Area Information
The city of Meridian is a progressive and rapidly growing city. When pressed for a one-word description of the city, natives and visitors alike would probably choose "friendly." Others describe the Meridian area as "beautiful," "accessible" and "a good place to raise a family."
Many homes and churches are on the National Register of Historic Places, including Merrehope a stately 20 room Victorian mansion. Originally, part of the home was used as headquarters for Confederate General Leonidas Polk and was spared by Union General William T. Sherman. Numerous motels serve the many visitors and newcomers.
Many homes are located on rolling terrain, graced by native pines and hardwoods. There are a variety of local housing choices with reasonable rental rates and purchase prices. Homes range from rustic cabins to spacious contemporary residences to magnificent colonial mansions.
A pleasant walk downtown reveals an abundance of delightful surprises. Well-kept store buildings display a variety of shops that serve not only Meridian residents but people in other communities near and far. Business establishments offer a full range of necessities, plus there are specialty shops, gift shops, antique shops, a new mall and restaurants, all operated in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
The town provides a full complement of municipal services including fire and police protection, rescue team, and water & waste treatment facilities. There are churches of many denominations, public library, fine arts building, various lodges and clubs, financial services, newspapers, and ample health and medical services with 3 major hospitals. The city also features a regional airport with commercial service and passenger rail connections to meet your travel needs.
Throughout East Central Mississippi employment opportunities are available in each community. Agriculture still plays a vital role in the economy but it's not cotton these days, it's timber. Valuable timberlands help support one of the largest industries in Mississippi; but don't worry, beef cattle, horses and hay and other agricultural products are still raised throughout the area.
Meridian places great emphasis on education from day care through high school. The area's rural schools offer many advantages to their students; small classes and attentive teachers create an ideal learning environment. Some of the nation's finest colleges and universities are within an hour's drive of Meridian. They include our own Meridian Community College, Mississippi State University, The University of Alabama, The University of West Alabama, East Mississippi Community College, and others.
The Meridian area has become a magnet for the outdoor minded. White tail deer, ducks, and other game birds and wildlife abound in the area. There are many large lakes, rivers, and beautiful streams offering great fishing for largemouth bass, crappie or even the famous Mississippi catfish.
Go canoeing on the scenic Chunky River,or fishing, boating, or even sailing on Okatibbee Lake, or golfing on the many golf courses that speckle the area, or how about horseback riding on the many trails available. Area facilities that provide easy access to fishing or hunting include camp sites, resorts, motels, and charming bed & breakfast inns.
A wide variety of annual festivals bring crowds of people to join in the fun, such as the Jimmy Rogers Festival (Jimmy Rogers is known as the Father of Country Music), the Choctaw Indian Fair, the Neshoba County Fair (Mississippi's Giant House Party) and Christmas on the River in Demopolis, AL.
Award-winning 18-hole golf course, Dancing Rabbit, features two nationally acclaimed Tom Fabio/Jerry Pate golf courses in a 700-acre setting.
Make a splash on the edge of 285-acre Lake Pushmataha. Geyser Falls Water Park with fabulous water slides, rocking wave pools, to lazy rivers, featuring one-of-a-kind attractions on the 15-acre adventure. Pearl River Resort also includes Clearwater Key Beach and the world's first Hard Rock Beach Club. Hwy. 16, west of Philadelphia in Choctaw, Mississippi.
Meridian's high quality of life, low tax rate, amenable land costs, and nominal cost of living are important added inducements. Meridian is an official Hometown Retirement Community, designated by the state.
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