📍 About MOB & Mobile
Mobile Regional Airport (MOB) is located in west Mobile and serves the Gulf Coast with commercial, general aviation, and military traffic. The city of Mobile offers a blend of southern charm, historical roots, and coastal living. With access to beaches, nature, and a walkable downtown, it’s a great spot for both young professionals and families.
🏡 Where to Live
Singles & Couples
- Downtown Mobile – Walkable, bars, cafes, and lofts
- Midtown – Historic homes, local shops, active lifestyle
- West Mobile – Newer developments, short drive to MOB
Families
- Dawes – Quiet suburban area, great for families
- Saraland – Great schools, affordable homes
- Spanish Fort – Across the bay, top-tier schools and shopping
🚗 Commute Times to MOB
- 5–10 min: West Mobile, Dawes
- 15–25 min: Midtown, Saraland
- 30–40 min: Downtown, Spanish Fort
🎓 Top School Districts
- Saraland City Schools: Consistently high-performing district
- Spanish Fort Schools (Baldwin County): Excellent academics and sports
- Mobile County Public Schools: Broad range of programs and magnet options
🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours, Year-Round
- Gulf Shores & Orange Beach: White-sand beaches ~1.5 hours away
- USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park: Military museum and park
- Downtown Mobile: Historic architecture, Mardi Gras parades, local dining
- Mobile Museum of Art & Botanical Gardens: Great for weekend visits
- Day Trips: Pensacola, Dauphin Island, Fairhope
✈️ Nearby Airports
- MOB: Mobile Regional Airport (primary)
- BFM: Mobile International Airport (downtown, future commercial growth)
- PNS: Pensacola International Airport (~1.5 hrs)
🧭 Helpful Resources for Newcomers
🛡️ Crime & Safety + Town Websites
- Safest areas: Saraland, Spanish Fort, West Mobile suburbs
- Watch zones: Some inner-city areas of Mobile (north/downtown)
- Local crime map
💰 Cost of Living
- Median home price: ~$190,000
- 1-bedroom rent: ~$900–$1,100
- Utilities: ~$140–$180/month
- Taxes: Low property tax, no Alabama state tax on federal income
🌆 Neighborhood Highlights
- West Mobile: Close to airport, suburban and convenient
- Saraland: Family-friendly, new homes, great schools
- Spanish Fort: Excellent schools and shopping across the bay
- Midtown: Charming historic homes, local food scene
☀️ Seasonal Weather
- Winter: Mild (50s–60s°F)
- Spring: Warm and breezy, some storms (70s–80s°F)
- Summer: Hot and humid (90s°F+)
- Fall: Pleasant and warm (70s–80s°F)
- Note: Hurricane season from June to November
🚇 Public Transportation & Traffic
- Public transit: Limited (Wave Transit); car strongly recommended
- Traffic: Light to moderate with some downtown congestion
- Parking: Easy and mostly free outside downtown
🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care
- Providence Hospital: Major west side hospital near MOB
- USA Health University Hospital: Downtown academic medical center
- Urgent care: Multiple locations city-wide
🫂 Social Life & Community
- Mardi Gras: America's original Mardi Gras celebration
- Outdoor recreation: Fishing, boating, hiking trails
- Farmers markets: Downtown and west Mobile
🍽️ Dining & Food Scene
- The Noble South: Seasonal southern cuisine
- Dauphin’s: Fine dining with views of Mobile Bay
- Wintzell’s Oyster House: Classic seafood spot
- Callaghan’s Irish Social Club: Food, music, and fun
🛫 ATC-Specific Tips
- Runways: Two intersecting runways, mix of GA and regional flights
- Traffic: Light to moderate, peak activity from Delta, American
- Military: Some military ops due to nearby bases
- Weather: Summer storms and fog can impact visibility
📦 Moving Tips
- Best time to move: Fall or early spring for milder weather
- Utilities: Alabama Power, Mobile Water, and Mediacom/Xfinity
- Storage: Plenty of units in West Mobile and Saraland
❓ FAQs
- How close is the beach?
Gulf Shores is about 1.5 hours away by car - Is Mobile prone to hurricanes?
Yes, the area is coastal, so be prepared each season - Do I need a car?
Yes, driving is the main mode of transportation here