Relocating to Mobile: In addition to Midtown .... (renter, homes)

[Mzurie]

Hi there,

I'm relocating to Mobile. Looking to rent a studio or 1BR in the city. Right now, Midtown looks like a great place for me to target, but are there any other areas in the city that might have a similar vibe (and affordable rent)?

I drove over to the university area, which offers a rich location experience in most cities I've been to, but Mobile seems to be an exception in this regard.

"Affordable rent" = $650 or less for me. Emphasis on the less. If I'm going to pay $650, I'll want to be sure water/sewer included in the rent.

"Similar vibe" = established neighborhood, mixed use, mixed demographics (socio-economic, age, complexion, language, etc.), sidewalks, within two miles of city center, fairly close to a library, grocery store.

Note: I tried looking in the Mobile Maybe? sticky, but it looks like a crime-rate debate has hijacked that thread for many pages (no pun intended), and I don't have the time or patience to dig there for useful intel. So if you're tempted to throw in some crime-related responses to my question, would you please consider placing them in the already-hijacked thread?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Mzurie

[P_Mac]

Midtown is one of the fastest growing areas of the city. Definitely the best feel to it as well, but I think you will be hard pressed to find a space for $650 that is decent. With the housing shortage going on a lot of places worth renting are gone.

What do you mean by "I drove over to the university area, which offers a rich location experience in most cities I've been to, but Mobile seems to be an exception in this regard." I think im just reading it wrong.

I will do some research and see if I can see anything in your range.

[Surge0001]

Unfortunately that might be difficult, as P-Mac has stated, supply has deplete because of the housing shortage (in which Mobile is among the hardest hit ones with very little housing left to be bought)

[Mzurie]

Thanks, P_Mac!

Re: my comment about Mobile's university area. The overall vibe of both the campus (USA specifically) is that of a nice industrial park with the surrounding areas rather generic - no sense of place to me. But maybe I didn't look in the right pockets near the campus? Feel free to quash my first impressions!

I'm also open to renting a bedroom/private bath in someone's home, with communal kitchen and living space, but, you know, the dynamics between homeowner and renter will make or break the experience.

[P_Mac]

Originally Posted by Mzurie

Thanks, P_Mac!

Re: my comment about Mobile's university area. The overall vibe of both the campus (USA specifically) is that of a nice industrial park with the surrounding areas rather generic - no sense of place to me. But maybe I didn't look in the right pockets near the campus? Feel free to quash my first impressions!

I'm also open to renting a bedroom/private bath in someone's home, with communal kitchen and living space, but, you know, the dynamics between homeowner and renter will make or break the experience.

Ok, got ya. Look over near Lavretta Park on Old Shell Road. That's Spring Hill, which is one of the nicer areas of Mobile, but that little pocket has some smaller homes that might fit your range.

For the longest time USA's campus was bleak, and the surrounding areas reflected that. Luckily with the campus being updated with new buildings, new stadium, etc the surronding areas will rise to match it in the coming years.

[Surge0001]

Yes, you are coming at a big time for Mobile, a lot of make over is happening in the city.

[EscAlaMike]

You might consider the Washington Square area - south of Midtown and Government St.

[Mzurie]

Thanks - I'll check it out!