Looking For a Retirement Deal? Maybe Make It Mobile

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MobileEditor’s Note: Recently, MoneyWise revealed its list of the 40 most frugal and friendly places to retire. In a bid to provide an idea of what housing inventory is available in these cities and towns, we’re taking a look at listings in each of the cities on the list.

Not everyone can spend $1 million or more on a second home, even if it’s with the idea that eventually you’ll retire there. So when MoneyWise’s list of 40 places to retire that are more budget-friendly came out, we were curious — what kind of homes could you find in these towns?

Last week, we looked at the 32nd city on the list — Overland Park, Kansas. This week, we look at Mobile, Alabama, and found three great homes — all for less than $500,000.

“Mobile offers inexpensive living and a mild, temperate climate. The median household income is $38,000,” MoneyWise wrote. “Winters are rainy and summers are hot and humid, making the town a perfect retirement getaway from snowier areas.”

“The city’s 18 major health care centers include a hospital and two nursing homes.”

Want to see examples of what you can find in Mobile? Jump with us, won’t you?

Budget-Friendly Condo With Loads of Charm

Cost: $89,900

If you’re looking to downsize and also want plenty of travel budget available, this one-bedroom, one-bath condo in the historic Summerville Court is just the ticket.

“This unit was remodeled a few years ago and is move-in ready condition,” said listing agent Lydia Blackwell with Re/Max Realty Professionals. “The living room is quite spacious with beautiful hardwood floors.”

Just off the living room is a small dining room that leads to an updated kitchen with granite, tile floors, and built-in appliances.

The owners retained the period-perfect basket weave floor tile, and a generous tub and a vanity provide just enough room for one or two.

Outside this top-floor condo, a large balcony is accessed by French doors, with views of the crepe myrtles lining the street.

The complex is secure, Blackwell said, with gated access, security cameras, and a license plate reader at the gate.

“The pool is lovely along with a wonderful clubhouse and fitness room,” she added.

Adorable One-Story Cottage Perfect for the Right-Sizer

Cost:$210,000

While Mobile doesn’t get frigid, you can still appreciate a good, working fireplace, and the one in this adorable two-bedroom, one-bath cottage is in good working order.

And with 1,663 square feet of living space, it’s perfect for someone who wants a little more room than our first option, but a little less than the four-bedroom golf course home we’ll be showing you next.

There are plenty of living spaces, too — a living room opens to a dining room, and there is a sunroom as well, boasting the original windows.

 

The kitchen has been tricked out with granite counters, solid cherry dovetailed cabinets, a five-burner gas stove, and stainless steel appliances.

High ceilings, plenty of windows, and refinished floors make this home feel airy and bright. And outside, a pergola, deck, and beautiful landscaping (with sprinkler system) create a backyard oasis.

The home is listed by Whitley Norman Yarbrough with Real Living Norman Realty.

Golf Course Home With Room for Guests

Cost: $445,000

Want more room to host kids and grandkids? Want the golf course life? This four-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath Traditional in sought-after Heron Lakes is perfect.

Located on the eighth hole of the Heron Lakes Country Club, the home feels large and spacious from the two-story foyer through the entire 3,326 square feet.

High ceilings, custom trim, and heavy crown moldings throughout the home, as well as the beautiful columns, arched doorways, and the coffered living room ceiling speak to luxury — but for a really budget-friendly price.

The gourmet kitchen is open to the living room and breakfast area, and is full of custom cabinetry, granite counters, tile flooring with inlaid granite, built-in oven, a gas cooktop, and ice machine. It also boasts a walk-in pantry and a butler’s pantry.

Plenty of living space is available, too — formal living and dining, a study with library paneling, and more, plus a fireplace creates a perfect focal point.

“The master suite is a dream,” said listing agent Melanie Susman with Roberts Brothers. “There ’s a lovely bedroom, a spa-like bathroom with double vanities, garden tub, and a steam shower. The master closet is huge, and connects to the laundry room!”

One staircase leads to two bedrooms with a Jack and Jill bath, and a second staircase leads to a fourth bedroom and bath.

Outside, not only do you have a two-car garage, but you also have a golf cart garage. In the backyard, a large lanai covers a patio and pool with fountain.

Bethany Erickson

Bethany Erickson