Clarksdale’s still got the blues, or at least its creative residents do. The city of nearly 15,000 people is the seat of Coahoma County in the Mississippi Delta, but its claim to fame is its music. Many musicians have called the area home, both older blues, gospel and soul artists like Sam Cooke and Muddy Waters and contemporary rappers like Rick Ross. The city’s flag features musical notes, and several cultural centers highlight Clarksdale’s most famous artists. Live blues music is performed at the city’s lounges and juke joints every night of the week. “It may not be as big as it once was, but there are still people who come to town for the music,” says Patricia Richmond-Young, an agent with Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury.
Residents do more than twist the night away. Health care is the city’s largest industry, but bag and steel manufacturing plants also attract workers.
Clarksdale is a key hub within the Mississippi Delta, a region known for its rich blues music history.
Northwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center is one of Clarksdale's largest employers.
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First-time buyers attracted to Clarksdale's affordability
Clarksdale has ranch-style homes and traditional multi-level homes, mostly north of State Street. The median home price is around $100,000, well below the state median. “You can get so much more home for the dollar amount if you’re OK with an older house,” Richmond-Young says, adding that a lot of first-time homebuyers are attracted to the area. About 50% of residents own their home, lower than the national average.
Cozy ranch-style homes are sprinkled throughout Clarksdale.
Stately multi-level homes are popular in the downtown area of Clarksdale.
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The Juke Joint Festival is about blues music and games
The Juke Joint Festival, held each April, combines a blues festival with the games and food vendors of a county fair. The Sunflower River Blues & Gospel Festival, held each fall, focuses even more heavily on local music. The Mississippi Delta Tennessee Williams Festival celebrates Williams, the playwright who spent his childhood in the city, and holds workshops and talks for upcoming artists.
Many city spaces, like the Clarksdale Walk of Fame, showcase the city’s arts history. The Delta Blues Museum tells the story of the music scene and its colorful characters. Red’s is a blues lounge open since the 1980s, with walls awash in neon lights and photos of the past.
Celebrate blues music, delicious food, and the joy of community with your four-legged friends at the Juke Joint Festival in Clarksdale.
The Clarksdale Walk of Fame honors some of the city’s most famous residents.
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The Downtown Arts & Culture District is the city's hot spot
The Downtown Arts & Culture District has several local restaurants and shops, including boutiques. The district’s eateries focus on Southern cuisine. Levon’s Bar & Grill is a Delta-style restaurant that often changes its menu to stay fresh. Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art is a record store and art gallery focusing on the local music scene. Larger shopping centers and big-box stores are found in Memphis.
Discover the vibrant atmosphere at Levon's Bar and Grill in Clarksdale, where delicious cuisine meets unforgettable live music.
Explore one of the many unique boutiques in Clarksdale's Downtown Arts and Culture District.
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Around 75 miles from Memphis
U.S. Route 278 loops around the southern half of Clarksdale, while U.S. Route 49 travels up the eastern side. Memphis is about 75 miles away, and Memphis International Airport has flights to many domestic cities. Delta Rides operates a bus service that connects residents with nearby cities. Northwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center is a hospital with around 50 beds.
The Clarksdale Municipal School District earns a C Niche score
Many students are served by the Clarksdale Municipal School District, which has a C Niche grade. Some students are served by the Coahoma County School District, which also earns a C score. Coahoma County Junior/Senior High School holds an individual C-plus grade.
Many students are served by the Clarksdale Municipal School District, which has a C Niche grade.
Coahoma County Junior/Senior High is the home of the Red Panthers.
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American Legion Veterans Memorial Park is used for memorials and athletics
Most of the city’s green spaces are for relaxation and feature benches and trees with shade. Other parks have playgrounds and athletic facilities like basketball courts. There are also several baseball and softball diamonds spread throughout the area. American Legion Veterans Memorial Park, along the Sunflower River, has a World War II Anniversary grove and a disc golf course. The city states a goal of expanding its trail and sidewalk networks in its comprehensive plan.
Challenge friends to a game of hoops at Joseph D. Nosef Park in Clarksdale.
Enjoy a round of disc golf along the scenic Sunflower River at American Legion Veterans Memorial Park in Clarksdale.
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Long, humid summers and falling violent crime
According to Clarksdale Police Department data, the city’s violent crime rate dropped significantly in 2022, though it remains above the national average. Property crime data is not readily available. Summers in Clarksdale are humid and last several months. Winters are short but cold. Coahoma County is at moderate risk of tornadoes.
Written By
Ryan Kohn
Photography Contributed By
Mary Drost
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Clarksdale by the Numbers
14,381
Population
59
Average Days on Market
Home Trends
Median Price (12 Mo)$107,000
Median Single Family Price$150,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft$68
Months Of Supply5
Demographics and Finance
Median Household Income$30K
Lower than National Average$71K
% Owners48%
Lower than National Average63%
College Graduates19%
Lower than National Average34%
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Top Schools in Clarksdale, MS
Source:
Best Public Elementary Schools
#1 Sherard Elementary School
C+
Niche
#2 Booker T. Washington International Studies Magnet School
C-
Niche
#3 Geo H. Oliver Visual/Perf. Arts
C-
Niche
#4 Heidelberg Elementary School
C-
Niche
#5 Kirkpatrick Health and Medical Science Magnet School
As a licensed Affiliate Broker in Tennessee and Mississippi, Patricia has had the opportunity to work with clients in varying markets. There are differences, but she has discovered fundamentally that clients want the same results……. the best home, at the best price.
She has received Accredited Buyer Representative and Graduate Realtor Institute Designations, which are two of the highest educational achievements in the real estate industry. These accreditations have enabled her to achieve the Million Dollar Producer honors in Tennessee and Mississippi. Her training has also enabled her to stay abreast of new real estate concepts, financial solutions and down payment alternatives to best serve her clients in an ever-changing market.
Patricia has previous experience as a Human Resources Manager, Sales Representative and Office Manager. With 20 years of marriage and 2 wonderful children, she works in the Youth Department of her church and believes these experiences will enable her to do a Great Job for YOU.
Patricia believes that prayer and humbleness will help to reach her Real Estate goal, and that is to help you reach YOUR Real Estate DREAMS. Let Patricia bring a bit of sunshine into the process of buying or selling your home.
Quote: Human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives.
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.
