Moving to Mobile? Azalea City is not only the oldest in the state—it’s also considered to be one of the best places to live in Alabama. Check out these top five safe, affordable neighborhoods in Mobile!
Berkleigh
- Home Price: $173,800 median purchase price; $869 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 75% of Alabama cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Situated right in the heart of West Mobile, Berkleigh offers close proximity to a variety of restaurants, fun activities, and more! Residents living in this safe, affordable neighborhood can enjoy the outdoors at nearby green spaces and parks, or go for walks along shaded streets. Homes in this affordable Mobile neighborhood come in a variety of styles—including Georgian, Craftsman, and Colonial Revival. Families with children can send them to schools like E.R. Dickson Elementary and WP Davidson High School for a well-rounded education. And those who work in the medical field can find jobs in Mobile at nearby Ascension Providence Hospital.
Things to Do in Berkleigh
Check out your favorite books, take the kids to Storytime, or join the all-ages Chess Club at West Regional Library. Lace up your roller skates to speed around the rink, or play arcade games at Sunshine Skate Center. Find family fun in Mobile and bounce around on inflatable indoor playgrounds during Open Jump at Pump It Up. Walk on trails, play tennis, or bring the kids for fun on the splash pad and the playground at Medal of Honor Park. Pick up donuts like French Toast, Lemon Poppy, Chocolate Glazed, or Strawberry Glazed to go with your morning coffee at Sugar Rush Donut Company. Feast on delicious Thai food in Mobile like Thai Spaghetti, Pad Woonsen, or Pad Thai at Benja’s Thai & Sushi. Order a Burning Man Roll, White Winter Roll, Rainbow Roll, or Green Dragon Roll at See-Wee-Roll. Or dig in to Mexican dishes like Taco Soup, a Burrito Supreme, or Tacos de Carne Asada at La Cocina.
Carlen
- Home Price: $142,700 median purchase price; $899 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 74% of Alabama cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
Located in the heart of Midtown Mobile, Carlen is a fantastic area for anyone wanting to live near the city center without the hustle and bustle. Not only can you get anywhere in Mobile in about 20 minutes by car, but Carlen is also one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Mobile, making it perfect for active residents who like to go for walks or jogs. Tree-lined streets frame diverse housing options like Ranch, Colonial, and cozy Craftsman-style homes. Parents living in this Mobile neighborhood can send their little ones to Ashland Place Preschool and teens to Murphy High School—where they can participate in the Early College Program, International Baccalaureate Program, and more.
Things to Do in Carlen
Attend performances or audition for productions of plays and musicals at Alabama’s oldest-running community theatre, Joe Jefferson Playhouse. Enroll your family in kids and adult ballet classes at the Sheffield School of the Dance – Midtown. Stay fit with circuit strength training, boxing drills, and more at Dexter’s Fitness Center & Hope Boxing Academy. Catch some sun rays at the dog park, play on the playground with your little ones, or set up a picnic in a pavilion at Public Safety Memorial Park. Start your morning with a Bacon, Egg, and Gouda Bagel Sandwich, Nutella’n Me Waffle, or a Muffin and Coffee to go at Soul Caffeine. Taste fresh seafood dishes like Snow Crab, Oysters, Catfish, Bay Scallops, and more at Mudbugs at the Loop. Find authentic Mexican dishes like Torta Campechana, Bariachi Burrito, or Steak Fajita Quesadilla at Bariachi Mexican Kitchen. Or enjoy a Pulled Pork Sandwich, Shrimp Dinner, or Duci Burger at Bar-B-Quing with My Honey.
Central Business District
- Home Price: $198,700 median purchase price; $479 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 86% of Alabama cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Also known as Downtown Mobile, the Central Business District has no shortage of things to do—and as the city’s most walkable neighborhood, this area has shopping, entertainment, fantastic restaurants, and nightlife all within walking distance. The Central Business District is also known for its historic architecture, great views of the picturesque Mobile River Waterfront, and its southern hospitality. For housing options, you’ll find everything from small single-family homes to condos and modern apartments. If you have children, you can enroll them at nearby schools like Howard Elementary School, Calloway-Smith Middle School, Barton Academy, and Dunbar Creative and Performing Arts Magnet School. And since Mobile, AL is the birthplace of Mardi Gras, Central Business District residents are in the middle of the action for multiple Mobile Mardi Gras events.
Things to Do in Central Business District
Walk through both permanent and rotating exhibits on topics ranging from local history to space exploration at the History Museum of Mobile. Stroll through the park or relax by the fountain in historic Bienville Square. See over 300 years of Carnival and Mardi Gras history in galleries, a pictorial hallway, and a theater at the Mobile Carnival Museum. Make your way through the Hands-on Hall, Curiosity Factory, Wharf of Wonder, and more at the Exploreum Science Center. Try Sunny Avocado Toast, Bananas Foster French Toast, or Blackened Shrimp & Cheese Grits with Andouille Sausage for brunch in Mobile at Spot of Tea. Fill up on Country-Fried-Steak, Hot MAMA Chicken, Chopped Steak with Onions, and other Southern comfort foods at Mama’s On Dauphin. Check out the Radiatore Pasta, Wagyu Brisket, or Smoked Tuna Salad Sandwich at The Noble South. Or devour made-from-scratch options like Blackened Chicken Tacos, the Mobillionaire Burger, and Seafood Gumbo at Bob’s Downtown.
Parkhill
- Home Price: $307,633 median purchase price; $703 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 90% of Alabama cities
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Parkhill is a cozy neighborhood with an enchanting old-world charm, and one of the safest neighborhoods in Mobile. Many residents are active in the community, and there are plenty of opportunities to mingle at events like the Greater Gulf State Fair—which happens every fall! Potential homeowners will find lovely and affordable cottages and ranches with simple gardens. There are also plenty of outdoor activities available at public parks, particularly with Mobile’s Charles Wood Japanese Garden being a focal point of the area. And the neighborhood’s proximity to the University of South Alabama and Spring Hill College make it perfect for anyone pursuing higher education.
Things to Do in Parkhill
Sign up for a Poetry Class, attend Sketch Club in the Gardens, or wander through lush gardens featuring flowers, trees, and other plants at the Mobile Botanical Gardens. Attend Art Talks or see exhibits on local Contemporary Art, European Art, and more at the Mobile Museum of Art. Check out Playhouse in the Park to see performances of shows like Dracula and Babes in Toyland—or have your kids learn acting basics through the Playhouse Actors Studio. Become a member at The Country Club of Mobile to access three different 9-hole courses, or play a full 18 holes at the public Azalea City Golf Course. Sample Beef Flautas, Mexican Pork Chops, Chicken Yucatan, or Huevos Con Chorizo at Agave Mexican Restaurant. Get your fill of Mediterranean dishes like Curry Chicken, Lebanese Kebbi, Greek Moussaka, and more at Abba Mediterranean Cafe. Sip Egg Drop Soup before chowing down Roast Pork Fried Rice, Singapore Chow Mei Fun, or Empire Chicken at Chef King. Or explore Middle Eastern meals like the Lamb Shank, a Shawarma Dinner Platter, or Krass Pastry Plate at Jerusalem Cafe.
Saraland
- Home Price: $135,600 median purchase price; $865 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 72% of Alabama cities
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
Saraland is a charming suburb of Mobile with a friendly community, safe streets, and budget-friendly Ranches, making it a perfect place to settle down. Residents can get to know their neighbors by attending fun community events like the Saraland Farmers Market, Mistletoe Market, and annual Mardi Gras events hosted by Saraland’s own Krewe of Sparta. For retirees, the Saraland Senior Center provides opportunities for exercise, taking classes, and socializing. Families with children will find excellent education near Mobile with Saraland Elementary, Saraland Middle School, and Saraland High School. And for those interested in pursuing higher education, the University of Mobile is about 13 minutes away!
Things to Do in Saraland
Pack a lunch and cool off in the summer with the family at the Saraland Town Center Park & Splash Pad. Groove to the music and cruise around the rink during public skating times, or attend events like Late Skate and Adult Skate at Rambo’s Skateland. Join the North Mobile Book Club or bring your little one to Preschooler Storytime at the Saraland Public Library. Glimpse migrating birds like the common yellowthroat, summer tanager, or prothonotary warbler while strolling the trails and boardwalks or sitting in the picnic pavilions at William Brooks Park. Select pastries like Cinnamon Rolls, Apple Fritters, Donut Holes, or Sausage Kolaches to go with your morning cup of coffee at Lickin Good Donuts. Munch on a Loaded Baked Potato, Fried Fish Fillets, a Rib Plate, or an Old Fashion Hamburger at Stoney’s Bar-B-Que. Start with Reuben Rolls before digging into a Shepherd’s Pie, St. Patty Melt, or Corned Beef & Cabbage at Lucky Irish Pub & Grill. Or order Shrimp Chop Suey, Roast Pork Egg Foo Young, or Mongolian Beef at China Chef Restaurant.
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Neighborhood and suburb statistics from AreaVibes
