Firstly why Mobile, Alabama?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Mobile
• State: Alabama
• Population: 195,111 people
• Mobile’s quick summary would be Celebrated for hosting one of the oldest Mardi Gras celebrations in the United States.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 14,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 13,000 annually
• Net Migration: 1000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 2,500
• Number of Homeless people: 1,000

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers a coastal lifestyle along with a growing economy attracting those interested in maritime industries

Perk #1: Mobile Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 31%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 66%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $48,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Mobile is $58,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $10000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Mobile’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 80 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,192
• Property Tax %: 1.33%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $950
• Rent for an average house: $1,500
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Midtown
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Mobile, Daphne, Fairhope, Foley, and probably could include Saraland
• Avg. Age of Homes in Mobile: 67 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 2.1%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Mobile’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Mobile are  Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Retail
• Mobile Job Scene: moderate job market with shipbuilding and healthcare
• The General Tech Scene: technology growth in shipbuilding and maritime services, developing tech startup community ,
• Mobile Resident’s pay $1,000 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Mobile: 4%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 130 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 14

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Mobile

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $110 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-10 runs through Mobile providing an east-west route along the Gulf Coast
• Commute Time: 24 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: backups at the George Wallace Tunnel
• Transportation Score: 30 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Mobile: 190,000
• Cars registered per Person: 1
• No. of Car Washes: 11 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Mobile: revenue.alabama.gov/division/motor-vehicle/
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 60 of 100
• Local Airport: Mobile Regional

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Mobile’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Hurricanes
• General Weather in Mobile is best described as has hot and humid summers with frequent thunderstorms and mild winters with occasional cold fronts
• Winter Weather in Mobile i’d describe as mild and humid
• Spring Weather in Mobile can be described as warm and humid with rain
• Summer’s in Mobile are mostly hot and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Mobile is usually warm and humid
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 62 days in summer
• Days in a row in Mobile below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 67 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality affected by port activities
• Mobile Winter Air mixed air quality with influences from shipping and traffic

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Mobile Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Mobile 7
• While the number of trade schools inside Mobiles’s city limits are 7
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Mobile Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Mobile Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 8 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Mobile only Doctors is about 115
• Local Hospitals here is  9
• Full-time Mobile only Police Officers is about 800
• Crime Rate Index: 60/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Mobile’s Monthly utility bill average is $160
• Mobile’s Monthly Gym Membership: $45
• Mobile’s Water Quality Score: 58

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Mobile

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 10 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: coastal city with a rich maritime history and diverse culture
• You might enjoy shows at the Mobile Civic Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Mobile  boasts a vibrant nightlife with waterfront restaurants bars and festivals that celebrate local culture

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Mobile

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Has seafood-focused restaurants and a blend of Cajun and Southern cuisine
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 180 scattered around Mobile
• The Popular Sports Team is Mobile BayBears
• Top Level Political Climate in Mobile can be described as diverse political climate with a blend of conservative and progressive viewpoints
• Mobile’s Longer standing religious establishment is Mobile United Methodist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Mobile Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Mobile has 85 Parks?
• Langan Park is Mobile’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Mobil Market normally open Saturday 7am-11am
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Fishing, kayaking, and sailing

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Mobile Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Mobile can be described as slow urban pace with a blend of historic and modern elements
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Mobile visiting the beach playing at local playgrounds going to festivals
• The Cities people commute to from Mobile are Birmingham 168 miles away Montgomery 168 miles away Dothan 174 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Mobile or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: backups at the George Wallace Tunnel. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Mobile’s Hurricanes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Midtown is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Mobile are Birmingham 168 miles away Montgomery 168 miles away Dothan 174 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 60 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Mobile has 0 days in a row below freezing and 62 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Mobile people have an average (positive or negative) $10000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   1,000 homeless people living in Mobile. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general diverse political climate with a blend of conservative and progressive viewpoints could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Mobile.

Retiree & Senior Life in Mobile

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may qualify for a local option property tax exemption
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Blake at Malbis
• Mobile Senior Center offers meal programs educational workshops and recreational activities

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Mobile, Alabama?

If Mobile, Alabama ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Mobile, Alabama, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!