Jackson is one of the top cities in the U.S. for families, aspiring entrepreneurs and retirees who want to live out their golden years in comfort. Officially incorporated in 1821, Jackson serves as the state capital of Mississippi and is known for its rich Southern heritage and prominent jazz scene.
Many new residents are drawn to the city for its affordability. Jackson’s cost of living index is lower than what is found in most other places in the U.S. and slightly below the state average. The cost of living is particularly low in the areas of transportation, utilities and health care.
There are many neighborhoods in Jackson and the outlying communities that are ideal for new residents to find homes. Affordable housing can often be found in the Lake Trace, North Pointe and Bellevue Oaks neighborhoods. The nearby cities of Clinton, Florence and Byram are also known to have excellent deals on housing. East Brooke and Forest Hill are two of the city’s safest neighborhoods.
Jackson enjoys warm and pleasant temperatures throughout much of the year. Although rainfall can be heavy at times, extreme temperatures are generally rare. Snowfall is an extremely rare occurrence. Daytime high temperatures in the winter range in the 50s and 60s. The hottest summertime temperatures can reach into the 90s.
Public bus service in the city is managed by the Jackson Transit System (JATRAN). Residents who have their own vehicles can take Interstates 20, 55 and 220 to reach many points in and around the city. The Jackson-Evers International Airport serves as the city’s main air transportation hub. Residents can also choose to travel to certain destinations by Amtrak train.
In addition to being a great place to live, Jackson boasts many exciting attractions. The Mississippi Governor’s Mansion has been the residence for many of the state’s governors and is open for free guided tours on select days. Many interesting art pieces created by American and British artists can be seen inside the Mississippi Museum of Art. The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science features several intriguing interactive exhibits. Many of the local residents head to LeFleur’s Bluff State Park to enjoy boating, hiking and other outdoor activities on nice days.
AreaVibes can help you find the best places to live in Jackson. Searches can be fully customized to include average home costs, crime statics, education and other important data. The site also features information about many of the best cities that are adjacent to Jackson.
