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The Mississippi Lifestyle
There’s no escaping that northeast Mississippi is the heart of
the South, nor would you want to. Mississippi’s eclectic mix of
culture and heritage provides it with a personality that is all
its own, flavored with a generous dose of Southern hospitality.
From the distinctive folksy blues to the sweet smell of
magnolias that drifts across its restored antebellum homes to
the giant oaks that shade the historic Natchez Trace,
Mississippi is a sensual delight. But coupled with its leisurely
and comfortable lifestyle is a dynamic and cosmopolitan energy
that makes living in northeast Mississippi ideal.
The Living is Good
Northeast Mississippi represents the growth and prosperity
of 21st century Mississippi. These locales offer something for
every interest and provide a truly desirable setting in which to
raise a family. With a population of approximately 34,000,
Tupelo is the largest city in North Mississippi Medical Center’s
service area. Tupelo has been selected as an All-America City
three times over the last three decades, most recently in 1999.
And it’s no wonder with all it has to offer:
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More than 1,400 acres of city park land
and 18 city parks
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Eight state parks and four national
forests within one-hour’s drive
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A sportsplex that includes 16
professionally lighted soccer fields
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The Tupelo Symphony Orchestra, which
hosts seasonal concerts and world-renowned guest performers
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The Tupelo Ballet Company, which offers
a full schedule of performances each season
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BancorpSouth Center, the area’s premier
arena with a 10,000 spectator capacity and a wide variety of
events
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The Tupelo Automobile Museum, the
second largest private car collection in the United States
with more than 150 classic and antique autos
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The Mall at Barnes Crossing, a retail
complex that totals more than 1.4 million square feet–one of
the top 10 shopping malls in the Southeast.
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North Mississippi Medical Center, the
largest non-metropolitan hospital in the nation and a leader
in quality health care
Affordability Combined with Livability
In addition to the cultural and recreational amenities
offered in northeast Mississippi, the area provides an
exceptional cost of living value. Housing is abundant,
neighborhoods are close knit and family-friendly, and housing
prices are moderate. Competitive utility and insurance rates are
enhanced by the temperate climate and mild winters. As a result,
northeast Mississippi has an overall cost of living that is
below the national average. The area’s educational system often
exceeds national standards in terms of student performance,
quality of teaching staff and student to teacher ratio. In
addition, several community and four-year colleges located
within northeast Mississippi, including the University of
Mississippi, Mississippi State University and the Mississippi
University for Women, are about an hour from Tupelo.
On Your Days Off
There’s no shortage of things to do close to home. Plenty of
fun outings are available within a few hours or as day trips.
Memphis, Birmingham and Nashville are easily reached from
Tupelo. The Natchez Trace Parkway, which runs through Tupelo,
angles 444 miles across Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee.
National Military Parks in Shiloh, Tenn., and Vicksburg are
popular stops for Civil War history buffs.
Forests, lakes, rivers and offshore waters
abound. Best of all, the mild climate permits year-round
enjoyment of boating, bicycling, hiking, hunting and horseback
riding. The excitement of deep-sea fishing draws anglers to the
Gulf Coast, and more than 150 species of freshwater fish thrive
in Mississippi’s inland waterways. If you prefer the challenges
of golf, two of the state’s top courses are located within an
hour’s drive of Tupelo, Old Waverly in West Point and Kirkwood
National Golf Club in Holly Springs. So whether your idea of
recreation or adventure includes sports, the arts, history, the
sciences or just some excellent dining, there are plenty of
nearby options that make living in northeast Mississippi so
enticing.
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