Prichard was first incorporated as a city in 1925, with the arrival of several shipbuilding companies along Mobile Bay. The population peaked in the 1960s at about 47,000, but since then it’s been slowly declining. Several major employers left in the 1990s, and today, the population is around 18,000. Despite this slump, Carletta Davis says the city is “really turning a corner.” A lifelong resident, Davis is running to be the city’s first Black female mayor in August 2025. “This is a historic place that’s rooted in the spirit of overcoming.” Over the last few years, Prichard has secured millions of dollars in funding for new recreational amenities, downtown upgrades and a large housing development. “Most people have deep roots here,” she says, “but we’re ready for new people to come move in.”
Prichard became a city with the arrival of several shipbuilding companies along Mobile Bay.
Prichard has secured millions of dollars in funding for new recreational amenities.
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Ranch-style homes, historic bungalows and a new housing project by the park
The median sale price in Prichard is about $75,000, roughly half of Mobile’s median price. Most of the housing here is located south of Shelton Beach Road. Midcentury ranch-style homes and bungalows line packed residential blocks in East Prichard . The historic Whistler neighborhood “has some of the oldest homes in Mobile County,” Davis says. Dating back to the nineteenth century, they feature bungalow and minimal traditional architecture. The newest homes are in North Prichard . Most of that area was developed between the 1990s and early 2000s. In 2024, the city broke ground on a highly anticipated housing project, Gardner Manifestation Estate, next to Prichard Municipal Park. “It’s designed to bring more people to our city,” Davis says. The new residential community will have a combination of single-family homes, townhouses and condos.
Midcentury ranch-style homes and bungalows line packed residential blocks in East Prichard.
The newest homes are in North Prichard.
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Youth sports leagues and new amenities at Chickasabogue Park
Situated on the north end of Prichard, Chickasabogue Park reopened at the beginning of 2025 with a whole new look. “The county invested about $12 million into the park updates, and it’s absolutely beautiful now,” Davis says. The upgrades include a modern playscape with a splash pad, repaved nature trails and an improved disc golf course. More park projects, including a new boat ramp, are currently in the works. Community youth sports leagues practice across the city at Prichard Municipal Park.
Upgrades at Chickasabogue Park include a modern playscape with a splash pad.
Community youth sports leagues practice across the city at Prichard Municipal Park.
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Community events bring Prichard residents together
All kinds of events bring the Prichard community together. “We have a huge Mardi Gras parade and a big Juneteenth celebration every year,” Davis says. “During Christmas, we have our annual parade with Santa Claus and a tree lighting ceremony.” Along with holiday events, football games “are a big deal around here,” she says. “Each August, the city’s two high schools go head-to-head in what we call the Battle of Prichard.”
Folks come to Downtown Mobile for Mardi gras from miles around.
Vigor High School
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Soulfood restaurants and new downtown developments on Wilson Avenue
Wilson Avenue used to be a bustling downtown district, and thanks to recent revitalization projects, it may soon be again. Longtime locals opened a new business center at the north end of South Wilson Avenue in 2023. Just a block over, The Tree Bar-B-Que and Lounge is a hole-in-the-wall restaurant serving all kinds of soul food. Similar locally owned spots are hidden in unassuming buildings throughout the city. For groceries, folks head to the Piggly Wiggly along U.S. Highway 45.
Fat Boys has the best breakfast in Prichard.
The Tree BBQ and Lounge is a hole-in-the-wall restaurant serving all kinds of soul food.
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Home to Vigor High and the University of Mobile
Prichard is part of the Mobile County Public School District, which earns an overall B on Niche. The district operates two high schools in Prichard. Mattie T. Blount High School has a C on Niche. Vigor High School has a C-minus and sits right off the interstate, at the city’s southeast end. The Academy of Advanced Information Technology is the signature program here with three pathways: programming & software development, networking and virtual reality.
Prichard is also home to the University of Mobile, a private Christian college with just under 2,000 students.
Vigor High School
Mattie T. Blount High School offers AP classes for its students.
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Easy interstate access and the Prichard Bus Hub
Interstates 65 and 165 run through Prichard, making it easy to get all around Mobile County. The RailPort Logistics Mobile Park and other major industrial sites are about 3 miles away via I-165. And Downtown Mobile is just a few miles further down the road. Mobile County’s WAVE Transit System services the Prichard Bus Hub, right across the interstate. Mobile International Airport is set to open about 10 miles south in 2026.
Environment and Crime
Prichard battles several environmental challenges. The city’s water distribution system has been deteriorating for the last several decades, creating a widespread water crisis for residents. But Davis says things are looking up, thanks to the hard work of residents. “We’ve finally drawn the attention that we need, and I believe we’re really turning the corner.” Prichard’s residential roads also experience frequent flooding, as it is one of the rainiest places in the U.S., a distinction earned in part due to the area's susceptibility to tropical weather.
Crime data for the Prichard is not readily available.
Leanne is passionate about the needs and goals of her clients, both buyers/sellers and she specializes in bringing peace of mind to home sellers who have previously struggled with selling their homes on their own or with another agent. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, friends and her fur baby Tobi. She loves being outdoors on the water boating, jet skiing and fishing.
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.
