Firstly why Theodore, Alabama?
I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:
- City: Theodore
- State: Alabama
- Population: 6,178 people
- Theodore’s quick summary would be recognized for its proximity to Mobile Bay and the scenic Theodore Industrial Park this city is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:
- How many people move-in: 500 annually
- While this many move-out: 157 annually
- Net Migration: 343 more people in (net) annual change
- Non-Citizen Move-in: 412
- Number of Homeless people: 8
You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers proximity to Mobile and a suburban lifestyle appealing to commuters
Perk #1: Theodore Demographic Mix & Lifestyle
- The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 30%
- Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 67%
- Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
- The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Black
- The median income is (and growing) $63,156
- Income Required to Live Comfortably in Theodore is $64,000
- Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $844 in positive cash flow
This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?
Perk #2: Housing & Theodore’s Cost of Living
- Cost of Living Index: 89 (100 is the US average)
- Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,000
- Property Tax %: 0.4%
- Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,150
- Rent for an average house: $1,800
- Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Theodore
- Top 5 Growing Areas: Theodore, Deer Park, Bellingrath, Shadowlands, and probably could include Bayou La Batre
- Avg. Age of Homes in Theodore: 38 years
- The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.5%
If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.
Perk #3: Job Market & Theodore’s Economy
- 3 Industries gaining traction in Theodore are Industrial, Transportation, and Retail
- Theodore Job Scene: small job market primarily in retail and local services
- The General Tech Scene: limited involvement in tech, economy focused on maritime and local businesses ,
- Theodore Resident’s pay $1,100 in City Tax alone!
- Local Sales Tax in Theodore: 4%
- No. of Independent Businesses: 100 (excluding chains and corporates)
- Number of Local Branch Banks: 3
Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.
Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Theodore
- Monthly Transportation Costs: $97 on average per person
- Freeway Access: I-10 provides key access to Theodore along Mobile Bay
- Commute Time: 27 minutes (public & private)
- Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic congestion at the Dauphin Island Bridge
- Transportation Score: 25 out of 100 described as Minimal Transit
- No. of Vehicles Registered in Theodore: 28,000
- Cars registered per Person: 4.5
- No. of Car Washes: 2 in and around the city
- DMV Website for Theodore: revenue.alabama.gov/division/motor-vehicle/
- The Bike-Friendly Score: 48 of 100
- Local Airport: Mobile Regional
Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.
Perk #5: Theodore’s Weather & Natural Factors
- The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornado
- General Weather in Theodore is best described as has hot summers with high humidity and mild winters with occasional rain and cold spells
- Winter Weather in Theodore i’d describe as mild with some rain
- Spring Weather in Theodore can be described as warm with some rain
- Summer’s in Theodore are mostly hot and humid
- Fall ( the nicest time) in Theodore is usually warm and humid
- How many days in a row over 90°F: 57 days in summer
- Days in a row in Theodore below Freezing: 0
- Average Annual Rainfall: 57 inches
- Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality influenced by local traffic
- Theodore Winter Air air quality generally acceptable with nearby industrial sources
Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.
Perk #6: Theodore Education & Schools
- The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
- Number of Colleges and Universities in Theodore 1
- While the number of trade schools inside Theodores’s city limits are 1
- Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Theodore Public Library
If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.
Perk #7: Healthcare & Theodore Stats
- Typical EMS Response Time: 15 minutes
- Registered Full-Time Theodore only Doctors is about 35
- Local Hospitals here is 1
- Full-time Theodore only Police Officers is about 53
- Crime Rate Index: 58/100
Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.
Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality
- Theodore’s Monthly utility bill average is $160
- Theodore’s Monthly Gym Membership: $24
- Theodore’s Water Quality Score: 65
Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.
Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Theodore
- Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 2 annually
- The General Local City Vibe: suburban community with access to nearby outdoor activities
- You might enjoy concerts at the Theodore Cultural Center
- Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Theodore features a low-key bar scene with friendly locals and frequent live music events at cozy venues
If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.
Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Theodore
- The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes family-friendly dining and a few seafood restaurants
- The Number of Independent Restaurants are 30 scattered around Theodore
- The Popular Sports Team is Theodore High School
- Top Level Political Climate in Theodore can be described as suburban conservative leaning with emphasis on family values
- Theodore’s Longer standing religious establishment is Theodore United Methodist Church
Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.
Perk #11: Theodore Parks & Green Spaces
- Did you know Theodore has 0 Parks?
- Theodore Dawes Park is Theodore’s Green Space Center
- The local favorite Farmers Market is Theodore Farmers Market normally open Wednesday & Saturday 9am-1pm
- Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Kayaking, fishing, and hiking
Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.
Perk #12: Theodore Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity
- The Pace of Life in Theodore can be described as quiet suburban life with easy access to Mobile
- 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Theodore hiking local scenic trails attending community festivals outdoor games
- The Cities people commute to from Theodore are Mobile 12 miles away Daphne 19 miles away Fairhope 25 miles away
Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.
8 Drawbacks about Theodore or are they?
No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.
- Traffic/Commute Issues
Maybe you read: traffic congestion at the Dauphin Island Bridge. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts. - Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
Theodore’s Tornado risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up. - Pricey Neighborhoods
If Theodore is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Theodore are Mobile 12 miles away Daphne 19 miles away Fairhope 25 miles away. - Crime Rate Concerns
With a 58 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this. - Harsh Climate Contrasts
Theodore has 0 days in a row below freezing and 57 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it. - Limited Extra Funds
After general costs of living here in Theodore people have an average (positive or negative) $844 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here. - Homelessness or Social Challenges
8 homeless people living in Theodore. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions. - Cultural/Political Mismatch
The general suburban conservative leaning with emphasis on family values could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Theodore.
Retiree & Senior Life in Theodore
- Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might receive favorable treatment in local property tax assessments
- The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Haven Assisted Living
- Theodore Senior Center provides health programs social activities and community resources
If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.
Moving to Theodore, Alabama?
If Theodore, Alabama ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help
As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.
A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Theodore, Alabama, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!