Take a drive through the neighborhood of Belhaven in Jackson, Mississippi to find classic, charming homes in an environment noted for its arts and entertainment. In Belhaven, you will find tree-lined streets and homes that date from the late 1800's. The architectural styles are widely varied from the 19th and early 20th centuries and include designs like Craftsman, Queen Anne, Tudor Revival, Colonial Revival, italianate, and others. The population in Jackson, Mississippi's capital, is approximately 173,513, with Belhaven maintaining a population of approximately 8,000 residents.
Belhaven Demographics
The median home value in Greater Belhaven is 66.7% greater than the Jackson average and 52.9% greater than the Mississippi average. The income per capita in Greater Belhaven is 39.1% greater than the Jackson average and 27% greater than the Mississippi average. The median household income in Greater Belhaven is 31.4% greater than the Jackson average and 13% greater than the Mississippi average. The cost of living in Greater Belhaven is 12.8% less than the national average. Close to 30% of the homes are occupied by married couples. Of those married couples, approximately 65% have children under the age of 18. One person households account for about 45% of households in Belhaven. Single males account for about 4% of households, and single females about 6%.
Culture in Belhaven
When you buy a home in the Greater Belhaven area, its like purchasing a front row seat to the downtown Jackson cultural scene. Music, art, and theatre surround the neighborhood. Here are a just a few of the cultural experiences around Belhaven.
- New Stage Theatre: This quaint theatre accommodates 364 seats in 15 rows in the main Auditorium, so there is no such thing as a bad seat at New Stage! New Stage produces five plays annually, as well as a holiday show, a student matinee, and a kids-only show with hometown talent. With a broad range of main stage productions, residents of Belhaven will enjoy walking to the theatre to see a quality professional production that New Stage is known for.
- Art: Many art studios and galleries are located in the Greater Belhaven area, including the Municipal Art Gallery located on North State Street. Belhaven University also hosts galleries. In addition, the Mississippi Museum of Art is nearby. There visitors will find current traveling art shows and can visit the "Mississippi Story" exhibit that showcases a number of Belhaven's very own artists!
- Music: You can hear all sorts of music in Greater Belhaven, from the Blues to Irish Folk music to live bands on Commerce Street. Dance to a new beat every weekend!
- Museums: Three historically significant house museums can be found in the Greater Belhaven Neighborhood: the Manship House, the Eudora Welty House, and the Boyd House/The Oaks
Quality of Life in Belhaven
With four active neighborhood organizations, there are always activities happening in Belhaven. The Greater Belhaven Neighborhood Foundation (GBNF) strives to advance and revitalize the area. Friends of Laurel Street Park, a GBNF committee, formed specifically to rejuvenate and then maintain Laurel Street Park in conjunction with the parks department of the City of Jackson. The Belhaven Improvement Association (BIA) and The Belhaven Heights Community Association (BHCA) are two homeowner associations for residents whose goals are to protect and improve property in the area.
- BHCA neighborhood meetings: The Belhaven Heights Community Association is an active neighborhood organization that meets regularly to discuss what is going on in the neighborhood and city. Meetings are open to the public and free.
- Bright Lights, Belhaven Nights: The whole family will enjoy this annual end-of-the-summer festival held each August. On festival night, you'll find several stages of varied live musical performances, a children's area, food from Greater Belhaven area restaurants, handcrafted items from Greater Belhaven artisans, and a silent auction.
- Neighborhood tailgating parties: Neighbors gather for food, fun, and fellowship while cheering on their favorite hometown teams! BHCA will sometimes provide burgers, hot dogs, and drinks for the event. You don't even have to be in college to come to the party.
Best Known For
Belhaven Jackson MS was designated one of the "Ten Great Neighborhoods for 2014." Neighborhoods are announced annually each October by The American Planning Association (APA) and represent the "gold standard" in terms of possessing a real sense of cultural and historical interest, community involvement, and a vision for the future. "Greater Belhaven has so many attributes, and this designation recognizes these qualities and the people that live, work and play here.” said Virgi Lindsay, who serves as Greater Belhaven Foundation's Executive Director. “We have worked hard to maintain the historical integrity of the neighborhoods while incorporating modern-day amenities and continued growth. This honor represents the dedication of the Greater Belhaven people."
The origins of the historic Belhaven neighborhood begin with the founding of Belhaven College in 1883. The College has since become Belhaven University. If residents in Belhaven decide to pursue a new degree (or maybe finish one up),
Belhaven University is literally within walking distance. Belhaven University is a Christian liberal arts university devoted to high quality Christian higher education. The University is nationally accredited in all four arts (dance, music, theatre, and visual art). This prestigious distinction belongs to only 30 schools in the nation. The University boasts 27 undergraduate majors, with a 12:1 student to faculty ratio. For non-traditional students who may be working adults, Belhaven also offers adult and graduate degree programs. With the distinction of one of "America's 100 Best College Buys," Belhaven University is a great place to begin or continue your education.
