Looking For a Retirement Deal? Maybe Make It Mobile
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Editor’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.
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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.