West Mobile area (Daphne, Saraland, Hamilton: apartments, crime, houses)

[arboc]

Hi, my wife recently accepted a job at USA and we now have to move to Mobile. I was wondering if anyone had any info on the West Mobile/Airport area for a place to buy a house. Maybe somewhere around Jeff Hamilton Road or Seven Hills Drive. I've been reading these forums for a while now and decided to post this question. I've read where some say that Mobile isn't safe, but I was hoping that this area is safer than being in the middle of downtown. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[arboc]

Anyone?

Looking at Google Earth, it looks like it's a more rural area where you would have to drive a few miles to get to some stores.

[jtla]

I'm sorry no one has responded to you. I don't know much at all about Mobile. I hope someone answers.

[Figment 07]

Until you get some good local replies, there is a wealth of statistical information you can get right here on the City-Data site by scrolling down this page: Mobile

And if you haven't already done a City-Data search for previous discussions on Mobile, try this link: Click here!

Hopefully that will give you enough background info until some of our current or former LA (Lower Alabama) residents reply.

[duncan st clair]

Google Maps Maryknoll subdivision .It's on Hillcrest about 3 miles from USA.

[Keeper]

Mobile like a lot of cities has safe areas and not so safe areas. The area around the Loop has seen revitalization recently and is considered a good neighborhood. Sorry I don't know a lot about the different subdivisions out around the airport but I can tell you traffic is a nightmare on airport blvd at all times of the day at least when I visit my family that has been the case. You really should contact a realtor to help you find a neighborhood that meets your requirements. My Dad lived around Springhill area which was safe. I do hope you get some more replies from people who live in Mobile now.

[arboc]

Thanks for the replys. The info about Airport road will be very helpful. We've been in contact with a realtor down there and are planning a visit in June. It's just so hard to tell what an area will be like without seeing it in person.

[wildchildboutique]

Hey there, we live on the other side of the bay in Spanish Fort so I have some info for you about the area. We've been here about 3 years and moved here from Atlanta. I'de be glad to answer any questions for you.

I can only offer what I've learned driving around and shopping and doing activities in the area, I don't have old school knowledge that many others can offer, but I'll share what I've got

Unfortunately I don't have a ton of info about the neighborhoods over there as I live on the other side of the bay. It generally takes me about 30 minutes(middle of the day) to get over to W Mobile near the airport. There are some new shopping areas going in, Kohl's, Super Target, Sonny's & Chilis. There is a movie theater and several strip malls that are newer in that area of Schillinger/Airport Road. Then you have the older ones on the next block like Hobby Lobby/Walmart(trashy)/Kmart, etc. That intersection is very congested.

I do everything with my 2 younger kids and my opinion on crime is that you can pretty much know where to go and not go if you know what I mean. I've never seen anything or had problems personally.

The area of Mobile is pretty dull as far as family activities, my biggest complain, no outdoor activites except festivals. You have to make your own schedule here, things just don't jump out at you.

As far as traffic goes, yes Airport Blvd is congested, a very busy street with a lot of traffic lights. You do have a good mall there at I-65/Airport so that causes a lot of congestion.

If it's possible I would recommend the Spring Hill area of Mobile or moving across the bay to Daphne/Spanish Fort. The majority of people we meet in Mobile want to move over here. The schools are great in my area, but I don't have info about Mobile except there are a lot of private schools. I don't care too much for most of the people I meet in Mobile, a lot of them just don't take care of themselves as much as I am used to coming from ATL where everyone is business minded and working.

Good luck, I am sure if she speaks to people at USA that they can advise her on where to live that has a decent commute.

Biloxi is probably 45 minutes from Mobile if you like to go to casinos, it's fun.

[arboc]

Thanks, that's some good info. Yeah, the people at USA just said to get a place above Spring Hill because the elevation goes up from there. Every time I see a house we like I immediately check a topo map to see how high above sea level it is. We gave the eastern shore some thought but my wife doesn't really want to make the drive. Where we are at right now in KY, she has to drive 30 miles to work everyday and she hates it. When we visit down there, we'll definitely check out the Spring Hill area. It's just that most of the houses we've seen online that we really like have been in the West Mobile/Airport area.

[DeltaBelle1978]

I'm not sure exactly what you are looking for but in my opinion you would be better off looking into moving to the Saraland or Satsuma area. It would keep you out of all of the conjestion of Airport Blvd. If you move to the Spring Hill area she will fight traffic getting to and from work. The closer you move to Mobile City the more conjested you get. I have lived in Saraland and Satsuma all my life. I believe these are safe citys. Esepecially Satsuma. They are in the process of connecting West Mobile to Saraland with a four lane highway which will make it even easier. There is already another way to get there that takes about 15 minutes. (to the Collage). These are safe areas for sure.

If that doesn't sound good University Blvd., Hillcrest, some of Jeff Hamilton is alright if you arn't around the apartments. Cottage Hill Rd. We recomend buying west of I-65 which is out of Downtown Mobile. This area is mostly middle class. I know you'll find the right area for yall. (I'm country) Mobile County is funny you have a good neighborhood, go a mile and you have a bad area. Overall Mobile is a good place to live. ITS NOT THAT BAD. Its like everywhere else, better than most. Look at the houses in the West Mobile/Airport area and check out the surrounding area. There are plenty of places to shop and eat in West Mobile. I do recomend it over Mobile City limits.