Moving to Mobile, Good areas to live outside of town. (Daphne: apartment, rentals)

[junbug]

I'm starting the research process for moving to Mobile. I currently live in Michigan and will be relocating to AL in about 2 months. My new job will be at the Battle House and I'm wondering if anyone has some suggestions on places to live outside of the downtown area.

I grew up in a rural farm area and don't like alot of hustle and bustle where I live. I currently commute 25 minutes to work everyday and have commuted up to an hour in the past. Travel time does not bother me, I would love to find a home for rent or a nice apartment/townhome. The ones I have found online so far have not been that promising.

What are the nice suburb areas to live in around the area? Any other info would be very helpful!

[southernnaturelover]

Look in Satsuma, or if you like a rural type area look around Creola.

[exotic]

check out www.vrbo.com and look under alabama. You should be able to find something suitable there.

[junbug]

Thanks for the idea about VRBO but those are mostly vacation rentals and I need something a little more long term.

I suppose I should give a little more information about myself so native mobilians can help me better.

I'm single, no children, 31 year old female. Looking for a 1 to 2 bedroom home for rent, or a townhome in a nice area. I will.. as I have said, be working at the Battle House, something close to this would be nice but I'd also like to feel as though I can get "away" from where I work. I'm going into this move completly blind in a sense, and any info would be great. I have been to Bham, and to Dega but have never been to Mobile.

Is fairhope too much of a retirement town for a 31 year old? I guess I want something close, but not too much traffic or noise.

Also, what do most people in the area think of the Battle House and it's spa?

Thanks for everyones suggestions so far! ROLL TIDE!

[arboc]

Try to find something in West Mobile out past Schillinger Road. Once you get out that way it becomes more rural and there are plenty of retail places close so you don't have to drive too far to get what you need. The commute into town might take some time, but the distance is not that bad.

[Keeper]

How about looking in Baldwin county if you want rural feeling. Spanish Fort is near the interstate and you could make it downtown most days in 30 minutes if you are close to the interstate. You could also check out Loxely as it is close to the interstate. Daphne is also a nice area but may be a little longer drive depending on your work hours

Fairhope is a lovely town but your commute would be way more than 30 minutes. Being young and single, I am not sure Fairhope would have enough to interest you.

[junbug]

Thanks so far for everyone's responses.

[oscottscotto]

Based on what you said, I think you would be happy in Saraland or Satsuma. It is small and rural ... and an easy ride down I-65 and I-165 to Downtown. Spanish Fort would also be an option, and is right up I-10 across the bay from downtown. Someone suggested West Mobile - out past Schillengers Road. That area is semi-rural (although growing very fast), and it is nice, but it would be a hellish commute to downtown. There is no highway to take, but instead you would have to use crowded city-streets (most likely Airport Blvd, Cottage Hill, or 90/Government). And War Eagle, by the way.

[pixiepony]

I wouldn't want to do fairhope to Mobile, although a lovely town and not "old" at all. We are a young couple (28/29) and would love Fairhope. But you'd be coming up 98 and hitting lots of lights. In prime traffic, that would add a bit to your commute. However, Daphne and Spanish Fort are super easy access to 10 and nice areas. My last post was lost....So I will recap. Your rental funds will depend on Baldwin or Mobile Counties. Baldwin is slightly higher than Mobile tends to be. So if your funds are tight you may want to stick with MObile... Good thing is your just renting, so if you find an area you like much more than you pick now, you can always move when the lease goes up!!!Good Luck with your move!! Most people love it here. I'm one of the weirdos trying to move away!!

[WorknFires]

I suggest Stapleton in Baldwin County. I grew up on the rural outskirts of Mobile but the outskirts 40 years ago are now city. LOL I live in West Mobile but I own land in Stapleton in the hopes of being able to retire there and go back to a more rural living. It's just south of Bay Minette, AL. The only negative for me is that it has a volunteer fire service (You can tell from my name I'd probably prefer a paid service but they do have a very quick response!) It would only be about 30 mins from the Battle House. Even though city employees get a discount to stay at the Battle House, I've never stayed there. What's the point? I live 5 mins away. You'll deal with tourists mostly I'm guessing except for Mardi Gras. There is supposed to be a lovely restaurant in the Battle House that I keep meaning to try. They profiled it in the paper but I just haven't had a chance. Tell the Battle House they could've at least hired a fire alarm company with a toll free number. LOL Good Luck on your move and .... Roll Tide!!