You've seen the skyline. If you’ve ever driven down Perdido Beach Boulevard in Alabama, the Phoenix towers start to blend together after a while. They’re like giant, sandy-colored sentinels guarding the Gulf of Mexico. But Phoenix 10 Orange Beach—often called En Soleil by the locals or those who’ve stayed there for decades—is a weird outlier. It’s not just another condo.
Actually, it's situated right on the edge.
Literally. It sits almost on the Florida-Alabama state line. You can walk a few hundred yards east and find yourself at the Flora-Bama, the most famous roadhouse in the country. This proximity defines the vibe of the building. It’s for people who want the quiet luxury of a high-end condo but want to be able to stumble (safely) home from a bushwacker-fueled night at the line.
Why People Obsess Over the Location
Location is a cliché in real estate, but here, it's the whole point. Phoenix 10 isn't in the "main" drag of Orange Beach where the traffic bottlenecks near the Walmart and the Commons. It’s tucked away. This means the beach in front of the building is usually less crowded than the ones near the public access points.
You get the Gulf of Mexico in your front yard and Ole River in the back.
Most people don't realize that the "10" in the Phoenix lineup is a bit of a rebel. While the newer buildings like Phoenix West II are massive, sprawling glass monoliths, Phoenix 10 feels more established. It’s solid. It’s also one of the few buildings where you genuinely feel the transition between the high-energy Alabama coast and the more laid-back, residential feel of Perdido Key, Florida.
If you're staying here, you're basically living in a geography hack. You get Alabama tax rates on your shopping and Florida vibes on your afternoon walks. It's the best of both worlds, honestly.
The Indoor-Outdoor Living Reality
Let's talk about the actual units. Most are three-bedroom configurations, though you’ll find some variations. They are spacious. We’re talking about floor plans that don't make you feel like you're living in a shoebox just to have a view of the water.
The balconies are the real hero.
They’re deep. You can fit a full dining table out there and still have room to pace around while you're on a work call you're pretending is an "out of office" day. Because the building is oriented the way it is, the sunsets from the higher floors aren't just good—they're distracting. You’ll be mid-conversation and just... stop.
What You Get Inside
- Floor-to-ceiling glass: It’s standard, but in Phoenix 10, the windows feel more expansive because there aren't many obstructions to the east.
- Full kitchens: These aren't "kitchenettes." They have full-sized appliances, granite or quartz counters (depending on the owner's recent renovation), and enough pantry space to stock up for a week.
- Wet bars: Most units have them. It’s a very 90s/early 2000s Gulf Coast design staple that has remained because, well, people like making drinks without clogging up the kitchen sink.
The amenities are what you'd expect from a Phoenix property, but with a bit more breathing room. There’s a large outdoor pool, an indoor pool for those weirdly chilly February days, and hot tubs. The fitness center actually has equipment that works, which is a low bar that many beach condos somehow fail to clear.
The Flora-Bama Factor
You cannot talk about Phoenix 10 Orange Beach without talking about the Flora-Bama Lounge. It’s a five-minute walk. For some, this is a deterrent. They worry about noise.
But here’s the thing: you don't really hear it.
The building is insulated well enough, and the distance is just enough that the sound of the surf drowns out any live music drifting over from the "Line." What you do get is the convenience. You don't have to call an Uber. You don't have to worry about parking—which is a nightmare at the state line. You just walk down the beach.
It makes the logistics of a vacation remarkably simple. Want a cheeseburger at 11 PM? Walk over. Want to hear some of the best songwriters in Nashville play a random set on a Tuesday? Walk over.
The Logistics of Staying or Buying
If you're looking to rent, keep in mind that Phoenix 10 is popular with families. The security is tight. They have gated access and onsite staff who actually pay attention to who is coming and going. This is a pro for parents but can be a bit of a hassle for guests who forget their parking passes.
Speaking of parking, it’s a multi-level deck. It’s covered. This is a massive deal in the Alabama summer. If you’ve ever sat down on leather seats that have been baking in 95-degree heat for six hours, you know that a parking garage is basically a luxury amenity.
Costs and Market Realities
Buying a unit here isn't cheap, but it’s often seen as a better value-per-square-foot play than the brand-new builds. The HOA fees are significant, but they cover a lot—insurance, water, cable, internet, and the upkeep of those aforementioned pools.
- Rental Revenue: Expect high occupancy. Between the Mullet Toss in April and the Frank Brown Songwriters Festival in November, there isn't really an "off-season" anymore.
- Maintenance: It’s a saltwater environment. Everything corrodes. The management at Phoenix 10 is historically proactive about "spall" repair and painting, which keeps the property values from cratering.
- Resale: Units don't stay on the market long. Usually, if a 10th-floor unit hits the MLS, it’s under contract before the weekend is over.
Things Most People Miss
There’s a small boardwalk that leads over the dunes. Use it. The dunes in this part of Orange Beach are part of a protected habitat for the Alabama Beach Mouse. It sounds silly until you see the ecosystem in action. The sea oats are vital for holding the beach together during hurricane season.
Also, the grilling area.
Most people ignore the charcoal grills because they’re "on vacation" and want to go to restaurants. That’s a mistake. Grilling some fresh shrimp from Billy’s Seafood (up the road on Bon Secour) while the sun goes down is arguably the best experience you can have at this property.
Dealing With the "Phoenix" Confusion
One frustrating thing for newcomers is the numbering. There are dozens of Phoenix buildings. If you tell a delivery driver you’re at "The Phoenix," they will laugh at you. You have to specify Phoenix 10. Even then, some locals still call it En Soleil.
Just remember: it’s the one furthest east. If you hit the bridge to Florida, you’ve gone too far.
👉 See also: Why Your Map of USA Mountains and Rivers Is Actually a Story of Survival
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you're planning a trip or looking at a real estate investment at Phoenix 10, don't just wing it. The Gulf Coast market moves fast and the experience varies wildly depending on the time of year.
- Check the Event Calendar: If the Interstate Mullet Toss is happening, the area will be packed. If you want quiet, avoid that specific weekend in late April.
- Verify the Floor: The 4th through 9th floors are the "sweet spot." You're high enough for a panoramic view but low enough that the elevators aren't a lifelong commitment.
- Groceries: Avoid the Publix on the weekend afternoons. Use the grocery delivery services or go at 7 AM. The traffic on Perdido Beach Blvd can turn a 5-minute drive into a 30-minute ordeal during peak summer Saturdays.
- Rentals: If you're renting, ask the owner or the management company when the last kitchen or bathroom renovation was. Since these are individually owned, a unit on the 12th floor might look like a 2024 design magazine, while the one next door is trapped in 2005.
Phoenix 10 remains one of the most consistent performers in Orange Beach. It’s not the flashiest anymore, and it’s certainly not the newest. But for people who know the coast, it’s the one they keep coming back to. It’s reliable, the views are unobstructed to the east, and you can’t beat the walkability to the state line.