Considering Job Offers (Jackson, Pearl, Ridgeland: appointed, apartments, rental) - Mississippi (MS) -Includes Jackson, Madison, Canton, Clinton, Byram, Pearl, Brandon, Richland - City-Data Forum

av8nlvr · 10-07-2012, 10:35 PM

I'm considering job offers both in Jackson and over in Savannah, GA. Both similar sized markets I think. I currently live in Birmingham, AL (not from here though). I visited Jackson for a couple days and was somewhat disappointed. I was looking at apartments for a mid age single guy in a decent area. Comparing to what I have now, in the high 600 range - I have a gated complex, not terribly old (maybe 15 yrs). To get a similar place there, the price could be in the high 700s. Jackson is a smaller town than B'ham, so why so expensive? I looked at some apts in the Ridgeland area and they were 25-30 year old buildings with appliances that looked like 1980s and not really good condition and for this they want $700+/month. Good grief!! There's a nice complex out in Canton but they have a waiting list! I drove down to Byram even, and the traffic on the main road there at rush hour was so bad I had to wait 10 mins to get out of a parking lot. Brandon is going to be a longer commute than here but the apts don't look much better than Ridgeland. I'm not impressed.

JacksonPanther · 10-08-2012, 08:28 AM

OK, then. Is there a question, or did you just want to vent?

av8nlvr · 10-08-2012, 10:42 PM

Well, kind of both. Why does it seem so much more expensive there.

JacksonPanther · 10-09-2012, 01:32 PM

I'm not an economist, so take my thoughts for what you paid...

For whatever reason, demand for housing is higher in the Jackson area than in Birmingham. The reasons for that might be:
- Jackson is the capital of MS, so there are more people that need to live here to conduct business based on government
- Jackson is the only city of any size in MS, whereas AL has Birmingham, Mobile, Montgomery, and Huntsville, all about the same size. So again this might mean higher demand for the only city in MS, whereas AL has 4 cities competing.

But so what. Even if you knew exactly why Jackson was more expensive, there isn't anything you can do about it. I'm sure you could find something nicer if you had more time to search, but that's tough to do unless you're willing to drive over here for a couple of long weekends to apartment hunt.

Personally all things being equal I would rather live in Savannah than Jackson, but all things are never equal. A good job in Jackson is better than a bad job in Savannah.

av8nlvr · 10-12-2012, 08:36 PM

After exploring Savannah with a rep from the job there, I also like that town more. But in reality, their job offers are not identical and I may (likely) end up in Jackson. The place I am considering is in Ridgeland, near the Old Canton Rd and County Line Rd area. Is that a good area? The houses look decent but the apartments are older.

JacksonPanther · 10-13-2012, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by av8nlvr

After exploring Savannah with a rep from the job there, I also like that town more. But in reality, their job offers are not identical and I may (likely) end up in Jackson. The place I am considering is in Ridgeland, near the Old Canton Rd and County Line Rd area. Is that a good area? The houses look decent but the apartments are older.

I think Jackson and surroundings just don't have a strong apartment rental situation.

Yes, Old Canton and County Line is a fine area. I know there are apartments on Old Canton in that area, but as you said they are older. You might need a little more time to search and make a good decision.

av8nlvr · 10-14-2012, 07:36 PM

There's another nice one in the Brandon area, south of the interstate. Its probably an older complex, as the newer ones seem to be on the north side so is that a better area? How is the traffic there?

reneeisorym · 10-31-2012, 09:22 PM

A lot of new comers end up at the King Edward in downtown Jackson. King Edward is not the safest choice outside the condos, but it's a great condo inside. A lot will depend on where your job is located. If you work in downtown, I would avoid Byram because the traffic on I-55 South is terrible during rush hour. The crime in Ridgeland is increasing. Just today the store manager of Party City was shot on County Line Rd. I wouldn't personally live there, but I know many who do. I would look on Lakeland Drive around Flowood, or in Brandon. I know a lot of people live in the apartments along Lakeland. They are newer and safe. The apartments around Brandon are probably the least expensive and still very safe. Look at the Village at Crossgates. I believe they have reasonable rates.

av8nlvr · 11-04-2012, 01:46 AM

I'm now living in Windsor Lake. Nice apartment, similar in price to much older units up in Ridgeland (where there seems to be a lot of crime lately making the news) but this is only 15 years or so. Traffic isn't too bad either. The crime seems to be more than in B'ham overall.

bwsj81 · 11-28-2012, 05:33 PM

If given the decision of Savannah and Jackson, it wouldnt be a decision. I'd be in savannah in a heartbeat.

But, if you're still considering Jackson, I'd suggest looking in Madison, Flowood, Pearl, or Brandon. Ridgeland is where the mall is but IMO its a little shadier than the rest. I think it's going downhill. I wouldn't consider living in any other county.

Madison is the more expensive of the bunch and I'm not sure if they even have apartments. Flowood is near dogwood and decent shopping restaurants, with a few different apartments that are 5-10 from I-55. Pearl will be up and coming over the next few years as they build around the Braves stadium. Brandon is consistent, kind of more spread out, more congested, and a little older than flowood/Madison.

Ps. I should have read the entire thread.