Laurel may have only 17,000 residents, but millions of people know this small Mississippi city thanks to the HGTV show “Home Town.” Hosts Erin and Ben Napier live in Laurel, renovating its historic houses while highlighting local businesses. Those who call Laurel home also appreciate the small-town feel. “Everyone seems to be kind and generous and helpful,” says Kandance Monsivais, a longtime resident and a Realtor and broker with Red Fox Realty. “It is a slower pace of life.”
The city was founded in 1882 as a sawmill town because of the large number of yellow pines in the area. Today, major employers include healthcare facilities like South Central Regional Medical Center, the largest hospital in Jones County, and manufacturers including Howard Industries and Sanderson Farms. “Another perk of Laurel is its location,” Monsivais says. “We are located about two hours from New Orleans, two hours from the coast, two hours from Mobile.”
Downtown Laurel blends history, charm, and vibrant local art.
South Central Regional Medical Center has been providing quality healthcare in Laurel since 1952.
1/2
Historic homes in Laurel
Early 20th-century homes comprise most properties near Downtown Laurel. A handful of these older cottages may look familiar, with renovations featured on episodes of “Home Town.” Farther from downtown, mid-20th-century ranch styles are common. The median price in Laurel is $201,000, lower than the median price of the nearby major cities like Hattiesburg, which is $249,900. “The cost of living is affordable compared to many places, but also, with our incomes, that’s why it is more affordable,” Monsivais says.
Laurel’s Ranch homes offer comfort with timeless charm.
Classic brick homes add warmth and character to Laurel.
1/2
Golden Tornadoes foster community-wide school spirit
Laurel School District receives a C-plus from Niche. Laurel Magnet School for the Arts offers a curriculum incorporating visual and performing arts for kindergartners through sixth graders. Sports are also a big deal for the community, with residents showing up for Laurel High School’s Golden Tornadoes football team, which often makes it to District Championships. Southeastern Baptist College is a private Christian institution in the city.
Southeastern Baptist College has been equipping students since 1948.
Laurel High School is recognized for its commitment to academic excellence and student development.
1/2
Sportsplex features fields, pool and walking path
Parks in Laurel include downtown’s Gardiner Park, with a playground and soccer fields, and the Susan Boone Vincent Sportsplex in the western part of the city. This 145-acre facility has over 10 athletic fields, an Olympic-sized swimming pool and a walking trail. The complex’s most recent addition is the Elvin Ulmer Eightplex, a group of eight softball fields named after a longtime city employee. Both Bogue Homa State Lake and the Chickasawhay District of De Soto National Forest are within 10 miles of the city.
Families in Laurel enjoy the Susan B. Vincent Sportsplex for its well maintained fields and community events.
Gardiner Park in Laurel, Mississippi, spans 9.6 acres and offers well-maintained trails suitable for walking and running.
1/2
Locally owned businesses in downtown
Local boutiques, restaurants and businesses fill the streets of Downtown Laurel. “On Sundays, things are completely shut down, and there’s even a slow start on Mondays,” Monsivais says. “Most of us are small business owners, and those are just the days you can take off if you’ve got a retail store and you have to be open on a Saturday.” Downtown is also home to some of the city’s biggest attractions, including the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, a historic museum that regularly offers guided tours. At the Laurel-Jones County Black History Museum, visitors can learn about Black culture and history and how it has impacted Laurel and the country.
Sawmill Square Mall is another shopping hub that is expanding. “We are getting a Hobby Lobby in the mall, and I hope after that we get some other larger stores that will help keep it going,” Monsivais says. Big-box stores and chain restaurants are along major thoroughfares like Highway 15.
Strolling through downtown Laurel, you’ll discover charming local shops filled with Southern hospitality.
Laurel Jones County Black History Museum in Laurel preserves and celebrates the rich history of African American heritage.
1/2
Cook-offs bring neighbors together
Many of Laurel’s most popular events take place on Main Street. “Any of the downtown special cook-off events are such a fun time to see the community out and about because it’s mostly local people who enter the competition,” Monsivais says. One of the most anticipated events is the Magnolia State Bank Chili Cook-Off, which features live music and homemade chili from dozens of teams every February. The city returns to its roots every October with the Loblolly Festival, honoring Laurel’s heritage as a sawmill town.
Car-dependent community near major highways
Laurel is car-dependent, with one exception. “If you were determined to be a walkable person, you could if you live close to downtown and walk everywhere,” Monsivais says. Major roads include U.S. Route 11 and 84 and Interstate 59. Downtown Hattiesburg is about 30 miles away. There’s an Amtrak station in Laurel, with a train that runs from Laurel to New Orleans once a day. The Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport, about 25 miles away, offers direct flights to George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston at least once a day.
Long summers and short winters in Laurel, crime
Laurel residents are well-adjusted to the heat, with long, humid summers that last from late April to early October. Winters are short and dry. The city is prone to hurricanes and tornados.
According to Mississippi Crime Statistics, there was barely a change in violent crimes in Laurel from 2023 to 2024. However, there was a significant increase in property crimes.
Written By
Zia Sampson
Photography Contributed By
Dimitri Fevrier
Video By
Christian Gortler
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jason Gunter,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Explore Briar Creek's available lots today! This offering includes a package of 32 remaining lots located within the established Briar Creek subdivision in Laurel. The neighborhood features existing homes, paved streets, and a quiet, low-traffic layout, providing a solid foundation for continued development. Many of the available lots have already been cleared, helping reduce upfront site work,
Build your new home in Briar Creek! This lot is located in an established Laurel neighborhood with paved streets, existing homes, and a peaceful setting. The lot offers generous space and flexibility, with a minimum home size requirement of 1,800 square feet. Whether you're planning a custom build or securing land for the future, Briar Creek provides a solid opportunity in a convenient location.
Welcome to 24 Dean Matthews Road, a charming waterfront retreat nestled in the peaceful Sharon community just outside Laurel, Mississippi. This inviting single-family home offers 1,800 square feet of comfortable living space, featuring three bedrooms and one full bath. Situated on a generous 1.7 acre lot, the property combines the tranquility of country living with convenient access to the
DISCOVER THE PERFECT SPOT TO BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME OR INVEST IN A PROMISING PIECE OF LAND IN THE BEAUTIFUL COMMUNITY OF SHADY GROVE IN JONES COUNTY, MS. This area offers the ideal blend of nature and convenience. Nestled within a new development on Forest Glen Drive, these small acreage home sites combine the best of both worlds: the peacefulness of country living with the convenience of city
WELCOME TO 24 DEAN MATTHEWS ROAD, A CHARMING WATERFRONT RETREAT NESTLED IN THE PEACEFUL SHARON COMMUNITY JUST OUTSIDE LAUREL, MISSISSIPPI. This inviting single-family home offers 1,800± square feet of comfortable living space, featuring three bedrooms and one full bath. Situated on a generous 1.7± acre lot, the property combines the tranquility of country living with convenient access to the
DISCOVER THE PERFECT SPOT TO BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME OR INVEST IN A PROMISING PIECE OF LAND IN THE BEAUTIFUL COMMUNITY OF SHADY GROVE IN JONES COUNTY, MS. This area offers the ideal blend of nature and convenience. Nestled within a new development on Forest Glen Drive, these small acreage home sites combine the best of both worlds: the peacefulness of country living with the convenience of city
Come see this beautiful home situated on over an acre of land, conveniently located near downtown Laurel while still offering a peaceful, private setting with an urban feel. Step inside to a spacious kitchen featuring a cozy breakfast nook and bar-top seating that overlooks the open living area, perfect for everyday living and entertaining guests. The home also includes a fully finished media
Explore Briar Creek's available lots today! This offering includes a package of 32 remaining lots located within the established Briar Creek subdivision in Laurel. The neighborhood features existing homes, paved streets, and a quiet, low-traffic layout, providing a solid foundation for continued development.Many of the available lots have already been cleared, helping reduce upfront site work,
Build your new home in Briar Creek! This lot is located in an established Laurel neighborhood with paved streets, existing homes, and a peaceful setting. The lot offers generous space and flexibility, with a minimum home size requirement of 1,800 square feet. Whether you're planning a custom build or securing land for the future, Briar Creek provides a solid opportunity in a convenient location.
Great little home, across from Tanglewood Subdivision. Minutes from town, with country setting, 1.6 Acres. 3/2 with large deck and room for entertaining and outdoor activities.
Unique Country meets vintage charm in the West Jones School District. Discover this one of a kind 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home offering 3,316sqft of character and comfort, perfectly nestled on 3 acres MOL of serene privacy. From the moment you arrive, you'll notice the creative touches that blend timeless vintage style with warm country charm. The spacious floor plan offers inviting living areas,
Located in the desirable Windermere Subdivision, this well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers a functional split floor plan with 1,526 square feet of living space. Situated on a .32-acre lot in a quiet area toward the back of the neighborhood, this property provides both privacy and convenience. The interior features a comfortable living area with a gas log fireplace, perfect for relaxing
Located in the charming city of Laurel, Laurelwood offers a variety of first-class amenities and thoughtfully designed apartments for you to call home. Our mission is to enhance the lives of our residents by providing exceptional customer service, a strong sense of community, and superior property maintenance. Our community features a swimming pool with a large sun deck, business center, and
Welcome to Normandy Manor Apartments, where quality and comfort meet. Our management and maintenance will meet your needs in a friendly and efficient manner. Let Normandy Manor Apartments be your new home.Visit our newly updated Laundry Facility!
Shadowood Park Apartments offers newly upgraded living in one of Laurel’s most convenient and comfortable locations!Just minutes from Downtown Laurel, South Central Regional Medical Center, Howard Industries, Sanderson Farms, and everyday shopping and dining, our community places you close to work, schools, and local favorites while providing a quiet, well maintained place to come home
West Hill community is located on 1933 West 10th Street in Laurel. This property is situated in a great location with beautiful trees throughout and plenty of space. Amenities include clubhouse, and newly updated laundry facility. There is professional leasing team available to help you find the perfect apartment. Contact us today or stop by to schedule a tour.
Property Id: 2319032Welcome to 1728 General Pershing Street, a delightful single-family residence offering spacious living with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms (plus a bonus/flex space!). This completely gutted and renovated property features modern accents and appliances, including a dishwasher, refrigerator, and electric range oven, making it perfect for everyday convenience. The central
Property Id: 2351927This is a 3 Bedroom 2 Bath Single Family Residence.Interior FeaturesFlooring: Carpet, PlankCooling Features: Central AirHeating Features: Central Electric
We have an apartment at Coventry Square Townhouse Apartments, Laurel, MS 39440, 2 Bedroom 1.5 baths available now. 995 a month 1,000 Deposit and a $40 application fee per applicant. Central Heat and Air, Stove, Refrigerator, Dishwasher with Washer And Dryer Hookups And Private Patios with Off Street Parking, Near Shopping Centers and Walmart. Call For Details.
We have an apartment at Coventry Square Townhouse Apartments, Laurel, MS 39440, 2 Bedroom 1.5 baths available now. 995 a month 1,000 Deposit and a $40 application fee per applicant. Central Heat and Air, Stove, Refrigerator, Dishwasher with Washer And Dryer Hookups And Private Patios with Off Street Parking, Near Shopping Centers and Walmart. Call For Details.
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
