Owens

Just over a mile away from the colorful old-world charm of Downtown Mobile and just north of the Old Dauphin Way Historic District is the suburb of Owens. Residents are close to all the action while enjoying the quiet serenity of suburbia.

Despite not technically being a part of the historic district, this neighborhood is home to its fair share of charming older homes. Shotgun homes are the dominant style of the area, with Gothic revival features adding character to the houses. You'll notice ornate wrought-iron columns and lattice fences reminiscent of New Orleans' French Quarter, giving the area a unique, kitschy look. Craftsman-style cottages are also in the area, made from rich brick and featuring hipped roofs and sturdy white columns. Home prices in the neighborhood range from $40,000 to $167,000.

Children in the area attend Florence Howard Elementary School. Next, kids attend Calloway-Smith Middle School, named after two beloved Mobile educators. Dr. Samuel T. Calloway, Jr. worked as a math and science teacher for almost a decade and then became an assistant principal. Bishop Smith was a pillar of the community, serving as the president of the Alabama State NAACP and a member of the board of directors of Commonwealth Bank, Gulf Federal Bank, Dearborn YMCA, United Fund of Mobile County, America's Junior Miss Program and the Mobile Chamber of Commerce. Teenagers attend Murphy High School, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. The oldest school in Alabama, the school has been around since 1852, initially as Barton Academy.

At the southern end of the neighborhood sits the Springhill Recreation Center, where locals can get moving at an indoor fitness center and a multipurpose community space. The nearby Tricentennial Park's focal point is the large, glittering Day Lake around which is a looping lighted half-mile walking path. Visitors can enjoy scenic views while strolling along the water, perhaps with their canine companions. The park also features a splash pad, playground, pavilions and grills. There's a pier for fishing and a kayak launch for a day on the water, where you may spot local wildlife like turtles and alligators. The Dearborn YMCA is also nearby, with plenty of programming for young people and adults.

There's perks to living right next door to Downtown. Museums, boutiques and fantastic restaurants are all just a stone's throw away. The Cheese Cottage is one such restaurant. They partner with local farms and creameries, serving a variety of cheeses in charcuterie boards and as accompaniments for appetizers and sandwiches. The popular bar, BoHaydens, was dreamt up by college buddies Beau and Hayden. The bar features live music, game nights, karaoke, trivia and an outdoor patio. Where can you find American Rosewood furniture from the 1850s and porcelain from Imperial Russia? At Olde Mobile Antiques Gallery, of course! The antique shop offers a vast and fascinating selection of quality antique furniture, opulent accent pieces, fine art and select collectibles. Locals can explore the over 15,000-square-foot building for treasures that will add a unique character to their home. Co-owners Greg Reynolds and Charles Parmenter hand-select all their items from trade sources and fine estate sales nationwide. Antique rugs, sterling silver, vintage wicker furniture, porcelain, estate jewelry and watches, military memorabilia, rare books and much more are sold at this expansive shop.

Just minutes from Downtown, beautiful parks and excellent recreational programming, Owens is a wonderful place to consider as your next home.

Written By

Rebecca Frankel

Photography Contributed By

Kathleen Kim

Video By

Victoria York