Mobile, AL, Relishes Its Easygoing Lifestyle While Building a Vibrant Future
At first glance, four Mobilians from the realms of real estate, economic development, nonprofit fundraising and aerospace technology might seem to have little in common. Yet, they are deeply united by a shared vision: transforming their city into the ultimate place to build a life.
Mobile is experiencing an economic renaissance, fueled by the arrival of major global corporations and the imminent debut of its new international airport. Its cultural scene is vibrant, with the soon-to-open Regions Arena and a wealth of new arts and culinary choices. As historic neighborhoods revitalize and downtown infrastructure evolves, a palpable sense of anticipation and excitement is everywhere – just in time for Mobile’s 325th anniversary.
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Mobile’s Golden Age
“We are in a golden age right now in Mobile,” says Justine Bixler, a native Mobilian, and president and CEO of the United Way of Southwest Alabama. “From individuals to organizations like ours, the Chamber, the city government and our new mayor – we are all on the same page and in agreement on where we are headed.”
Bixler’s organization is steadfastly pursuing the mission it began 100 years ago in Mobile, empowering residents to become contributing members of society and improving the community.
“We have a long way to go, but we still have a high quality of life here,” says Bixler, an outdoor enthusiast and mother of two little girls. “Mobile is still a very affordable community. Housing is less expensive, it’s culturally rich, and we have a slower pace here, where neighbors still say hello in the yard, and the wildlife and access to waterways are incredible.”
Beautiful City
Like Bixler, Ellis Foster is a native Mobilian. He served in the military and lived in several places before coming home a few years back. He is now director of economic development for the Downtown Mobile Alliance.
He shares Bixler’s enthusiasm for the city’s future as he helps improve their current properties or locate downtown. The Alliance provides both grant money and support for improvement projects, helping business owners navigate the forms, processes and regulations that many find intimidating.
“What’s key is making sure people, when they get off their plane at the new airport and head downtown, see a beautiful city, a lovely waterfront, and people and businesses succeeding,” he says. “It’s like putting on your best outfit in the morning. Every day is an interview for the city.”
Building Bridges
Silvia Skultety looked at Mobile when she arrived here from Brazil 46 years ago and never left. After graduating from Spring Hill College, she worked in international business and then in real estate after her now-grown children came along. In addition to running her Mobile Bay Real Estate firm, she is president of the Hispanic American Business Association of the Gulf Coast. The organization has grown exponentially since it was founded in 2009, working to empower businesses, educate the community, fund college scholarships for Latino students and showcase Latino culture. Its annual Latin Fest draws more than 8,000 people to Mardi Gras Park for food, music, dancing and celebration of Latin cultures.
“Our goal is to build bridges, to make sure the Latino community is visible and remains an important part of Mobile’s future. It is an exciting time for the city, with so many people coming in for great job opportunities and all the industry coming here,” Skultety says. “It is a city that offers so much in terms of affordability, education, safety and good schools.”
Bright Future
Karen Hong is the CEO and president of Continental Aerospace Technologies, a global leader in aircraft engines and a Mobile economic stalwart since 1966. In 2019, the company built a $75 million, 275,000-square-foot greenfield factory that employs 450 people.
“Mobile has been a great home for Continental because it offers the right combination of business advantages and quality of life. Access to the Port of Mobile and international supply chains is important, but what really makes this area special is the people,” says Hong, who moved to Mobile in 2017. “From the local culture and food to the strong sense of community, Mobile is a place where people can build lasting careers while enjoying life outside of work.”
That high quality of life is only half the story, as regional development hits a new gear.
“When I look at the investment taking place across the region, from new infrastructure projects to continued growth in aerospace and manufacturing, it is clear that Mobile has a bright future,” Hong says.
Daily Train Service Connects Mobile to New Orleans and Other Coastal Towns
It’s time to let the good times roll on the rails.
Mobile residents can now ditch the car and hop aboard Amtrak’s year-round Mardi Gras train service to New Orleans. With twice-daily departures at 6:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., the route also features coastal Mississippi stops in Pascagoula, Biloxi, Gulfport and Bay St. Louis along the way. Return trains arrive back in Mobile at 11:18 a.m. and 9:14 p.m. The service is already a hit: Amtrak reports 150,000 passengers in its first year, more than doubling initial projections. Whether you’re heading to the Big Easy for French Quarter fun, Creole cuisine and New Orleans Saints games (the train station is a short walk to the Superdome) or exploring coastal Mississippi’s pristine beaches, fun-filled casinos and charming towns, the train journey is now part of the fun.
The Gulf Coast flavor even carries into the café car, where passengers can grab a MoonPie, a snack synonymous with Mobile’s Mardi Gras tradition, alongside regional favorites inspired by stops
Get to Know Mobile, AL
Want to learn more about living and working in Mobile, AL? Check out the new edition of Livability Mobile – Coastal Alabama.