Just north of Mississippi’s capital, Jackson, Ridgeland is at the heart of Mississippi, with cityscapes and natural areas nearby. “We’re recognized in the South for our fine shopping and dining, high-quality education, recycling, miles of bike trails and other outdoor recreational facilities,” says Mayor Gene McGee. The Natchez Trace Parkway and Barnett Reservoir are two hotspots for enjoying the warmer weather and cyclists competing in the annual cycling event Natchez Trace Century Ride. “Developed with quality of life in mind, commercial areas are surrounded by attractive residences, exceptional amenities and conveniences. With close to 25,000 residents, we boast a vibrant economy, a close-knit community, and the latest technology for homes and businesses. We’re also one of Mississippi’s top generators in sales tax revenue.”
Discover the vibrant city of Ridgeland, MS, where 24,340 residents call Jackson's heart home.
Friendship Park is a public park in Ridgeland, Mississippi.
1/2
Barnett Reservoir to Natchez Trace Parkway
Ridgeland offers an expansive outdoor entertainment selection with watersports, spaces for leisurely strolls and sports courts. “It’s easy to get outside and enjoy the fine weather in Ridgeland; some favorites include driving the historic and scenic Natchez Trace Parkway, boating on the Barnett Reservoir, playing a match at one of Mississippi’s largest public tennis courts, a disc golf course, and walking or cycling on our multi-use trails,” Mayor McGee says. “One of the first universal design playgrounds in the state is located in Ridgeland at Freedom Ridge Park, with amenities and programs for all ability levels, everyone can find their place for fun. In Ridgeland, you’ll also find countless senior activities, clubs, churches, organizations, and plenty of ways to stay active and involved.” Old Trace Park is not only a space that celebrates the outdoors with views of the Barnett Reservoir and multiuse trails, but it also doubles as an event venue for the annual Mississippi Symphony Orchestra performance called Pepsi Pops. At this event, locals relax on picnic blankets while becoming hypnotized by the sounds of the strings and stay until the end to admire the fireworks display over the Barnett Reservoir.
Northpark mall and shopping trail
This Mississippi City has built its reputation on being a destination for retail, going as far as constructing a shopping trail, with stops in every corner of the city from the shops and cafes in Township at Colony Park to the gift and boutique shops in the Railroad District off Jackson Street. Northpark, to the south, is the area’s only indoor mall with more than 120 stores anchored by a Belk and JCPenney. Meanwhile, Renaissance at Colony Park boasts additional boutique shops and the only Apple store in Mississippi. As a part of Ridgeland’s plans to build out its retail and entertainment offerings, at the end of February 2024, the city broke ground on Mississippi’s first Top Golf location, which is expected to be complete by the end of 2024. The site will eventually be joined by more mixed-use space where people can shop and dine.
Home to the Craftsman Guild of Mississippi
While Ridgeland does not have a specific artistic corner, the city does take pride in housing the Craftsman Guild of Mississippi, a creative center offering crafting classes and a gallery where pieces on display are also available for purchase. Along Jackson Street, art appreciators may explore additional galleries. “You can listen to the best of jazz, blues, or country music at one of our outdoor music festivals,” Cooper says. She notes that the Township Jazz Festival garners a lot of interest from locals wanting to listen to artists with various talents, from local performers to national artists.
Ridgeland real estate and renters
Residential areas boast manicured lawns along sidewalk-lined streets, whether inside gated communities such as the Carlton Parke extension, where homeowners association fees are around $325 paid quarterly, or ungated subdivisions such as Wendover, with monthly payments around $40. While many homes fall within the range of $200,000 to $350,000, with a median single-family home price of $310,000, homes in the new Bridgewater community list for over $1 million. Homeowners comprise 49% of Ridgeland and pay an average of $153 per square foot. Renters comprise 51% of the city and pay an average of $1,049 a month for a one-bedroom with an average living space size of 754 square feet. Apartment complexes are primarily located in the eastern section of Ridgeland and, similarly to the area’s houses, are always a short drive away from Ridgeland’s retail establishments, with shopping corridors in every corner of the city.
Ridgeland's charming neighborhoods provide close-knit communities.
In Ridgeland, homes feature detached garages for added convenience and architectural flair.
1/2
Ridgeland schools rank highly
Madison County School District serves the Ridgeland community and earns a Grade A from Niche. Ridgeland students may begin their educational journey at Ann Smith Elementary, which Niche gives an overall Grade A-minus. Highland Elementary School and Olde Town Middle School, where children may later attend, earn a Grade B-plus from Niche, while Ridgeland High School, where students may round out their education, earns a grade of B. There are two private schools in Ridgeland: Christ Covenant School and St. Andrew’s Episcopal School. St. Andrews earns a Grade A-plus from Niche and is rated the No. 1 best private high school in Mississippi, though students may be enrolled as early as pre-kindergarten.
Highland Elementary School is a public school located in Ridgeland, Ms.
St. Andrew's Episcopal School is a private school located in Ridgeland, Mississippi.
1/2
Interstate 55 to Jackson
Traveling around Ridgeland is convenient, with Interstate 55 splitting the city down the middle and connecting with Jackson around 12 miles to the south. The Natchez Trace Parkway runs west to east, connecting residents with the Barnett Reservoir and the Natchez Trace Chisha Foka Mixed-use Trail trailhead. Explore Ridgeland provides a bike-share program where cyclists can rent bikes to trek the mixed-use trails woven throughout the city, removed from automobile traffic along the Natchez Trace Parkway. Highway 51 and parts of Interstate 220 that run in southern sections of Ridgeland provide additional travel support to Jackson and the Merit Health Central hospital in times of emergency.
Crime trends in Ridgeland
Crime Grade gives Ridgeland an overall grade of C and reports that the city’s crime rate is 39.35 per 1,000 residents. The website also shares that the property crime rate per 1,000 residents is 27.51, while the violent crime rate is 2.04 in a standard year. Mississippi Crime Statistics, using data provided by the Ridgeland Police Department, indicates that the rate of violent crime rose 5.75% between 2022 and 2023. Meanwhile, Mississippi Crime Statistics share that robbery rates dropped 28.57%, burglary dropped 11.59%, larceny dropped 16.62%, and fraud dropped 14.67% between 2022 and 2023. In December 2023, the Ridgeland Police Department launched a mobile application to promote transparency and improve communication with residents. With this app, citizens can see when and where crimes occurred on a map, submit tips, pay tickets, file complaints and read the latest press releases from the department.
I'm an expert real estate agent with Jim Walker Realty Services in Brandon, MS and the nearby area, providing home-buyers and sellers with professional, responsive and attentive real estate services. Want an agent who'll really listen to what you want in a home? Need an agent who knows how to effectively market your home so it sells? Give me a call! I'm eager to help and would love to talk to you.
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.
