Please help! Wondering about relocating, Mobile sounds pretty cool (condos, home)

[dailysounds]

Originally Posted by midtownruth

Unfortunately the living options downtown are pretty slim pickings. There is the Tower on Ryan Park, Mattress Factory Condos/Townhomes, Carriage Works, O'Gywnn, the 2 condos above the Crescent Theatre (think they are asking too much), and a few others. Not sure if there would be anything, don't know your budget. The Tower on Ryan Park is probably your best bet (apartments). Of course, if you don't mind living in a bit of a fringe area, there are quite a few nice old houses surrounding downtown that are fixed up and for sale.

The Market in the Square is the market I always go to. I think there is one out at Municipal Park? Over in Baldwin County (over the bay) there are more roadside markets, and we always stop at Burris Farm Market on the way to the beach.

The Winn Dixie downtown(ish) is about to undergo a make-over, and they will finally do something with that old empty pharmacy. Should be nice.

On a side note, Janinos in midtown has been closed for quite a bit, Port. They are about to re-open as a second Osman's (open for lunch). Can't wait.

When I worked downtown last year I walked around everyday at lunch looking at all the new condos. They go from anywhere around $225,000 - $700,000 for about 1000 to 2000 sq. ft. I couldn't understand it. There is a nice new condo complex on Canal St. in New Orleans that goes for half that, on the edge of the French Quarter. Tower at Ryan Park is about $1000/ month for a 1 bedroom apt.

Callaghan`s is the only place with an Irish Pub feeling that I can think of. I know there is Patty O'tooles on Airport, but that is nothing more than a dirty bar with dollar bills on the walls.

That is great news about Osman's opening a new place. That is a tiny gem of a restaurant, probably the most under-known place in the city.

[oscottscotto]

Originally Posted by dailysounds

When I worked downtown last year I walked around everyday at lunch looking at all the new condos. They go from anywhere around $225,000 - $700,000 for about 1000 to 2000 sq. ft. I couldn't understand it.

No offense to anyone, but who would pay $700k?

Better be of NY-Manhatten quality on top of the Battle House with a personal butler included.

[dailysounds]

Originally Posted by oscottscotto

No offense to anyone, but who would pay $700k?

Better be of NY-Manhatten quality on top of the Battle House with a personal butler included.

My thoughts exactly. I have been perplexed by what I saw for a while. Check this out.

250 Saint Francis Street :: Units

[oscottscotto]

Originally Posted by dailysounds

250 Saint Francis Street :: Units

That is insane. The monthly dues alone are a low mortgage payment.

It would be cool to live downtown (in 10-20 years after Mobile actually gentrifies), but no way would I ever buy into that when I can get a good house for 100k (and no association dues).

[midtownruth]

Thanks for the tips, I know that shrimp place that you are talking about but have never tried it.

Another great place for fresh seafood is Dauphin Island Parkway (DIP) over here near midtown where there are several places.

[UpstateBooster]

Originally Posted by oscottscotto

No offense to anyone, but who would pay $700k?

Better be of NY-Manhatten quality on top of the Battle House with a personal butler included.

I feel the same way about downtown residential real estate pricing. We've got the same thing going on in Greenville, SC. But, there are plenty of moneyed retirees and empty-nesters willing to live downtown here (very liveable, walkable, active downtown 24/7), who keep the prices for downtown living high here.

[spierl1]

That's so weird. There's a similar development in Columbus. Right next to a dive bar, and a block away from an old 'red light district.' Units are listed up to $1 million. I can't fathom who's living in these places.

I guess it depends what happens with my house here, if I will be able to rent or buy down there. But it's good to know some spots either way.

[7spider]

Originally Posted by oscottscotto

That is insane. The monthly dues alone are a low mortgage payment.

It would be cool to live downtown (in 10-20 years after Mobile actually gentrifies), but no way would I ever buy into that when I can get a good house for 100k (and no association dues).

I hear ya ! I wish some of these monied retirees that like to spend their money foolishly would throw it to me,I'll show em how to get a bang for your buck. I just had a nice BBQ/ outdoor fire place made out of brick matching the brick of our house built off my patio and I love it. Good cookouts, fires outside when it's cooler, they can't do none of that in one of those midtown money pits in the snob zones.

[7spider]

Originally Posted by midtownruth

Thanks for the tips, I know that shrimp place that you are talking about but have never tried it.

Another great place for fresh seafood is Dauphin Island Parkway (DIP) over here near midtown where there are several places.

They always have good fresh shrimp and they'll pack em in ice for ya. I'm looking foward to checking out Dauphin Island one of these days. So many new adventures, I love it !

[PortCity]

Originally Posted by dailysounds

My thoughts exactly. I have been perplexed by what I saw for a while. Check this out.

250 Saint Francis Street :: Units

So far 13 units out of 26 are pre sold all ready.