I visited Mobile, Alabama and ....

It reminded me a lot of Baton Rouge and New Orleans. I had a good visit and plan to return

Downtown: I spent most of my time downtown. I liked that downtown parking was mostly free and the historic architecture and walkability very much reminded me of the French Quarter. I kinda wish there were more shopping options and outdoor attractions on Dauphin St (their Bourbon) and around it but at the same time I enjoy the calm less busy feel of the street. Also I was happy to see little to no beggers and homeless people on the street. Mobile is absolutely much cleaner than NOLA and I know they hate being compared to NOLA but I can't help it ... I'm a Louisiana native

Midtown: Lost Pizza Co. was the highlight of my MIdtown experience and I loved the beautiful historic homes and live oak trees lining some of the streets. I could definitely see myself living here if I ever decide to move to Mobile. I can afford living in Mobile really nice neighborhoods before I could every afford the ones in New Orleans.

Safety: I felt pretty safe but I didn't realize Mobile was so dangerous. People kept telling me to be careful which lead me to do more research where I found out Mobile and New Orleans got more in common than I thought. Mobile crime rate is really high and the ghetto side of Mobile is epically bad (I stayed on the good sides). It always seem the cities with the most culture also have a bunch of chaos and crime ... I guess that's the price you pay if you want "culture"

Food: The food was good, nothing impressive or special. The customer service was top tier and again I was a bit surprised with the prices.

People: You can tell there's a lot of old money in Mobile. Especially among the odd cult-like Mystic Krewe families. Mobile is very segregated like most cities ... not just by race but class as well. I had all positive encounters but nothing really stands out about the people. I was actually a little surprised by the diversity ... ran into some Asian and Hispanic residents. I definitely don't get wild party people like I do with a lot of NOLA residents ... more chill. Also the city doesn't seem to be overwhelmed with liberal hippies that have ruined (and ruining) New Orleans with their weird politics.

Mobile seems to be a city on the rise. The only downfall are the hurricanes and insurance rates b/c of hurricanes but outside of that Mobile is highly desirable for affordability, historic charm, Southern culture, and good weather.