Jackson, Mississippi

When you close your eyes and think about the state of Mississippi, Jackson likely isn’t what comes to mind. The state capital is home to a variety of urban amenities, ranging from art centers like the Mississippi Museum of Art to sports teams like the Mississippi Braves, one of Atlanta’s beloved minor league baseball clubs. Despite this, transplants might be surprised to learn that Jackson’s housing prices tend to be well below the national median, allowing residents to enjoy everything it has to offer for less.

When you close your eyes and think about the state of Mississippi, you’ll likely picture abysmal summer heat amplified by brutal humidity. That aspect of the South is one Jackson can't avoid. Extreme weather can also be unrelated to heat, as tornadoes and brutal storms also call Jackson their occasional home. Jackson residents also complain about crime and crumbling infrastructure, but amidst the revitalization projects hope springs eternal.

Despite being a primarily urban area, Jackson residents are recognized for maintaining much of the city's classic Southern charm. Locals are proud to call Jackson home and are known for having created a proud, tight-knit community. A great restaurant scene with all of the Southern staples and more is something that Jackson is often lauded for. One of the souls of American music, Jackson’s rich history of phenomenal R&B, blues, and jazz musicians still exists. Families that raise their children here get a mix of urban energy and small-town historic charm in many of the city neighborhoods.

If you're interested in seeing what people get up to in Jackson check out the calendar of events.

We highly recommend visiting Jackson and staying in the community in a VRBO rather than a hotel to get a feel for what it's like to live among the locals. You can receive discounted fares on travel via our partnership with Expedia as well.

Healthcare job opportunities are plentiful in Jackson, with the Mississippi State Hospital, Mississippi Baptist Medical Center, and the University of Mississippi Medical Center all hiring. As the state capital, working for the government is also common, with the state of Mississippi and the U.S. government being two of the largest employers in Jackson. Overall, the average annual salary in Jackson is well below the national average, although that is balanced by the lower cost of living.