What's going on in Mobile, AL (Daphne, Section: relocate, condos, income)

[bhalpin]

I posted a reply earlier but we own a home in Daphne and are thinking of moving back however, what is the employment market doing or what is the new stuff that is coming into Mobile. We heard about a new steel mill and a racetrack amusement park. Also does anyone know if any kids play youth ice hockey. I think the p'cola is the closest. Please reply so we can make a decision to sell or move back. My husband will retire w/ 25 years in the USMC and his degree is human resources. Thanks so much.

[boca2]

can anyone tell me about a mega metal shredder recycling plant in Mobile? thanks

[Island Time]

Lots of exciting things going on . . . . suggest you look up last Sunday's Mobile Register (now the Press-Register) Business Section- the new Airbus plant will mean 2,000 high-paying jobs, plus all of the suppliers that will be setting up business here.

As you mentioned, with the steel plant, NASCAR track and other things in the works, it is an exciting time to be in south Alabama.

Don't know if you've been to Daphne lately, but there has been a lot of growth and development. You'll probably be surprised to be greeted with the site of a Bass Pro Shop as you exit I-10.

Although I am a former Midwesterner, I can't help with the hockey thing- sorry!

[bhalpin]

I am excited about the airbus coming in. What is the port of Mobile doing, any new cruise ships or anything? We are planning to visit either this fall or next spring. I can't wait. Thanks, Brenda ALSO if anyone reading this knows anything new please let me know.

[ccm2000]

We still only have the one Carnival cruise ship but there have been talks of getting a second ship and potentially getting a larger Carnival ship to replace the holiday. One problem with getting the larger ship was the turn basin which is about to be expanded according to the paper today. The port seems to be as busy and picking up pace. A major shipping company International Shipholding) relocated to Mobile from New Orleans recently. Their offices are located in the new RSA tower.

[RedEagle]

The new container cargo terminal at the docks should come on-line this year and will mean a major boost in tonnage. From what I understand, the new turn basin will be south of the cruise terminal and built in order to allow larger container ships into port. Will cruise ships be able to use a basin south of the terminal? I kinda doubt it. For larger cruise ships, I don't see why they can't widen the current basin...unless it's the money factor.

[unstoppablemobile]

Right now Mobile is ranked #1 (forbes) as the city with best job/income growth in America for the next 5 years. In laymens terms, Mobile's leaders got the infrastructure in place (the docks being the big boy of em) that IS NOW ramping up the economic growth in the city. Many who say they cant find good paying jobs simply are not looking. My neighbor moved with me to Mobile from Atlanta and he got a good job at a downtown manufacturer in 8 days for $17 an hour. Too many people are stuck in the retail/service industry mindset of low wage jobs. If your willing to take a trade or work entry level in labor related field, then you can get huge opportunities in the shipyards/state docks/Brookley area.

A trade magazine for economic development put Mobile at the verge of adding over 55,000 jobs over the next 7 years.. and most of those will pay over $35,000 annually according to their report with over 73,000 moving into Mobile in that same period. Personally I think Mobile could literally see its population double in 7 to 10 years as if the economy continues to worsen, people will flock to cities that have job opportunities as Mobile is becomming almost recession-proof. Many naysayers will disagree with me, but when you do your homework as I have on economic growth, youll see where Mobile right now is just getting its first sip from the massive glass of economic explosion thats starting to happen. Mark my words, by 2010, Mobile is going to be racing light speed ahead. Thats why I went ahead and got back 5 years earlier than scheduled, so I can get a home before everyone else says.. ON TO MOBILE and you have to get the scraps left.

[unstoppablemobile]

Originally Posted by RedEagle

The new container cargo terminal at the docks should come on-line this year and will mean a major boost in tonnage. From what I understand, the new turn basin will be south of the cruise terminal and built in order to allow larger container ships into port. Will cruise ships be able to use a basin south of the terminal? I kinda doubt it. For larger cruise ships, I don't see why they can't widen the current basin...unless it's the money factor.

Yup! Increasing the cargo capacity by a factor of TEN Will most surely help the economy all around. And I see where they are already looking preliminarly at Deer Point for yet another 1.6 million container per year facility! So if that happens, Mobile will go from 76,000 container capacity per year to over 2.4 million in less than 7 or 8 years... WOW!

[oscottscotto]

I love reading these posts ... as I plan to move back to my hometown of Mobile within 2 years and "plan to" open up my own store downtown.

[Keeper]

Looks like that is a good plan, as Mobile is booming right now. They are building condos and lofts from some of the old downtown buildings. So cool, I think kids today have missed out not having a downtown..