History of Madison, Madison County, Mississippi
It might be challenging to spell Mississippi but enjoying the state is surely no challenge at all. Mississippi, also known as the Magnolia State, has a lot of areas that you can explore and a lot of bigger cities that you can get lost in. But standing out among all these cities is Madison, considered to be one of the best places to live in Mississippi.
Keep reading to learn all about the Best City in Mississippi!!
Named after the fourth US President, James Madison, Madison is an old farming town located on a bustling railroad track before the Civil War. With a population of approximately 25,000 people, Madison might be considered a small town but surely holds its own compared to bigger cities in terms of livability. Located in Madison County, in the suburb of Jackson, MS, Madison is considered one of the best places to live in Mississippi.
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About Living in Madison, Mississippi
Located just 10 miles away from the state capital of Jackson, MS, in Madison County, Madison boasts of the best restaurants, shopping, and high-quality educational system. One of the best things about Madison is its proximity to everything you could ever ask for. New Orleans or Memphis, Tennessee are both approximately three hours away by driving. The roads and highways are well-maintained and provide convenient easy access to either side of the town so getting around is as easy as it gets!
If you need close easy access to an airport, Madison is merely 30 minutes away from the Jackson International Airport which is the gateway to most international destinations.
Even though it is close to bigger cities, Madison does not lose its small-town appeal, even with a steady increase of 60% in the population over the last ten years. This increase is attributed to the high quality of living that Madison imposes on its residents which makes it attractive for individuals, families, and retirees to move into.
Citizens of Madison value the quality of life and family values which makes this city attractive to families who are trying to raise their kids in a good place and family-oriented environment. Another thing that attracts people to Madison is the very low crime rate. With all these attributes, it is no surprise that Madison was voted as one of “The Best Towns for Families”.
According to Zippia, Madison is the happiest city in Mississippi which makes it so attractive for visitors to explore and potentially call this town their home. Retirees are also welcome to move into the Madison County area as it is one of the certified retirement areas in all of Mississippi.
Back in the day, Madison was a small, farming town that has since boomed to be one of the best towns Mississippi has to offer especially when it comes to the health and happiness of its residents. You might be wondering, how do they rate happiness? There are certainly a lot of factors that you have to consider when rating happiness and this includes: high-quality educational system, gainful employment, pride in homeownership, and enjoying the low cost of living.
Madison has a median household income of $100,978, which is more than double Mississippi’s median income. This figure is a testament to the high quality of life the residents enjoy as well as the low cost of living which is 8% lower compared to nationwide levels.
Madison not only attracts families but is a great retirement destination as well. The attributes that attract seniors to retire in this town are the low cost of living, southern hospitality, and peacefulness that this town brings. If you are looking to retire in a good place that has everything but still has the small-town charm, look no further as Madison is the one for you!
Things To Do in Madison, Mississippi
Another factor that affects the quality of life within residents is the exposure to nature and parks which there are no shortages of in Madison and the Jackson area. If you are looking for outdoor recreational experiences, Madison has a lot of superior natural parks that offer a plethora of activities which include baseball and soccer fields, batting cages, an outdoor learning center, and even an archery range. With this in mind, you will not run out of things or activities to do when you are in the area.
It has been a known fact that exposure to outdoor places and nature increases happiness and helps relieve stress and depression. It is no wonder that Madison’s residents are happy in the location and area that they are in because of the numerous lush green landscapes that they can enjoy throughout the year.
Madison emphasizes family values and what better way to spend time with your family and friends outside and enjoying what the park system has to offer. Kids are exposed to playgrounds and different sporting fields that they can take advantage of.
With its proximity to Jackson, MS, it is not unusual to equate Madison to larger cities but you will be surprised to discover that Madison exudes the charm of small towns that will make you feel at home. Even with its small-town vibe, Madison offers a lot of options when it comes to recreational areas that you can explore with your family.
Popular parks and recreational areas that you can explore in Madison include:
Liberty Park
Located at 100 Liberty Park Drive, Liberty Park has a plethora of activities that you can explore day in and day out. Amenities include:
- 8 lighted baseball or softball fields
- 3 T-Ball fields for practice
- 4 full-size regulation soccer fields
- Lighted batting cages
- 2 volleyball courts
With all these amenities spread out over 70 acres, people of all ages will surely enjoy Liberty Park. Kids can play on the Liberty Village Playground also located inside the esteemed park. On the western side of the park, you can find a paved walking trail that you can stroll on to take in the best that nature has to offer.
Strawberry Patch Park
Compared to Liberty Park, the Strawberry Patch Park is much smaller with a total of 7 acres of space located at 271 St. Augustine Dr. Inside this park, you can find a lighted walking trail spanning 1 mile that you can enjoy with views of a 1-acre lake. Families love this park because it provides ample space for kids to play in. You can also have a picnic with your friends and family in the park’s picnic areas.
It is no wonder that the Strawberry Patch Park is a favorite among families to gather around on special occasions and holidays because of its family-friendly atmosphere and convenient location.
The Ross Barnett Reservoir
Also known as "the Rez" by the locals, the Ross Barnett Reservoir is a beautiful place to visit. It's located on Highway 25 and is one of the most popular attractions in the area featuring 33,000 acres ideal for boating and fishing and plenty of space for picnics!
The Ross Barnett Reservoir also has great venues for camping. Visit Timberlake Campground for some of the finest camping in the state, or check out Goshen Springs which also has some great bass fishing. Looking for great views? Be sure to check out Coal Bluff Campground, it's spectacular. There's even communities built right on the Rez if you're looking to have that gorgeous view out your window every day!
Simmons Arboretum
Nestled at the end of St. Augustine Drive, the Simmons Arboretum is a green reserve space that is a favorite of Madison residents to explore and gather in. With 10 acres of lush greenery, you will never run out of spaces to explore. Home to rustic walking trails and native wildlife plants and trees, you will be in awe of the different topographies and landscapes that will capture your adventurous side.
The topography of Simmons Arboretum is one of a kind, with wetland views and small hills. History buffs will be thrilled when they discover that the Arboretum also has a sunken road which officials speculate was part of the original Trace road system. The hiking trails have well-marked areas and provide descriptions identifying native plants which makes hiking the Simmons Arboretum a fun and educational adventure for adults and children alike.
The Simmons Arboretum was donated to the City of Madison by Dr. and Mrs. Walter Simmons to educate people about the different flowers and trees native to Madison. With a 1.6-mile paved trail walk, you can leisurely walk through the park while enjoying the native trees and flowers that are appropriately labeled.
Madison Square Center for the Arts
You can find this center right in the heart of downtown Madison. The Madison Square Center for the Arts was created so that residents and visitors can celebrate art, education, and different cultures. The center provides a wide range of classes that you can sign up for to bring out your creative side.
You can enjoy performances throughout the year in this venue, which range from ballet performances to musicals or plays. Kids can sign up for a two-week Summer Arts Camp that will surely enhance their creativity and hone their skills. The summer camp is for students enrolled in Grades 1 to 9, with activities ranging from singing, dancing, acting, drama, and set design. All of this culminates in a performance for the community.
The center also hosts festivals and events throughout the year that residents and visitors can enjoy. During the summer, the center hosts the Downtown Madison Farmers Market which is a fun way to meet your neighbors and enjoy locally-grown produce.
Pickenpaugh Pottery and Gallery
Madison is also home to unique boutiques and specialty shops that you will not find anywhere else. Some of the notable stores that you can shop in include the Pickenpaugh Pottery and Gallery where you can find customized pottery pieces perfect for home decoration or as a gift.
Nearby shopping
Madison, Mississippi is a fairly small-sized town and you will have to drive to Ridgeland for additional shopping options. Ridgeland is a mere 2-3 miles away so it is very close and offers a wide range of shopping options for you to choose from. Popular shopping places that you can go into include:
The Township at Colony Park
This township exudes a vibrant neighborhood feel and has unique shops, boutiques, hotels, restaurants, and housing. The shops you will find in this township are mostly local so you will truly discover unique things which each visit. There are a lot of dining options that you can choose from depending on what type of food you are craving for.
Renaissance at Colony Park
Inspired by European design, the Renaissance at Colony Park is an area where you can find numerous local and nationally-known retail shops, restaurants in the Jackson, MS Metro Area. The shops and restaurants are spread out in an open-area layout coupled with European designs, water features, and lighting.
You can’t beat the ambiance and feel of this place, whether you are shopping or just leisurely strolling.
Antique Mall of the South
If you love antique shopping, you should check out this spot. You will find unique products that you will not find anywhere else. From gifts to home decoration, there are plenty of options that you can choose from.
Northpark Mall
If you are looking for a mall that houses almost all of the nationally-known retailers, you don’t have to look any further. The Northpark Mall has it all! This is your one-stop shop when it comes to dining and shopping options with 120 retailers and restaurants to choose from.
Real Estate in Madison, Mississippi
Homeownership is affordable in Madison with the median housing price of $377,000 in 2021.
The homeownership rate in Madison is at a whopping 93% which surely makes it attractive for families. The average commute time is 21.6 minutes which is calculated from home to work.
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Schools in Madison, Mississippi
One of the things that make Madison, Mississippi so attractive to families is the top-rated school system. Located in the city of Madison, you will find three elementary schools that are high-quality and truly outstanding. The schools in this school system are:
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Madison Avenue Upper Elementary
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Madison schools are known to encourage students to excel in education and sports to have each student unlock their fullest potential through exposure to different things like arts, music, drama, athletics, and robotics.
Madison, Mississippi surely checks all the boxes that you might be looking for if you are seeking to retire or relocate yourself or your family. The city is rich in deeply-rooted family values, southern hospitality, and traditions that will surely make your stay. It is no wonder that Madison is known as one of the best places to live in Mississippi. If you are thinking of moving to Madison, Mississippi, contact us today!
Donna Taylor, located in Madison, Mississippi is a highly skilled and knowledgeable real estate agent. Taylor Realty Group is committed to its key core values of persistence, commitment to ethics, and love of family. Whether you are buying, selling, or curious about the market, Taylor Realty Group has the answers.
