Malibar Heights - Mobile, AL

Due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and the Mississippi River, the city of Mobile first rose to prominence as a shipping and trade center during the 1700s. Though Union forces destroyed and blockaded Mobile's harbor during the Civil War, the end of the war brought a period of economic prosperity to Mobile as ship building and trading flourished. During WWII, product demands increased, despite a diminishing workforce due to the draft. The abundance of jobs created an exponential growth in popularity during the second half of the 1900s, which forced Mobile to grow outwards and develop new neighborhoods like Malibar Heights. Even today, Malibar Heights' primarily houses the working professionals of Mobile.

Unfortunately, Malibar Heights' does not contain a flourishing art scene, nor do any museums make a residence in the neighborhood. However, the downtown History Museum of Mobile does pay tribute to the area's heritage.

Most of Malibar Heights' restaurants cluster around the intersection of South University Boulevard and Cottage Hill Road, including Meat Boss BBQ. This establishment serves authentic American barbecue dishes such as beef brisket and Boston pork butt, though many patrons recommend a mix between the two. Chose from variety of spices available to top the sandwich, including jalapeno and sweet & sour sauce. Don't forget to order Meat Boss's delectably tangy potato salad as a side dish.

It gets hot during Mobile's summers, and when residents of Malibar Heights need to cool off, they know right where to turn: the Big Time Diner. This classic establishment serves handspun milkshakes and a large selection of traditional southern comfort foods. Patrons often recommend the scrumptious macaroni and cheese.

Most residents of Malibar Heights leave the neighborhood on nights out, and because of this, no bars operate within the neighborhood's limits. The adjacent neighborhoods, however, hold a handful of nightlife destinations and laidback bars. Lucky Pub and Grill sits as a traditional Irish bar on Airport Road. The pub serves up classic Irish dishes, including Reubens and corned beef and cabbage. Order some Scotch eggs and a beer to wash it down, and find your meal delivered by a barmaid dressed in a traditional kilt.

Few dispute driving as the easiest means of transportation around Malibar Heights. Several major roads and interstates service the community, including Government Boulevard and I-65. Free street-side parking exists in the residential areas of Malibar Heights, though it can be difficult to find in the small commercial zone towards the southern side of the neighborhood. Uber does not currently operate in Mobile, though several taxi services operate in its place and regularly frequent the commercial areas of Malibar Heights. Furthermore, routes 12 and 18 of Mobile's public transportation system, the Wave, pass through the community on a regular basis.

Due to low traffic levels in most of Malibar Heights, walkers and bikers face minimal risk traveling around the neighborhood. However, no dedicated biking lanes exist in the neighborhood, so cyclists must maintain situational awareness.

Only one park exists within Malibar Heights borders, fittingly called Malibar Heights Park. This small park contains only open green space and a playground. Though residents regularly walk to the park, often with their dogs, the park's small size and lack of amenities has kept it from blossoming into a community center. Malibar Heights Park charges no admission fee.

Just across the neighborhood's western border sits Cottage Hill Park. This large park centers around a sporting complex containing football, baseball, softball, soccer, and tennis facilities. The park features playgrounds, picnic areas, and an extensive walking path. Outside of sporting events, few publicly held events occur on a regular basis at Cottage Hill Park.

Cost of living in Malibar Heights typically rates lower than Mobile's city average. For instance, a one-bedroom residence may charge a rent of only $545 in Malibar Heights, compared to a citywide average of $650. Food, dining, and entertainment venues also price their services at slightly lower levels; a beer at one of the pub's near Malibar Heights costs only $3. Gas prices in Malibar Heights often rate 2 percent lower than the city average and as much as 12 percent lower than a national average. Because Mobile's public transportation system, the Wave, charges a set fee of $1.25 per ride, cost of public transport from Malibar Heights is one of the few areas the community does not cost less than a citywide average.

Though most of Malibar Heights' stores are multinational chains, a handful of locally owned high-value boutiques populate the southern sections of the neighborhood. One of Malibar Heights' most beloved shops is the Emporium. This home decor shop rightfully declares itself a "unique shopping experience." Besides its huge collection of vintage homewares and accessories, the staff also lets a dog freely roam the store. The employees of the Emporium actively work to pair the customer with products that match their style, which lends the store a warm and inviting atmosphere.

A Walmart and the Saigon Supermarket both fill Malibar Heights' grocery needs. For fresher produce, residents of the neighborhood must travel a few minutes east to the weekly Farmers Market of Mobile.