Fondren Jackson MS: The Arts in Your Backyard

Fondren neighborhood in Jackson, Mississippi spans approximately 1.256 miles and runs from Northside Drive to the north, Woodrow Wilson Avenue to the south, I-55 to the east, and the ICR Railroad line to the west. Fondren was recently placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service.  Fondren is an incredible historic district that not only has a beautiful residential area, but also has an eclectic business district that is rich in the arts.

This former suburb of Jackson was annexed by the city in 1925 and has established its own character. Locals reign in this charming neighborhood with a small town feel. You know a neighborhood is worthy of looking into when it has a magazine devoted to it.  

Fondren Demographics

Source: damonwoffordrealty.com

The City of Jackson's population is approximately 172,638, with Fondren's population about 1,952. In 2013, the median household income in Fondren was $57,236, compared to $29,811 for the City of Jackson. The median age for males in Fondren is 41, with females being 39. Among all households, approximately 23% are married couples. Of those married couples, about 42% have children. The cost of living in North Fondren is approximately 11% less than the U.S. average. The income per capita in North Fondren is 44.3% more than the average in Jackson and 31.7% more than the average in Mississippi. The median household income in North Fondren is 26.7% greater than the Jackson average and 9% greater than the Mississippi average.

Culture in Fondren 

Source: news.usm.edu

The Cedars home was built about 1840 and is the oldest remaining residential structure in Jackson. It is located at 4145 Old Canton Road near the intersection of Meadowbrook Road and I-55 North. The two acre property boasts beautiful cedar, oak, and magnolia trees. With such beauty, The Cedars is often home to cultural community events, like the "Four Seasons of The Cedars" and "Symphony at Sunset." Both events are free and open to the pubic for everyone to enjoy the beauty of this peaceful retreat found in the midst of a busy urban area.

The Four Seasons of The Cedars: Four art exhibits are hosted each year at The Cedars. Each exhibit features new and veteran artists’ work. A portion of the proceeds from every piece of art sold is set aside for improvement to The Cedars,  to maintain Jackson’s oldest residential home. It's not unusual for there to be 400-500 art lovers on opening night at this popular Fondren event.

Symphony at Sunset: More than 2,000 people come with blankets or lawn chairs to hear the beautiful sounds of the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra on the grounds of The Cedars. You can even pack a picnic basket to bring along. The event is typically scheduled for the third Thursday in September, and there is a new theme for the concert each year.

Quality of Life in Fondren

Source: jefcoatrecreation.com

Pride in ownership is evident when you live in Fondren. Our Fondren Neighborhood Association (OFNA) is an organization of Fondren neighborhood residents in Jackson, Mississippi.  OFNA is committed to sustaining the Fondren neighborhood and maintaining the well-being of its residents.  OFNA is exclusively made up and governed by Fondren residents.  OFNA is dedicated to communication, beautification, crime prevention, and code enforcement. OFNA partners with other local organizations with similar goals: Fondren Renaissance Foundation, Security Association of Fondren, the City of Jackson, Fondren Association of Businesses, and other Fondren neighborhood association. 

Spend time with family and friends in Fondren Park.  In cooperation with the city of Jackson, Fondren Renaissance wrote and received a  HUD grant for almost $600,000 to develop a park at the corner of Dunbar Street and Northview Avenue.  The park was dedicated in 2011 and provides a green space used by schools, churches and families in the neighborhood. The park has many features:  an outdoor concert pavilion, a walking trail, playground equipment, and a community garden.

What Fondren is Best Known For

Source: picssr.com

Fondren is best known in Jackson as an arts district. Concerts, book signings, art events, food tastings, and other cultural events like these occur on a regular basis in Fondren.  And not only is Fondren know for its arts, but also for its unique boutiques. Residents and visitors enjoy shopping for that special gift and then stopping to grab a coffee or bite to eat in one of  Fondren's more than twenty locally owned restaurants, bars, coffee shops and bakeries. Fondren is also known for its many community programs and cultural events.

•  Zippity Doo Dah Weekend: Scheduled in 2016 for April 1-2, Zippity Doo Dah is Fondren's most exciting weekend of the year.  It's a benefit for Mississippi's only children's hospital, Batson Children’s Hospital, which is located in Fondren. The weekend includes many family events. Some of the most popular are the Sal and Mookie Street Carnival for kids  and the Zippity Doo Dah Parade. The parade features The Sonic Boom, Jackson State University's award winning marching band, and the well known Sweet Potato Queens.

•  Fondren’s First Thursday: This popular event is held the first Thursday of every month of course (with the exception of January, February or July). Every month Fondren gets 3000-5000 visitors for this family-friendly event. The business district in Fondren will host live music, open art galleries, live mural walls, creative art interactions, and arts performances from local schools.  While enjoying all the activities, patrons can shop the unique boutiques and sample the great cuisine in locally owned Fondren businesses.

•  Arts, Eats, and Beats: Fondren's spring arts celebration highlights Jackson's best selections in art, gifts, antiques, apparel, furniture, interior design, food and music.  Art galleries and boutiques are paired with local restaurants and musical offerings for spring shopping and gallery browsing at its finest.  The Cedars "Spring" art show is open during this time as well.