If you’re drawn to tree-lined streets, wraparound porches, and timeless Southern charm, Mobile, Alabama, offers an irresistible mix of history and affordability. From Queen Anne Victorians to turn-of-the-century cottages, this Gulf Coast gem is home to beautifully preserved architecture, often for less than you’d expect. In this feature, we spotlight four remarkable historic homes, each under $1 million, that pair century-old character with modern upgrades in some of Mobile’s most beloved neighborhoods.
1. 1890 Victorian in Midtown Mobile, AL
Built in 1890, this stunning Victorian home in Midtown Mobile blends historic charm with modern upgrades. Priced at $599,900, it offers 2,447 sq ft on a rare 0.33-acre double lot. Recent renovations include a 2022 metal roof, new appliances, remodeled primary bath, and a whole-home generator. With 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, and elegant Southern architecture, it’s a unique opportunity to own a beautifully preserved piece of Alabama history.
Where is Mobile?
Mobile, Alabama, sits along the Gulf Coast in the southern part of the state. Just two hours from New Orleans, it’s known for its vibrant Mardi Gras celebrations, historic architecture, and coastal charm. The city’s Midtown district features tree-lined streets and vintage homes. Cultural attractions include the USS Alabama, art museums, and a lively waterfront. Its rich heritage and coastal location make Mobile a uniquely historic Southern city.
Welcoming Entryway
The entryway showcases warm hardwood floors and a wide staircase with white risers and dark treads. Light gray walls and crisp white trim offer a classic, airy feel. A vintage fireplace in an adjacent room adds charm, while tall ceilings and natural light enhance the space. Crown molding and wainscoting contribute to the home’s historic character, setting the tone for a stylish yet welcoming interior experience right from the front door.
Elegant Living Room
This bright living room features hardwood floors, tall windows, and a playful green ceiling that adds personality. Pale taupe walls with white trim keep the palette refined, while soft natural light filters through sheer curtains. A traditional chandelier hangs above a glass coffee table and patterned rug, adding a touch of formality. This space offers the perfect balance of vintage charm and open, sunlit comfort, ideal for relaxing or entertaining guests.
Upstairs Landing
The upstairs landing features dark wood-style flooring, gray walls, and detailed white wainscoting. A traditional balustrade leads to a hallway lit by a lantern-style fixture. Sunlight from shuttered windows and a rear balcony door brightens the space, enhancing its open, inviting feel. The crisp white trim and crown molding echo the home’s classic charm, while the updated finishes maintain a clean, modern edge in this peaceful transitional space.
Updated Bathroom
This remodeled bathroom balances modern and vintage style. Toile wallpaper contrasts with crisp white tile and dark accents. A sleek vessel sink sits on a contemporary dark wood vanity, paired with a backlit mirror. The black-and-white mosaic tile floor adds texture, and a large window with striped curtains allows natural light to soften the room. Stylish yet functional, the space brings a fresh, high-end feel to this historic home.
Laundry
This compact laundry area includes stacked washer and dryer units, granite countertops, and white shaker-style cabinetry for practical storage. Located off the hallway, it leads directly to the updated bathroom, providing convenience and flow. The laminate flooring ties into the home’s cohesive look, while the soft lighting and clean finishes make the space both functional and bright. It’s a smart, well-integrated feature that supports modern living in a historic home.
Listing Agent: Wellhouse Real Estate LLC via Zillow
2. 1892 Tudor-Victorian in Mobile, AL
Built in 1892, this charming Tudor-Victorian home in Mobile’s Spring Hill district offers 2,951 sq ft of beautifully restored living space on a 7,462 sq ft lot. Priced at $439,900, it features high ceilings, original hardwood floors, and ornate trim that reflects its period architecture. Recent updates include a modern galley kitchen, restored finishes, and hidden bonus rooms. With dual zoning for residential or commercial use, this home blends charm and versatility.
Where is Mobile?
Mobile, Alabama, is located on the Gulf Coast in the southeastern U.S., near the mouth of Mobile Bay. Just two hours from New Orleans, it’s known for its colonial heritage, historic homes, and as the birthplace of America’s Mardi Gras. Spring Hill, a residential neighborhood within Mobile, is lined with oak trees and vintage charm. Attractions include the Mobile Museum of Art, Gulf Coast beaches, and vibrant downtown entertainment.
Living Room
This cozy living room features original hardwood floors, crisp white walls, and ceiling beams that highlight the home’s Tudor roots. Three tall windows dressed with light sheer curtains bathe the space in natural light. A soft gray sectional and leather reading chair provide comfortable seating, while vintage details like the transom window and staircase railing enhance the room’s historic ambiance.
Dining Room
The formal dining room maintains the home’s historic elegance with high ceilings, original wood floors, and thick white trim. Neutral wall tones contrast nicely with dark dining furniture placed over a natural fiber rug. Built-in shelving adds both function and charm, while wide doorways allow easy flow into the adjacent living room and kitchen areas, creating a warm space for family dinners and entertaining.
Kitchen
This updated galley-style kitchen combines vintage architecture with modern efficiency. White shaker cabinets stretch to the ceiling for ample storage, paired with sleek black countertops and a soft gray subway tile backsplash. Stainless steel appliances offer a contemporary touch, and under-cabinet lighting adds warmth and visibility. The space retains a classic feel while providing all the convenience needed for modern cooking.
Bedroom
This serene bedroom features high ceilings, natural light, and two large windows with rich wooden shutters. Soft gray walls and simple furnishings create a peaceful retreat. The platform bed is framed by two minimalist nightstands and small lamps, while a muted area rug anchors the space. The blend of modern decor and antique window trim preserves the home’s historic charm while offering a calm, modern atmosphere.
Laundry Area
Tucked beneath a sloped ceiling, this upstairs laundry and bonus space offers flexibility and charm. A Whirlpool washer and dryer sit beside bright white walls and warm hardwood flooring. The area opens into a cozy flex space with a large window dressed in soft beige curtains. With multiple doors leading to storage and hidden rooms, it’s a practical area perfect for household needs or additional living space.
Listing Agent: Sam Winter and Company, Inc via Zillow
3. 1890 Cottage Home in Historic Church Street East, Mobile, AL
Built in 1890, this beautifully preserved Cottage-style home is nestled in the heart of Mobile’s cherished Church East Historic District. Priced at $569,000, it offers 2,311 sq ft of refined living space on a 5,218 sq ft lot. The classic full-length front porch, gabled roofline, and intricate spindlework detail reflect its architectural heritage. Thoughtful renovations honor the home’s original character while introducing modern updates like a screened-in rear porch and redesigned kitchen.
Where is Mobile?
Mobile, Alabama, is a coastal city located in the Deep South, near the Gulf of Mexico. As one of the oldest cities in the region, it boasts rich French, Spanish, and British roots. The Church Street East Historic District, where this home is located, is walkable to downtown shops, restaurants, and events. Known for its antebellum architecture and Southern charm, Mobile is also the birthplace of America’s Mardi Gras tradition.
Entry & Parlor
The entryway opens into a light-filled parlor with original hardwood floors and tall ceilings that accentuate the home’s period charm. A glass-paneled front door with a transom window invites in natural light. Neutral tan walls with white trim are complemented by antique rugs, traditional furniture, and vintage lighting. The layout seamlessly connects to the adjacent living room, creating a welcoming flow for guests and everyday living.
Dining Room
This elegant dining room features tall ceilings, warm hardwood floors, and timeless decor. A classic fireplace with a white mantel acts as the room’s focal point, flanked by antique furniture and portraiture. The space is anchored by a large wooden dining table with seating for eight under a dramatic brass chandelier. Tall windows with simple drapes invite daylight into the room, creating a refined yet homey atmosphere.
Bedroom
The spacious primary bedroom is a bright, cheerful retreat featuring three tall windows dressed in floral drapes. Cream-colored walls and a soft area rug add warmth to the space, while traditional furnishings—like yellow-painted side tables and a classic armchair—enhance its vintage charm. Crown molding and a tray ceiling with a white fan contribute to the airy feel, making the room both sophisticated and inviting.
Bathroom
This upstairs bathroom features a sloped ceiling, recessed lighting, and a clean, white palette. The dark wood vanity with double drawers provides generous storage, topped with a simple white countertop and integrated sink. A framed mirror and chrome fixtures give it a polished look. Behind the door, a glass-enclosed shower adds functionality. The room feels cozy yet modern, blending seamlessly with the home’s historic character.
Listing Agent: Roberts Brothers TREC via Zillow
4. 1907 Cottage in Oakleigh Garden District, Mobile, AL
Built in 1907, this charming Cottage-style home in Mobile’s historic Oakleigh Garden District is listed at $315,000. Offering 1,860 sq ft on a beautifully landscaped 5,358 sq ft corner lot, the home has been thoughtfully updated over the last decade. Highlights include a FORTIFIED roof, a 2008 primary suite addition with en-suite bath and walk-in closet, 11-foot ceilings, and a welcoming front porch. A spacious attic offers potential for future expansion.
Where is Mobile?
Mobile, Alabama, is located on the Gulf Coast in the southeastern U.S. and is one of the state’s oldest and most culturally rich cities. Home to Mardi Gras’ American origins, Mobile blends historic Southern charm with vibrant coastal living. The Oakleigh Garden District is a tree-lined neighborhood near downtown, known for its preserved historic homes, parks, and walkable access to shopping, dining, and community events.
Front Porch
This classic Southern front porch is shaded and welcoming, featuring painted brick pillars, white columns, and a light blue ceiling in traditional haint blue. Two white rocking chairs and hanging fern baskets create a cozy spot to relax while overlooking the corner lot. The brick landscaping and mature greenery frame the porch beautifully, making it a perfect setting for morning coffee or chatting with neighbors.
Living Area
This versatile living space features warm wood-look laminate flooring, 11-foot ceilings, and blue-gray walls with crisp white trim. The large ceiling fan adds comfort and airflow, while tall doorways create a sense of openness between rooms. Natural light spills in from nearby windows, offering a bright and airy feel. The layout provides flexibility for either a sitting room or bedroom, depending on your lifestyle needs.
Kitchen
The galley-style kitchen boasts stained wood cabinetry, black granite countertops, and a stylish glass tile backsplash. A large window centered between the counters offers backyard views and bright natural light. Modern stainless steel appliances and tiled floors provide both beauty and functionality. Pendant lighting and detailed crown molding give the space a polished finish, ideal for cooking and gathering with ease.
Sunroom/Office
This cozy bonus space, painted in a soothing powder blue, features three large windows with white trim and wooden blinds. Natural light floods the room, making it ideal as a reading nook, sunroom, or home office. The laminate wood floors continue here, and the airy layout creates a relaxing atmosphere that feels connected to both the street and the home’s front porch.
Listing Agent: Elite By The Beach, LLC via Zillow