5 Best Neighborhoods in Jackson MS for Young Professionals

Jackson is the capital of Mississippi and takes a great pride in its traditional southern heritage. Jackson is one of the cities on the famed Mississippi Blues Trails, and the city’s slogan “Jackson, Mississippi: City with Soul” honors the many great jazz, blues, and gospel musicians who have called Jackson their home. Nearly 175,000 people live within the city of Jackson. There are many neighborhoods right outside the city limits, and 500,000 people reside in the entire Jackson metropolitan area. Jackson is a racially diverse city, and its residents are in line with the national average for education. Forbes magazine ranked Jackson the third best “Bang For Your Buck” out of the largest 100 metropolitan areas in the United States. These factors all draw considerable amounts of industry to the city and make it a great place for young professionals looking to make their start. Below are five of the best neighborhoods in Jackson MS for young professionals.

1. Pearl

Median income: $21,511 Median home list price: $125,000 Percent college graduates: 16.3% Pearl is one of the more ethnically and socio-economically diverse areas of Jackson. The largest population segment of Pearl is between the ages of 25 and 29. The median per capita income is $21,511, and 16.3% of the population are college graduates. Homes in Pearl have an average list price of $125,000, which is slightly higher than Jackson’s average price of $115,000. Home prices, however, have been falling in Pearl over the last year and offer a good opportunity for young professionals looking to purchase a home. With close access to major highways as well as the Jackson – Evers International Airport, Pearl is a great location for young professionals.

2. Ridgeland

Median income: $36,204 Median home list price: $255,000 Percent college graduates: 48.8% Ridgeland is one of the higher end neighborhoods for young professionals in Jackson. Almost half of the residents over 25 are college graduates, and the median income is much higher than average. As a result, real estate in Ridgeland is also relatively expensive for Jackson area. The median home list price in Ridgeland is $255,000, which is over double the median list price for the city of Jackson. The largest population segment in Ridgeland is between the ages of 25 and 29, and the neighborhood really caters to this market segment. Many of Jackson’s coffee shops, retail stores, and restaurants are located in Ridgeland. In addition, the historic Natchez Trace and the Barnett Reservoir are located in Ridgeland and offer great opportunities for outdoor recreation.

3. Brandon

Median income: $31,387 Median home list price: $214,900 Percent college graduates: 37.5%

Brandon is not decidedly young or old but a smaller white-collar neighborhood. Residents of Brandon are highly educated and have a high household income for the area. With median home prices of around $215,000, real estate in Brandon is relatively expensive. If you are looking for small-town life within a large metropolitan area, Brandon might be the place for you. Yet, in the middle of this small town life, residents have access to major highways that allow quick and easy access to downtown Jackson. They are also right next to Jackson-Evers International Airport for easy travel out of Jackson.

4. Clinton

Median income: $27,159 Median home list price: $179,900 Percent college graduates: 42.5% For an affordable neighborhood with a small college town feel, look at Clinton. This town is the home of Mississippi College, the oldest college in the state of Mississippi and the second oldest Baptist university in the country. Being a college town, Clinton has a lot of unique dining and shopping options. Residents of Clinton are also highly educated. Almost half of the residents over the age of 25 have a college degree. Clinton, however, is a highly affordable neighborhood. Median home prices of $179,900 are well above Jackson’s median home price of $115,000. Clinton's small town, college vibe gives it a feel that is very different from any other neighborhood around Jackson. Compared to some of the other neighborhoods for young professionals, Clinton has a large variety of housing choices for residents. Since the town caters so much to its college population, you will want to be careful about where you choose to live in relation to the student housing.

5. Flowood

Median income: $31,335 Median home list price: $389,000 Percent college graduates: 44.1% Flowood is a small neighborhood with a lot of socio-economic and ethnic diversity. It is just minutes from downtown Jackson and Jackson-Evers International Airport. Lakeland Drive, a major highway lined with offices, restaurants, and shopping, cuts down the middle of Flowood. Recreational activities at the Barnett Reservoir are also just minutes away.

Residents in Flowood are also better educated than the general population of Jackson and the state. Almost half of people over the age of 25 have a college degree. With a median per capita income of $31,335, Flowood is the home to successful professionals of all ages. Buying a home in Flowood, however, may be a challenge for some young professionals. The median list price is $389,000, and prices increased 4% over the past year. This makes Flowood one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Jackson.