9 Amazing Places to Raise a Family in Mississippi

Mississippi is a humid subtropical state in the American South. It runs along the Mississippi River from Tennessee in the north to the Gulf of Mexico in the south, between Louisiana and Alabama. Despite hurricanes and thunderstorms, many people are attracted to its mild winters and southern character. Others may find themselves moving to Mississippi for work. They may be looking for places to move their families to in those situations. So, what are the best places to raise a family in Mississippi?

Below, we have listed places consistently rated as the top Mississippi destinations for those seeking a place to raise a family. These rankings consider safety, schools, amenities, facilities, medical care, entertainment, dining, and diversions. Read on for the most consistently praised locations.

Madison

Madison is a pleasant suburb of Jackson, Mississippi. It has a thriving economy, quality schools, and low crime. The median household income in Madison is $119,662, and 68% of the adults in the community have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Families in Madison can enjoy the outdoors at a wooded trail at Simmons Arboretum, an afternoon at Strawberry Patch Park, or a stroll through the botanic gardens. The city also has an arts center and a farmers market.

Clinton

A suburb of Jackson, Clinton, Mississippi, has crime rates lower on average than the rest of Mississippi. It has highly-ranked schools and is made up of young professionals and families. The community is diverse, and the Census Bureau lists the median household income in Clinton as $71,315. Over 47% of adults over 25 have a bachelor’s degree. It is a reasonably walkable Main Street town with brick streets and a historic downtown section. Mississippi College, the oldest college in Mississippi, sits adjacent to the community. It has award-winning parks and a sports team at Traceway Park, which hosts the Mississippi Brilla, a USL League Two soccer team.

Brandon

Brandon, Mississippi, is located on the eastern outskirts of Jackson. The median household income is $89,051, and 43% of the adults have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The city has well-rated schools and consistently ranks among Mississippi’s safer cities. It also has a large amphitheater for family events, a baseball complex, and a dog park. Brandon has several family events throughout the year, including the Independence Day Celebration, Back to School Bash, Fall Festival, and Christmas Parade.

Ridgeland

Ridgeland, Mississippi, is another suburb of Jackson. Over 51% of adult residents over 25 have at least a bachelor’s degree and the median household income is $66,171. It has plenty of green space, excellent schools, fine dining and shopping, as well as community events and festivals. It is also located adjacent to a reservoir, along which there is some housing, green space, and local parks, including a dog park and a disc golf course. Ridgeland is also home to Northpark Mall, the largest shopping mall in the Jackson area.

Flowood

Once a hotspot for Blues, Jazz, Soul, and bootleg liquor, Flowood, located near the reservoir, north and east of Jackson, Mississippi, has excellent schools, a good safety record, and decent nightlife and diversity. The median household income is $89,144, and over 52% of adults over 25 hold a bachelor’s degree or more. The population is booming here, more than doubling since the 2000 census. Flowood has an indoor remote control racing track, and Winner’s Circle Park was recently voted the best park in Mississippi.

Hernando

A suburb just south of Memphis, Tennessee, Hernando has low unemployment compared to the rest of the state, lower poverty rates, and excellent schools. The median household income is the 10th highest total in the state, above $69,000. The city has developed its square around the courthouse to include tree-lined sidewalks and plenty of shopping and restaurants. It also has nice bike paths and the third-highest home sale average price in Mississippi. People in surrounding communities are familiar with its historic water tower.

Olive Branch

Olive Branch is also located outside of Memphis, TN. The city has low poverty rates, excellent schools, low property taxes, and a higher median income ($93,762) than most of the rest of the state. As of 2010, Olive Branch was the fastest-growing city in the United States. It has its own airport, an extensive parks network, and several active civic groups. A Fortune magazine study listed Olive Branch as the 12th best suburb near a large city.

Petal

Petal, Mississippi, began as a farming community named after one of the settlers’ daughters. It is a semi-rural community outside of Hattiesburg on the Leaf River. Most residents own their homes, and the median household income is $61,957. The city experienced a sizable growth spurt in the early 2000s, followed by modest growth after 2010. Petal has a vibrant downtown boutique scene and many parks and award-winning schools. A civic center is located behind Petal’s Hinton Park.

Oxford

Oxford, Mississippi, is a college town with the University of Mississippi, affectionately known as Ole Miss, at its center. The city has a well-educated population, with good public schools and many university professors living in the community. With many students in the community, the median household income is $56,784. The town also has plenty of parks, green space, well-equipped homes, and places to shop and dine.

Summary Table of 9 Amazing Places To Raise a Family in Mississippi

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