Jackson, “The City with Soul,” is much more than the capital of Mississippi. The distinctly Southern city has a vibrant culture and rich history that is still evident today. With a population of about 150,000, Jackson has a small-town feel, where historic homes and ancient oaks mingle with the smell of magnolia blossoms. In addition to the state government, large companies like AT&T also have corporate offices in town. The University of Mississippi Medical Center is one of the biggest employers in the state, with over 10,000 employees. “I’d say the food and the hospitality are some of the biggest draws,” says Joye Norwood, a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty who has experience selling homes in the Jackson metro area. “It’s also a great place to raise a family. I’ve seen also seen a lot of retirees come to live here, and they love it.”
In 1821, Jackson was established as the seat of Mississippi’s state government due to its ideal location near the Natchez Trace and Pearl River, two major transportation routes used by Native Americans, settlers and traders. Following Mississippi’s secession at the onset of the Civil War, Jackson became a hub for the war industry. After the war, despite emancipation, Black residents still faced intense racism and discrimination. However, during the 1960s, the city played an essential role in the Civil Rights movement, as students and activists organized large-scale demonstrations, sit-ins and protests that led to momentous change in the city and in the country.
Jackson is a vibrant city with deep roots in blues, art, and cuisine.
Jackson is a city full of soul, rich history, and vibrant community.
Jackson is known as ‘The City with Soul,’ where rich history and vibrant culture come together.
Downtown Jackson is a hub of activity, where corporate offices and government buildings coexist.
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Historic districts are among the highest priced neighborhoods
The city is made up of nine distinct neighborhoods, each with its own vibe and personality. In the first part of the 20th century, modest bungalows with low-pitched roofs and wide front porches were popular across Jackson, followed by ranch-style homes in the post-WWII housing boom. “Most of the homes are in established neighborhoods, and there’s a blend of conventionally built homes and homes built on concrete slabs,” Norwood says.
The Fondren district has been a cultural hub for nearly a century; the diverse, creative and buzzing neighborhood is home to restaurants, bookshops and bars. Homes in this historic district run the gamut of architectural styles, from funky midcentury modern homes to stately brick Georgians. The Belhaven neighborhood, a historic district north of downtown, is considered Jackson’s first suburb. Known for its gracious homes, varied architecture and sloped lawns, the neighborhood includes an assortment of home styles, including Craftsman, Tudor Revival, Queen Anne and Italianate.
Home prices throughout Jackson vary. Some postwar homes in the southern and western parts of the city can start at $10,000 and reach up to $150,000. Low prices often result in homes being bought, updated and resold by investors. However, homes in desirable neighborhoods like Bellhaven or Fondren typically range from $200,000 and $400,000, far higher than the city's median sales price of $98,000. And some updated homes on oversized lots in those areas can go for $600,000 to $1.2 million.
Jackson is home to numerous historic residences that reflect its rich heritage.
In some Jackson neighborhoods, you can find Georgian architecture.
Tudor Revival homes can be found in Jackson.
Belhaven in Jackson has a charming collection of historic homes.
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Parks, playgrounds and places to play
Green spaces throughout Jackson take up about 2,300 acres of land, with a blend of city parks and recreational facilities within walking distance of most neighborhoods. Hikers and bikers also have several areas for exercise, including the Belhaven Mountain Bike Trails that wind through a forested environment. When summer temps heat up, Jackson residents can relax at the Ross Barnett Reservoir, referred to as The Rez by locals. The 33,000-acre body of water serves as the area’s primary source of drinking water but it's also used for water sports and other recreation. It's home to three different parks that offer open spaces, tennis courts, playgrounds and pavilions.
Jackson Public Schools and accredited universities
Overall, Jackson Public School District gets a C rating from Niche, although individual school rankings vary from B to D-plus. The city also has 26 private schools. Jackson is home to six colleges and universities including Jackson State University, a four-year school that offers graduate and postgraduate programs. Its most popular bachelor’s degrees are awarded in general biology, social work and multidisciplinary studies. Millsaps College offers undergraduate programs in social science, the humanities and science. There are two theological colleges in the city as well.
Historic districts for dining, shopping and the arts
Downtown is filled with ornate government buildings such as the state capitol, an impressive example of Beaux Arts architecture. The district is also home to six museums, all within a few blocks, including the Mississippi Museum of Art and the Museum of Mississippi History. It's also home to one of the city's top spots for jazz and blues, Hal and Mal’s, a restaurant and music venue.
One of Jackson's trendiest destinations is Fondren. “It’s an up-and-coming area, definitely. It has nightlife and there’s a lot of entertainment and restaurants,” Norwood says. They include Saltines, a contemporary oyster bar specializing in Southern cuisine and fresh seafood, and iconic spots like Brent’s Drugs, a nostalgic 1940s diner. There are also a number of locally owned boutiques lining the historic streets. In the Belhaven neighborhood, the Belhaven Town Center is a mixed-use development with restaurants, bars and specialty boutiques. The Lefleur East neighborhood is home to the family-owned Canton Mart Square shopping center with more than 25 businesses. And when it comes to true Jackson cooking, Bully’s Soul Food tops many lists; the deceptively small restaurant, a James Beard award-winner, features dishes such as catfish, smothered turkey necks and fried green tomatoes.
Community education events are common at The mississippi civil rights museum in jackson.
City Center at Jackson is the historical business district of Jackson.
Hal and Mal's is a top restaurant and music venue in Jackson.
Belhaven Town Center is a mixed-use development with restaurants, bars and specialty boutiques.
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Major events include the Mississippi State Fair
Downtown Jackson is a popular setting for year-round events. During September's Mississippi Book Festival, the streets between the state capitol and the nearby Galloway Church transform into a marketplace filled with authors, book lovers, live music and food trucks. The Mississippi State Fair is held every October in downtown Jackson. The fairgrounds cover over 100 acres, and the 11-day extravaganza celebrates Mississippi’s performers, musicians, farmers and 4-H members with entertainment, concerts, livestock exhibits and a rodeo. In June, Cathead Jam features two days of musical performances from headliners and up-and-coming acts at the Cathead Distillery, in downtown Jackson. Other downtown events include the weekly Mississippi Farmers Market.
In June, Old Trace Park, on the banks of Ross Barnett Reservoir, hosts the Pepsi Pops Concert. This annual welcome-to-summer event held on the banks of the reservoir features an evening of movie themes, pop music and show tunes performed by the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra.
At the Mississippi State Fair in Jackson, players compete to win prizes in carnival games.
Celebrities at Mississippi Comic Con attract fans seeking autographs and photos.
City Center at Jackson hosts the annual Mississippi Book Festival.
The Mississippi Farmers Market in City Center at Jackson provides a market for local growers.
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Getting into and around Jackson town
Jackson is at the crossroads of two interstates, I-20 and I-55, making travel in and around the city easy. “You can really go anywhere within the city and the surrounding area within 15 minutes,” Norwood says. Jackson-Evers Airport is 12 miles from the city. Amtrak and Greyhound offers service from downtown's Union Station. The city bus service, JTRAN, provides transit service throughout the city Monday through Saturday.
Fondren is bordered on the east by interstate 55.
Union Station in City Center at Jackson also features Greyhound busses and local JATRAN busses.
Union Station in City Center at Jackson is an Amtrak stop, offering train travel across the US.
Fondren's public transportation needs are met by JATRAN.
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Crime and weather in Jackson
According to recent FBI data, the Jackson Police Department reports a city crime rate higher than the national rate. Local news station WLBT-TV reported that Jackson had 109 homicides in 2023, a decrease from 135 in 2022, but still the highest murder rate per capita in the nation. In 2024, the Jackson police hired 40 more officers.
For decades, Jackson has dealt with a deteriorating water system, chronically low water pressure and discolored tap water. In November 2022, the federal government assumed control of the water utility. While work remains to be done, Jackson’s water system has been stabilized, and residents can now see clear drinking water.
Jackson’s winters are mild, and the spring and fall are warm. Summers, however, tend to be very hot and very humid. Temperatures in July and August often reach 90 degrees. Jackson sits in the middle of Dixie Alley, an area of the southern U.S. with a high frequency of tornadoes. The National Weather Service and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency sponsor Spring Severe Weather Awareness Week, which helps keep the public aware of safety planning and precautions during dangerous weather conditions.
This journey of home buying and selling can be very awarding as well as intimidating, My goal is to do all I can to make sure my clients are informed, included, protected and happy. My husband worked offshore since the day we met. We married and had a beautiful baby girl. We began noticing her missing her daddy more and more. So, I began praying and realized Real Estate would be a great option to help my family as well as be around for my daughter. I love helping others! I love making the impossible possible with a little work and dedication. I love what I do and I work very hard to make this challenging process enjoyable.
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.
