Mobile: A native's semi-in-depth perspective - 8/7/2007

I have lived in Mobile all of my life (27 years). I have lived in many parts of the city, worked at many different places, graduated from the University of South Alabama, and began my professional career here. With that being said, I have been looking to escape for a while now and plan to do so the exact second that I finish my second degree in the spring. It's just ... extremely boring here. Now, if you have never been to Alabama, then please note Alabama is NOT like how it is portrayed in Hollywood. However, it still sucks. My humble opinion on a few specifc things regarding Mobile. Beaches? Someone said "minutes away from beaches"? Haha. No. But it is only a one hour drive to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach - which are nice, but tiny "get-away" places. Now, depending on where you live, you might be minutes away from the dirty Mobile Bay waters. Looks pretty to drive on the long bridge over, but it is by no means a beach. Downtown? Dauphin Street (which is basically downtown) has a unique atmosphere and a decent amount of bars/clubs (if you are into that), but it is still small and pretty boring. Speaking of downtown, the Mobile downtown area is historic and unique, but there is not much to it. There is one tall building, one hotel, a few clubs and shops, and nothing else. Nobody actually lives downtown. However, coming from the eastern shore (Daphne), it does look pretty cool as you appraoch it from the BayWay (bridge connecting eastern shore and Florida to Mobile). Also, the hanging trees over Government boulavard are very cool. Population? If you don't like stereotyping, please ignore this paragraph. I hate to sound this way and it is definitely not politically correct - but it's true. The city is 50% white/50% black - but don't let that mislead you - it is COMPLETELY segregated. It's pretty crazy. There are "sections" of the city. Downtown, North of it (Creighton, Prichard, etc.), and South of it (Maysville, DIP, etc.) are all very low income areas. You also have a few other areas spread about. Then, you have Midtown and the Mall area, which might be the only diversified section of Mobile where whites and blacks co-exist, yet is still pretty low income to moderate income. You then have "Springhill" and "West Mobile" or "Hillcreat" where most of the upper-crust whites live. Then, you have the "other West Mobile" or "Schillengers" (which is actually outside city limits) where the typically redneck whites live. You can also throw in sma

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For Jason - 7/26/2007

I have never been to Memphis, but I can tell you if you don't have issues with pay and heat it is truly wonderful. There are many things for a 35yr old man to do. Plenty of beautiful women, great beaches minutes away, art and history museums, good people. You should check it out!

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Hot Summers - 7/9/2007

June - August in Mobile is typically very hot. Combined with the humidity, the heat indexes can become miserable.

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So what else you got? - 6/18/2007

I read all posts thus far. I am living in Memphis now so anything about race or wages doesn't phase me one bit. Mobile has to be better. And Hot, pleeeeeze. I would like to know if Mobile has seen any of the "real" revitalization of the downtown and waterfront areas that other cities have seen. I'm looking for any real culture, does it exist? Art, Restaurants, Music? Anything for a 35 year old single white guy besides church? Any comments?

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Most Cosmopolitan place in AL - 6/17/2007

For the southern coastal states, I-10 seems to represent a dividing line between liberalism and what lies North. Mobile is no exception, with two universities, an influx of foreign students, snowbirds to the Redneck Riviera, and the heavy travel on I-10 itself. I have been living here for 5 years from Denver, all the while driving with no air conditioning. Humidity gets to be high in the summer, though the temp. never seems to go above 90. There are really no ugly parts of Mobile, as industry seems never to have put down roots. The economy is somewhat stagnant, though cost of living is not high.There are interesting cultural attractions, but they are not bursting from the seems like in Boston; one has to keep one's eye out for them. Everyone is talking now about the arrival of Thyssen Krupp and the job Bonanza. For the rest of us, it will mean higher rents and prices.

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Great History - 6/7/2007

Mobile has a great city history of more than 300 years. Where can you go to find oak trees that canopy the street over historic homes? Mobile's Mardi Gras is actually one you can take your children to and not have to cover their eyes. The people are friendly and despite the wages being on the lower end, the cost of living/property taxes are comparable. I love Mobile and all of it's splendor.

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i lived in mobile for 16 years - 5/31/2007

Pros: close to gorgeous florida beaches, gulf shores, pensicola beach. Dauphin island is not that great if any of it is still there after the hurricane. low cost of living. cons:I agree with the comment about service, people are not friendly at fast food places and the like. Some definate racial tension, neighborhoods are somewhat segregated. Schools are poor in my opinion, I'm a product of Mobile public schools. U of South Alabama is a low quality university. Summers are brutal and long. City is for drivers, not bike or pedestrian friendly.

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Beautiful Beaches! - 5/2/2007

White sand and clear water!

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Poor Customer Service - 1/31/2007

Unfortunately, the southern hospitality has departed Mobile. After returning to Mobile following military service, I have experienced the worst customer service behavior and attitude than any places I visited and lived while in the military. The people performing customer service occupations in Mobile display an attitude toward the customer as though "they are doing you a favor." I grew up in Mobile; thus, I'm sadly disappointed. My "peeps" have contracted a very bitter disposition toward the world.

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Transportation - 12/29/2006

Transportation is next to nothing.

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Nice place to live - 12/15/2006

Mobile is a great place to grow up, or to raise a family. There's been a huge revitalization effort over the last 20 years, and it's made a real difference in the quality of life!

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climate - 8/7/2006

The climate is hot and humid in the summer and overcast in the winter. It has moderate temperatures.

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Low Wages - 7/3/2006

Before relocating back to Mobile after a 20-year hiatus, I was hoping the wage situation had changed here in Mobile. Sadly it has not, as I feel that Mobile is below the national average. We will be relocating soon because of this.

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Mobile, Alabama - 6/24/2006

We have just moved to the area and have discovered that Mobile's home prices are very affordable and the are has alot to offer.

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Mobile, AL - 4/28/2006

University of South Alabama Rules

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Cheap, but going nowhere - 9/24/2005

Unbelievably hot climate with poor air quality. Definitely not for the outdoorsman. Houses are decently priced, as long as you're living west of the downtown or midtown area. Not very many big businesses. Economy is quite stagnant and has been for the past 5 years.

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Climate - 7/9/2005

Crushingly hot temperatures from May to October with high humidity.Frequent damaging hurricanes.

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