I was born and raised in Mobile, and now live in Chickasaw, which is in north Mobile County.
We had a WoodCraft store but it went out of business. No clubs that I know of. Harbour Freight is about it. (We got some nice Cigar stores, though).
Colleges:
Big: University of South Alabama, Springhill College, University of Mobile.
Community: Faulkner State, Bishop State
Best place to buy acreage is either west Mobile close to Mississippi (Wilmer, Semmes, Tanner Williams). Decent prices, lots available. For the most part only significant codes are when you buy in a neighborhood.
You can also go accross the bay into Baldwin County and buy some land, too.
Some good job oportunities depending what you do. We have two (2) seasons, Summer and Winter. Winter is usually scheduled on January 12th from noon till three.
Mobile usually receive the highest annual rainfall of any city in the continental US (average of 67") and still have a draught in the summer.
Mobile is home to the Original Mardi Gras. We had it before New Orleans. It's slightly more family friendly that N.O.'s celebration. Entertainment is rather limited year round, but we do have the occasional Fest, fair and festival (best is shrimp festival). We are within an hours driving distance of Gulf Shores Alabama and the Casino's in South Mississippi.
GREAT seafood, good looking ladies (when I can look without my wife catching me), and for the most part friendly people.
One thing: If you move to Alabama, you will be REQUIRED to become either a Bama fan or an Auburn fan. You do not have the option of being ambivalent. Down here a 'mixed marriage' involves a graduate from each school. Iron Bowl day is a state holiday (well, maybe not on paper, but if you happen to die and are buried on a particular weekend in November, you better be able to get yourself to the grave because you won't find 6 guys to carry you. At least one engagement was ended because the bride-to-be picked Iron Bowl Saturday for her nuptuals.)
Anything else you need to know, just ask.
