Mississippi is an appealing location for many reasons, including its rich musical culture, its vibrant nightlife, its coastal scenery and its filling and flavorful cuisine. And although the seaside towns that once were hot tourist destinations have taken a hit due to hurricane activity, reconstruction has helped bring the damaged areas back from ruin. If you're looking to make a move to or within Mississippi read this helpful guide to help you determine where to call home.
Just a short 15-minute drive outside the state's capital of Jackson, the fairly affluent suburb of Brandon is a wonderful destination for families and nature lovers alike. The city, which has a population of about 20,000, offers scenic views of the state's natural flora and fauna thanks to its nearby parks. Crime is not a problem in Brandon, as the town's crime rate is well below the national average. The median family income is about $77,000, while home prices are a very affordable $125,000. In addition, many residents enjoy secure and stable employment with the government.
Olive Branch sits along the Tennessee-Mississippi border, just 30 minutes outside Memphis. In fact, the small suburb of about 30,000 provides residents with convenient access to the Memphis International Airport as well as Olive Branch Airport. The median family income in the town is a little more than $70,000 with home prices set at a pretty steep $220,000. But job growth in the area has been tremendous, with the city reporting more than a 40 percent increase from 2000 to 2006. In addition, the area boasts hundreds of restaurants and dozens of golf courses as well as eight colleges, universities and professional schools.
Like Brandon, Ridgeland is a fairly affluent suburb of Jackson, located just 15 minutes north of the capital city. The town's median family income is a modest $67,000, while home prices are set a little high at about $350,000. Ridgeland boasts a beautiful, 444-mile national park called the Natchez Trace Parkway that runs right through town. In addition, the city borders a 33,000-acre reservoir where residents often go to sail and fish. Shopping is a popular activity in Ridgeland, especially at the Northpark Mall, which features 130 stores. The area also claims hundreds of restaurants, two dozen golf courses and the Mississippi Crafts Center, a 20,000-square-foot facility that houses the works of 150 professional craftspeople.