Local Gems That Make Mobile, AL, Unique
There’s a lot going on in Mobile, Alabama, and for newcomers, here are some things to put on your radar that will hopefully help make your adjustment to your new community easier.
In This Article
College Town
Did you know that the Mobile region is home to a large collection of colleges and universities? Higher education is in abundant supply, with many opportunities to learn at two- and four-year colleges. Bishop State Community College and Coastal Alabama Community College offer various associate degrees, while the University of South Alabama, University of Mobile, Spring Hill College, Faulkner University and Columbia Southern University all cater to students seeking a four-year degree. Even if you’re not a student, there’s a unique, youthful energy that’s infused into this college town – so it’s a win-win for everyone.
Housing Market
Whether you’re looking to buy or rent, affordability in Mobile is a huge draw. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment of about 1,000 square feet is under $1,200 a month, a third less than the national average. The average home value in Mobile is around $190,000 (Zillow, May 2025), about 82% of the state median value and just 52% of the national average. The area boasts a rich array of housing options, encompassing everything from vibrant downtown apartments to charming historic homes, family-friendly suburban neighborhoods and stunning bayfront properties.
Day Trips
Location matters, especially when considering ease of travel and appealing destinations. Luckily for residents of Mobile, the city is wonderfully situated within easy distance of multiple exciting spots, perfect for taking day trips. There’s Fairhope, just a quick drive across the bay, which offers outdoor recreation and interesting shops and art to explore. Farther south, Alabama’s beautiful beaches offer sugar-white sand, sparkling Gulf waters and vibrant coastal charm, close enough for a spontaneous day trip that feels like a true escape. Then, there’s the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Pensacola and even New Orleans. In fact, a new Amtrak line is set to connect Mobile, the Mississippi Gulf Coast and New Orleans in the summer of 2025.
Arts Scene
Mobile is most definitely an artsy city, and it’s relatively easy to immerse yourself in the arts and culture scene. From perusing art galleries to catching shows at the historic Saenger Theatre, there’s no shortage of art being produced.
Mobile is also a fantastic place for music lovers, especially thanks to programs like the new Sidewalk Sessions, which were created by the Downtown Mobile Alliance. Visitors can enjoy live music on Dauphin Street in downtown Mobile every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night from October through July. Enjoy an eclectic mix of genres and artists as they fill the streets with catchy tunes.
