.

• Population: ~22,000
• Weather: Warm and humid; mild winters, hot summers (average 45–90°F)
• Places To Visit: OWA Parks & Resort, Foley Railroad Museum, Graham Creek Nature Preserve, Tanger Outlets, Holmes Medical Museum
• Top Activities: Exploring coastal trails, enjoying family amusement parks, antique shopping downtown, catching a local sports game, savoring fresh seafood
• Famous Food: Gulf shrimp po'boys, Southern BBQ, classic biscuits and gravy, pecan pie, locally caught fish platters

Foley, AL is a charming coastal city that has seen steady economic growth thanks to its booming tourism, expanding healthcare sector, and local investments in education and retail. Located just minutes from the Gulf Shores, Foley offers both job opportunities and a high quality of life. Below are some of the most in-demand jobs in Foley, AL, across a range of industries.

Top 5 Jobs in Foley, AL

Foley, Alabama may be a small city, but it’s packed with charm, southern hospitality, and plenty of awesome spots where students can unwind, have fun, and enjoy life outside the classroom. Whether you’re a local or studying nearby, Foley offers a cool mix of nature, entertainment, and hidden gems perfect for chill weekends or quick study breaks.

OWA Parks & Resort – This is the ultimate playground for students. Whether you're into theme park rides, live music, shopping, or just hanging out by the lake, OWA has it all. It’s the go-to spot for blowing off steam after exams or just enjoying a fun day with friends.

Graham Creek Nature Preserve – If you’re craving fresh air and some quiet time, this is a peaceful escape. With trails, kayaking, and tons of open green space, it’s perfect for students who love the outdoors or need a break from digital noise.

The Park at OWA – For thrill-seekers and adventure lovers, this amusement park inside the OWA Resort offers roller coasters, arcade games, and fun rides. It's a great place to create memories without traveling far.

Downtown Foley – Small-town vibes with cute shops, cafes, and murals perfect for Instagram. It’s walkable, friendly, and ideal when you want to grab coffee, browse local shops, or watch street performers during festivals or seasonal events.

Tanger Outlets – Retail therapy, anyone? With name-brand stores at outlet prices, this is perfect for grabbing deals on clothes, picking out a gift, or just strolling through with a bubble tea in hand.

Foley Skate Park – A favorite for skaters and BMX riders. Even if you're just watching, it’s fun to hang here with good energy and a laid-back crowd. Bring headphones, your board, or just a snack and enjoy the vibe.

East Public Beach (Gulf Shores) – Just a short drive away, this beach is worth the trip. Sunsets, sand volleyball, and waves make it a popular weekend escape. Pack a cooler, call your crew, and spend the day soaking up Alabama's coastal beauty.

Heritage Park – Right in the heart of Foley, this park is perfect for low-key days. With walking trails, fountains, and open lawn space, it’s a nice spot to study under a tree, take a walk, or attend free concerts in the park.

Foley might be chill, but it's never boring. Whether you're looking to relax under the sun, get a thrill ride in, or just find a quiet corner for some you-time, there's a place in this city that fits your student lifestyle perfectly. So grab your friends, explore, and make the most of everything Foley has to offer.

Foley, Alabama is a vibrant city known for its welcoming community, beautiful coastline, and proximity to quality higher education. Students in Foley can choose from a range of public and private colleges and universities, all within easy reach. Whether you’re seeking affordable public options or private colleges with smaller class sizes, Foley offers great educational opportunities to help you achieve your dreams.

Top Public Colleges & Universities near Foley, AL

Coastal Alabama Community College – Foley Center – Located right in Foley, this campus offers associate degrees, technical certificates, and workforce training—making higher education accessible and affordable for local students.

University of South Alabama – Just a short drive away in Mobile, USA is a comprehensive public research university known for its strong programs in nursing, engineering, business, and the sciences.

Faulkner State Community College (Coastal Alabama Community College - Bay Minette Campus) – Previously known as Faulkner State, this nearby campus provides robust academic transfer programs and technical certificates, supporting both career-focused students and those planning to transfer to a four-year university.

Bishop State Community College – Located in Mobile, Bishop State offers diverse programs in health sciences, business, and industrial technologies, helping students gain employable skills quickly.

Alabama Aviation Center (at Coastal Alabama Community College) – For those interested in aviation or technical careers, this specialized center offers hands-on, career-focused programs in aircraft maintenance and avionics right in the Gulf Coast region.

Top Private Colleges & Universities near Foley, AL

Spring Hill College – Located in Mobile, this is Alabama’s oldest Catholic college, known for its close-knit campus community, liberal arts education, and strong nursing and teaching degree programs.

University of Mobile – Just north of downtown Mobile, this Christian university is recognized for its excellent faculty-to-student ratio, faith-based environment, and strong programs in business, education, music, and health sciences.

Columbia Southern University – Based in nearby Orange Beach, CSU is an accredited online university offering flexible programs tailored for working adults in fields like business, occupational safety, and criminal justice.

Huntingdon College (Fairhope Campus) – With a campus in nearby Fairhope, Huntingdon College’s Evening Studies program offers adults the chance to complete bachelor’s degrees in business, management, and more, in a flexible, supportive setting.

Remington College (Mobile Campus) – Remington College offers hands-on career training in fields such as medical assisting, pharmacy tech, and business—helping students quickly move into the workforce with practical skills.

No matter where you are in your academic journey, Foley and its neighboring communities have options to suit a wide variety of career goals and lifestyles. Explore these colleges and universities to find the program that fits your needs, and take the next step toward a bright future.

Foley, Alabama, may be a small town, but when it comes to education, it holds its ground. Whether you're a parent exploring the best school options for your child or a student planning for college, finding the right high school is essential. Foley and the surrounding Baldwin County area offer a mix of solid public schools and impressive private institutions. Here's a look at the top-performing high schools around Foley, AL, that are making a real difference in students’ lives.

Top Public High Schools Near Foley, AL

• Foley High School – Located right in Foley, this school offers a variety of Advanced Placement courses, career technical programs, and strong athletics. Foley High is part of Baldwin County Schools and serves a diverse student body. Its commitment to academic growth and student support is well-recognized in the region.
• Daphne High School – A little north of Foley, Daphne High stands out for its International Baccalaureate (IB) program and AP course selections. It's consistently ranked among the top high schools in Baldwin County thanks to its college prep curriculum and strong teacher support.
• Fairhope High School – Known for excellent academics, Fairhope High offers multiple AP courses and extracurriculars. It has a reputation for preparing students well for college and boasts high graduation rates and strong participation in arts and sports programs.
• Bayside Academy (Public Charter Program)* – While technically a private school, Bayside participates in public charter initiatives and attracts families from across Baldwin County. It's praised for small class sizes and a personalized learning approach.
• Robertsdale High School – Located just a short drive from Foley, Robertsdale High provides a range of academic and technical programs. The school’s Career Academy prepares students for real-world careers and college paths with hands-on learning.

Top Private High Schools Near Foley, AL

• Gulf Shores Christian Academy – Located near Foley, this private Christian school offers a faith-based, college prep curriculum. Small class sizes and personalized attention help students thrive academically and spiritually.
• St. Benedict Catholic School (Middle to High Transition) – While primarily a K-8 institution, St. Benedict offers strong foundations and partners with nearby Catholic high schools like McGill-Toolen to continue a private, faith-based education path.
• Bayshore Christian School – Just north in Fairhope, Bayshore offers upper school grades with a strong college preparatory curriculum grounded in Christian values. It's known for dedicated teachers and supportive learning environments.
• Orange Beach Christian Academy – A short drive from Foley, this school offers individualized instruction and a biblical worldview. Emphasis on academic excellence and character building makes it a popular choice for many families.
• Faith Christian Academy – Located in nearby Elberta, this small but growing school emphasizes rigorous academics and faith-based values. It provides a close-knit community where students are encouraged to reach their full potential.

No matter your preference—public or private—Foley and its surrounding towns have something for every student. These schools nurture not only academic achievement but also personal growth, preparing learners for success both in college and life beyond.

Foley, Alabama may be a charming city with warm hospitality, growing attractions, and a love for sports, but when it comes to major league professional sports teams, it doesn’t have franchises of its own. However, that doesn’t mean Foley residents aren’t passionate fans—they proudly support nearby teams in Alabama and across the region. Here’s a look at the most popular professional sports teams that Foley locals often cheer for, along with regional connections that bring the sports spirit close to home.

Football – Alabama Crimson Tide & Nearby NFL Fandom

• Alabama Crimson Tide (NCAA) – While not a professional team, the University of Alabama's football program is arguably more popular than many NFL teams. Based in Tuscaloosa, the Crimson Tide have won 18 national championships and produced numerous NFL stars. Foley fans proudly support this college dynasty year-round, and game days are like a state holiday across Alabama.
• New Orleans Saints (NFL) – Just over a 2.5-hour drive from Foley, the Saints are the closest NFL franchise, making them a favorite among local football fans. Since their historic Super Bowl XLIV victory in 2010, the Saints have remained a respected force in the NFC South with stars like Drew Brees, Alvin Kamara, and Michael Thomas.

Baseball – Atlanta Braves (MLB)

• Atlanta Braves – While Atlanta is a bit farther away, the Braves have a massive fan base throughout Alabama, including Foley. The team has a storied history with four World Series titles (1914, 1957, 1995, and 2021). Their games are frequently shown on regional sports networks, and many local fans proudly wear Braves gear and celebrate their victories as if the team was right in town.

Basketball – New Orleans Pelicans & Atlanta Hawks (NBA)

• New Orleans Pelicans – Sharing fan territory with the Saints, the Pelicans are the go-to NBA team for many Foley residents. Young stars like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram have made this team exciting to watch, and there's growing ambition for deep playoff runs.
• Atlanta Hawks – Another popular team in the region, the Hawks have been part of the southeastern sports culture for decades. Fans in Foley admire the team's history and rising talent, especially after exciting playoff runs led by Trae Young.

Hockey – Nashville Predators (NHL)

• Nashville Predators – While Alabama doesn’t have an NHL team, the Predators dominate the hearts of many Southern hockey fans. Based in nearby Tennessee, the Preds reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2017 and have established a loyal fan base with their high-energy games and passionate crowds. Foley locals into hockey often make the drive to Nashville for a live experience.

Soccer – Birmingham Legion FC (USL Championship)

• Birmingham Legion FC – Soccer fans in Alabama cheer for the Legion, a professional team competing in the USL Championship. Based in Birmingham, they offer high-level competitive soccer and a growing community of dedicated followers. With soccer on the rise in the U.S., Foley locals enjoy tuning in and supporting their in-state team during matchdays.

While Foley, Alabama may not have its own major league team, the city thrives on its deep love of sports through strong college traditions, regional favorites, and the growing presence of minor league and semi-pro teams across the South. Whether it’s SEC football Saturdays or MLB postseason matchups, the sports spirit is very much alive and kicking in Foley.

Foley, Alabama may be a cozy town, but it’s packed with charm, history, and a whole lot of surprises. Whether you're visiting or lucky enough to live there, here are some fun facts about Foley that will make you love this Southern gem even more:

1. The City of Festivals – Foley isn’t shy about celebrating! From BBQ cook-offs to hot air balloon festivals, there’s always something happening.
2. Train Lovers, Rejoice – Foley is home to the Foley Railroad Museum, complete with a model train exhibit that travels through tiny towns and cities.
3. Yes, There’s a Downtown Train Depot – The historic L&N Train Depot, built in 1909, is still standing and holds stories from over a century ago.
4. You're Only Minutes from the Beach – Foley is just a short drive from Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, making beach days a part of everyday life.
5. It’s Sports Central – The Foley Sports Tourism Complex attracts athletes from all over the country with tournaments, soccer events, and more.
6. Small Town, Big Shopping – Foley is home to the popular Tanger Outlets, with over 120 brand-name stores in one place.
7. Nature Lovers Feel at Home – With options like the Graham Creek Nature Preserve, you can kayak, hike, or just enjoy peaceful views right in town.
8. A City Built on Rails – The town was named after John B. Foley, a Chicago businessman who brought the railroad to the area in the early 1900s.
9. Where Agriculture Meets Art – Every year, Foley hosts the Art in the Park event, showcasing creativity amid open green spaces and oak trees.
10. It Has a Giant OWA – Foley is home to OWA Parks & Resort, a massive entertainment destination with thrill rides, shows, dining, and a splashy water park!