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Outer Semmes

Outer Semmes

Rural Neighborhood in Semmes, Alabama

Mobile County 36575, 36587

$208,360 Average Value
$115 Average Price per Sq Ft
14 Homes For Sale

Azaleas and camellias are a neighborhood specialty

Flowering shrubs and rural living define Outer Semmes, which borders beautiful Big Creek Lake. This low-key neighborhood in western Mobile County is a good fit for those looking to live amid the great outdoors — while simultaneously enjoying a short drive to city attractions. Farmland and ornamental shrub nurseries are so commonplace that Semmes has been referred to as the "nursery capital of the world." The neighboring communities of Azalea and Camelia are named after the most common area shrubs, and Semmes holds annual festivals to celebrate them. Festivals like these reaffirm the close-knit ties of the community. "Anytime we do anything, hold any kind of event, the entire community shows up and comes together,” says Elizabeth Lovelady, Events Coordinator and Deputy City Clerk for the City of Semmes.

The splash pad is a favorite of the toddler set

Big Creek Lake is a 3600-acre reservoir that serves as the main source of drinking water for greater Mobile. Due to recent restrictions on recreational use, it's no longer a big destination for fishing. But the Semmes area has plenty of green spaces for outdoor fun. "Our biggest is Municipal Park," says Jason Franklin, Public Works Director for the City of Semmes. "It has a splash pad, playgrounds and pavilions and an outdoor fitness hub." The 18-hole disc golf course at the park is also popular. "It's on the professional tour, and there are lots of tournaments there. The PDGA sponsors them," Franklin says. Dog owners can let Fido romp off-leash at the new dog parks — one for large dogs one for small — at Viking Park near Montgomery High School. New pickleball courts are under construction at the park.

Craftsman homes are popular in new subdivisions in Outer Semmes

Craftsman and ranch-style homes make up the majority of the neighborhood. There aren't that many properties on the lake, where much of the land is owned by the Water Authority. Some ranch-style homes with country-cabin features sit on 40 acres near the lake, offering residents seclusion, quiet and privacy in a lovely setting. Craftsman-style homes in the Magnolia Springs subdivision typically have attached garages that accommodate up to two cars. These newer-construction homes are fitted with Smart Home technology, providing extra convenience. Magnolia Springs residents enjoy access to a clubhouse with a fitness center, a community swimming pool and a playground for the kids. Other communities include the Hickory Creek and Wilmer subdivisions. Home prices in Outer Semmes range from $122,000 for a one-bedroom cottage on a one-acre parcel to $780,000 for a five-bedroom Colonial home with craftsman features. Manufactured homes run from $49,100 to $85,000.

Students at Montgomery High School have a wide choice of clubs

The online Wilmer Wildcats Newsletter keeps parents of students at Wilmer Elementary up to date on future events, from Read Across America Day to Field Day. Wilmer earns a score of C+ from Niche. More than 1300 students are enrolled at Semmes Middle, which earns a grade of C from Niche. Students at Montgomery High School have their pick of a variety of clubs, including Future Business Leaders of America, French Club and Robotics & Drone Flying. Niche grades the high school a C+.

A car is needed to travel around Semmes and to downtown Mobile

Outer Semmes is 20 miles northwest of downtown Mobile via US 98. Mobile International Airport is also 20 miles away. Wave Transit buses do not serve the neighborhood. The area is not typically walkable, and homeowners will need a car to get around. There's not a lot of employment in Semmes, Franklin says, and many locals commute into Mobile for work.

Top annual events are the Azalea Festival and the Camellia Show

The most noteworthy local events celebrate the neighborhood’s top export: flowering shrubs. The Semmes Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual Azalea Festival in late April. This event includes a car show, entertainment, food vendors and inflatables. "We have the annual Camellia Show every January at Semmes Heritage Park," says Lovelady. The chamber also sponsors a local farmers market on Thursdays in June at the Semmes Community Center.

The Hickory Pit is famous for its downhome fare

Semmes may be on the outskirts of Mobile and its varied dining scone, but Semmes has some really good rib-sticking eats. "One of the most famous ones is the Hickory Pit," says Franklin. "It's old-time food. Downhome cooking type food." Burgers, pulled pork barbecue and country-fried steak are on the menu. Another popular spot is Semmes House of Pizza, which has won awards for its New York-style pizzas. The buzzy restaurants, museums and shops of downtown Mobile are a 15-mile drive away. Greer’s CashSaver, a Mobile-area grocery chain, has an outpost in Semmes. Fast food chains and big box stores line Airport Boulevard, which is eight miles south of the neighborhood.

Amy Balfour
Written By
Amy Balfour
Pete Barrett
Photography Contributed By
Pete Barrett
Curtis Newkirk
Video By
Curtis Newkirk

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Leanne Carpenter, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Mobile Regional

21 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Outer Semmes US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 2 4
Assault with Weapon 2 4
Robbery 2 4
Burglary 2 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 4
Larceny 2 4
Crime Score 2 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$200,000
Median Single Family Price
$174,900
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$115
Number of Homes for Sale
14
Last 12 months Home Sales
45
Months of Supply
3.70
Median List Price
$187,054
Median Discount From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-9%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,442
Median Year Built
1989
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,784
Below the national average
1,937
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,293
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
36,590

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Leanne Carpenter, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
6,753
Median Age
39
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
26.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$48,156
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$65,356

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
84.5%
College Graduates
14.5%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
6.9%
% Population in Labor Force
56.4%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
67''
Average Winter Low Temperature
41°F
Average Summer High Temperature
91°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

27 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

9 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Outer Semmes