Overall Score
Mobiel – the main seaport of the State of Alabama. It is located on the Bay of Béji: a unique and interesting stretch of the Mabel River and its tributary, the Tenco River. It is home to one of the U.S. Coast Guards bases.
Mobil was founded by the French. In 1702, the colonists under de Banville established a colony called Fort-Louis-de-la-Mobiel. In 1711, after a series of hurricanes and disasters, Mobil was moved to a new location. Until 1720 the town was the capital of Louisiana, and in 1723 it was renamed Fort Conde, in honor of the kings cousin and one of its own ports. In 1763 the city passed to Great Britain, forcing the French population to abandon Mobil. The city became part of the state of Alabama in 1819. During the Civil War there was a battle in 1864 at Mobile Bay, which ended with the victory of the Federalists (Northmen).
Currently, Mobile – an important industrial center where construction, metallurgy, building materials and petroleum industries are concentrated.
Most notable features include the remnants of the Fort Konde, the tallest building in Alabama (the 35-story, 204-foot RSA Battle House Tower) and a 16,000-capacity sports and recreation complex.
Overall Score
- Air quality: 46 US AQI Good. Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
- Tap water: Yes, safe to drink
- Religious government: Non-religious
- Population: 190,000 people
- GDP: $57,808 / year
- Foreigners can own real estate: Yes
- Power outlets: 115V60Hz
- Internet: 47 Mbps
- Best wireless: AT&T
- Pay without cash: Yes, cards OK almost everywhere
- Tipping: How much should I tip at a restaurant? A gratuity of 15 to 20 per cent on top of the bill (before sales tax) is standard, with 25 per cent given for topnotch service. Servers in America work hard for the money – they’re generally friendly, knowledgeable and willing to go the extra mile for customers.
- Apartment listings: Craigslist
- Apartments: Airbnb
- Hotels: Booking.com
- More hotels: Hotels.com
- Best taxi: Uber
- Online electronics shop: Amazon
- Best hospital: University of South Alabama Health System
- Best intl air carrier: United
- Monthly costs for expat: $1600
- Monthly costs for family: $4100
- Monthly costs for local: $1150
- Meal: $8
- Small Cola: $1.4
- Beer 1 Pint: $4
- Coffee: $3
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