$243,231Average Value$140Average Price per Sq Ft41Homes For Sale
Close to Hattiesburg with top-rated schools
Petal is a relatively new city, incorporated in 1974. Home to about 11,000 people, the small, southern Mississippi town lies along the Leaf River just 3 miles northeast of Hattiesburg. Residents of the formerly unincorporated area lobbied to become a separate city rather than be annexed into Hattiesburg. One of their main objectives was to control their schools. That instinct paid off, as the Petal School District now consistently ranks as one of the best in the state and is one of the biggest reasons people move to the city. Melanie Waters, a Realtor with Nimble Real Estate, moved to Petal when her children were young and watched them graduate through the school system. “Coming from another city, another state, another school district, we really have seen how great this place is,” she says. “Some people who have been here forever don’t realize what they’ve got.” According to the U.S. Census, Petal's top industries are educational services, health care and social assistance fields, followed by retail trade.
The city of Petal is a growing community known for its small-town charm.
Near Petal, Downtown Hattiesburg offers a lively scene with boutiques, eateries, and more.
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Petal School District has National Blue Ribbon-winning high school
The Petal School District earns an A-plus on Niche and serves more than 4,200 students at five schools. Petal High School won the prestigious National Blue Ribbon Award in 2022. The district has top-tier athletic facilities and a strong career and technical education program that offers training in fields like sports medicine, culinary arts and public safety. It also boasts a leading show choir program running from upper elementary school through high school. “It’s like watching Broadway,” Waters says.
Petal High School serves students in grades 9-12.
The Petal School District, located in Petal, Mississippi, is a top-rated public school system serving over 4,200 students across five schools.
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Smaller homes in the heart of the city, bigger lots on the outskirts of Petal
Petal’s median home price is $244,000, slightly lower than Hattiesburg’s median of $250,000. Waters says the local market is strong and has not been impacted by the recent slumps that affected much of the national housing market. Still, houses in Petal stay on the market for 64 days, on average, compared to the national average of 46 days. Petal has a mix of houses dating from the 1950s to the ’80s and new-construction homes. “Our more popular subdivisions are the older subdivisions, with the bigger homes and the bigger lots,” Waters says.
Petal’s older subdivisions are the most popular, with bigger homes and lots.
Petal has a mix of homes built from the 1950s to the 1980s, offering a variety of homes styles.
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Mountain biking trails and playgrounds
Petal has about half a dozen parks across the city, including a dog park. Miles of mountain biking and nature trails are at Petal River Park, while the playgrounds at Hinton Parl and Emma Hill Park are popular with families. Friendly Park is the site of baseball fields, batting cages, a skate park and a splash pad. The Petal Family YMCA is nearby.
Petal has more than a dozen churches of different denominations, many of which also host community events and youth groups.
Petal’s Friendly Park Splash Pad is a popular spot for kids to cool off and play.
Petal’s Robert E. Russell Sports Complex offers fields and facilities for all ages.
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Limited local restaurants, big-box stores
Petal has a limited number of restaurants, including the locally owned Sully’s steakhouse and Mom & Dad's Country Cooking, a diner that serves Southern-style favorites. Fast-food outlets dot Central Avenue and Main Street, where there is also a supermarket. More chain restaurants and big-box stores can be found off Evelyn Gandy Parkway.
Petal’s Sully’s is a local favorite, known for its great food and atmosphere.
Petal’s Road House is a popular local spot known for its hearty meals and casual atmosphere.
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Commuting to Jackson, day trips to Gulf Coast
The city’s main thoroughfares are the Evelyn Gandy Parkway and U.S. Route 11, which leads to downtown Hattiesburg, where many residents work. It’s also where they’ll find the nearest hospitals and other big-city provisions. Jackson, Mobile and the Mississippi Gulf Coast are less than 100 miles away.
Weather and crime in Petal
Petal’s climate follows the typical Mississippi pattern: hot and humid summers and mild winters. Tornadoes are a threat. A major tornado in 2017 downed trees and powerlines and damaged businesses and homes. The Petal Police Department reported an average of 12 violent crime incidents a year in the period from 2021 to 2024. In that same four-year span, the department reported an average of 56 property crime incidents annually, according to the state’s Crime Statistics webpage.
Written By
Nour Habib
Photography Contributed By
Dimitri Fevrier
Video By
Houston Knight
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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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
On average, homes in Petal, MS sell after 66 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Petal, MS over the last 12 months is $264,000, up 15% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Flat wooded lot in a well established Petal neighborhood. Ideal home site. No HOA but city codes and ordinances apply. Contact the City of Petal Building Department or the city's website for details on other requirements. Minimum square footage is 1400. A drainage ditch currently crosses the front left corner of the lot can be moved to the property line. (Per seller, city has approved.) See
Great opportunity in Petal's Eastside subdivision! This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home has been a solid rental producer and is equally move-in ready for an owner occupant. Sitting on a spacious 100x150 lot, the 1,286 sq ft home features a renovated bathroom, new countertops, tile backsplash, updated laundry, and low-maintenance laminate and carpet flooring. Enjoy central heat and air, ceiling fans, a
Welcome home to this stunning and spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath brick beauty designed for comfortable everyday living and effortless entertaining. From the moment you step into the inviting foyer, you'll notice the high ceilings, elegant lighting, and gorgeous premium flooring that flows throughout the home. The thoughtfully designed floor plan offers a designated dining room and a grand,
Five acres, a pool, and space for everything you've ever wanted-this Petal property delivers big from the moment you arrive! Located just outside the city limits of Petal and located in one of the highest ranking school district in the state of Mississippi, this home offers privacy and room to spread out. The driveway leads to a classic brick exterior with welcoming curb appeal and a two car
Prime 5-Acre Commercial Parcel on Evelyn Gandy Parkway in Petal Don't miss this rare opportunity to own 5 acres of highly visible commercial land along Evelyn Gandy Parkway in Petal. This prime location offers frontage, high traffic counts, and easy access, making it an ideal site for nearly any type of business venture. The property is zoned to accommodate a wide range of uses—whether you're
3-Bedroom Home with Shop, RV Hookups & More - Petal, MSLocated just minutes from town in the highly sought-after Petal School District, this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers a great layout and features that make it a standout in its price range. Inside, you'll find a split floor plan, a spacious living area, a formal dining room, and a generously sized primary suite that provides comfort and
2.37 acres at corner of Old Richton Rd and Evelyn Gandy Parkway/Hwy 42Large lot with high traffic count and visibility.Old home on property not considered in value
Like-new and barely lived in, this move-in ready home in the highly sought-after Petal School District offers a clean, modern layout with spacious living areas, a true split floor plan, and all appliances included! From the curb, the classic brick exterior, covered front porch, and clean landscaping create a welcoming first impression. Inside, the oversized living room immediately stands out with
Beautifully maintained brick ranch in the Petal School District set on an oversized, park-like tract with pool, shops and extra land - a true in-town retreat with room to spread out. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home plus dedicated office features an inviting great room with fireplace, wood-look tile floors, and updated kitchen with granite counters, stainless appliances, gas range and large breakfast
420 Old Richton Rd, Petal -- Charming 2 bed / 1 bath home in the desirable Petal School District. Recently updated with a brand-new roof, new deck, and important repairs already completed. Interior features include granite countertops and an open, functional layout ready for your personal touches. Fenced backyard offers privacy and room for outdoor living. Property qualifies for USDA, VA, and FHA
OVER 3,000 SQ FT ON THE WATER IN PETAL! Spacious waterfront home in the desirable Longleaf Acres area of Petal! This property offers over 3,000 square feet with 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, and multiple flex spaces that can easily serve as a home office, flex room, or additional living/bedroom areas. The interior features a functional layout with generous living spaces, great natural light, and
Take a look at this great 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home located in the Reese Creek subdivision in Petal, Mississippi. Sitting just outside the city limits, you'll enjoy a little extra space and privacy while still being close to everything. This home is in the award-winning Petal School District and features a nice size yard with an open field feel--perfect for relaxing or entertaining.
Affordable 1 Bed / 1 Bath Apartment.Enjoy a simple, quiet, comfortable neighborhood in the heart of Petal!Conveniently located just minutes from local shopping, dining, and everyday essentials, with easy access to Hattiesburg for work or entertainment. Please message me for more details. 601-550-4357
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