Good areas for NY freespirit in the Mobile/gulf area? (Jackson: condos, houses)

[Fyrecat]

Hi,
My fiance and I will be marrying early next year. I am born/raised in NY, and he is from the Mobile/Gulf area.
He is willing to relocate up here-he's a chef, so doesn't have a difficult time finding work. However, to be honest, the cost of living here is becoming ver difficult, and I am really giving some thought to moving to the Mobile area.
I'm a 'free spirit', I work as a substance abuse counselor, paint, am a 'struggling artist' and love what New York has to offer by way of many restaurants, theatre, and museums.
I like the idea of living near the water, and I am wondering if there are areas that are more open to new people than others, and that are safe. We don't have children, but we do want to live in an area that is friendly. I am also wondering how I can find out about what sort of non construction jobs are open there...I am checking out the hospitals, as I thought maybe they'd have more open with what I do.

Has anyone any ideas regarding relocation to specific areas, and has anyone relocated from NY or the East coast to the area?

Thank you much in advance,
Fyrecat

[downtowndoll]

Sounds like you guys are perfect candidates to live in the cool downtown condos of Mobile! Midtown is very friendly; compared to NY, I'm sure you would live pretty well. More people are moving downtown and there have been quite a few from New Orleans, just in my midtown neighborhood. There is an art scene that has art walks downtown each month. Come check it out.

If I didn't have children, I would maybe look into living in De Tonti Square district, which is one of the oldest residential districts. It's so quiet. You are within 3 blocks of Mardi Gras- friends can easily get to your house as well. We renovated a home there and really liked it. The only downside is all downtown areas (east of Broad) can flood during a Cat. 4/5 hurricane. A huge flood hasn't happened yet , although there was flooding during Katrina several blocks in, but it could. Many houses are on piers about 3-4 feet off the ground, but I know that once it was forecast during Ivan to get to 11 feet on Jackson Street! It didn't, because they can't predict exactly how it will hit.
Mobile is definitely growing and I'm so excited by it! And to be surrounded by water and get out in your boat is awesome.

[Keeper]

I have to agree Midtown would be a good area. Older homes under hugh oak trees.
Check out the state employment link for jobs.
joblink.alabama.gov.
You can also check al.com for the Mobile press register for jobs.