Relocating to Jackson (Clinton, Ridgeland, Brandon: best town, apartments, leasing)

[lkstiles]

My husband and I are looking at relocating to the Jackson area from St. Louis, MO. We love it here because of all the parks and fun things to do. What is there to do in Jackson? Also what would be the best town to look for a house. We saw that Brandon, Madison, and Ridgeland looked like nice towns. Another question, I am a teacher and I will be looking for a job. What are the best school districts, or should I say safest?
Another question we will be living in an apartment while we are looking for a house or having one built. Where are some good places to rent an apartment? Thanks for any help!

[SashaBlue]

Madison is the safest school district as far as public schools are concerned, but Madison (the city) does not allow apartment buildings. Check out the Colony Parkway in Ridgeland; there are some beautiful multi-family housing there that is brand new. Your best apartments will be in Rankin County such as Carlton Parke, The Ashford, etc. BTW... my boss is from St. Louis but is moving back. She thought she would love MS but found the culture shock too much to handle. She stuck it out for 7 years. Good luck!

[lkstiles]

hey there I'm actually from Arkansas... so there will be no culture shock for me, haha! My hometown's population was 2,000. Thanks so much for your info! Cost of living is much much cheaper in MS than STL. We've already visited Madison and just fell in love with it!

[SashaBlue]

Originally Posted by lkstiles

hey there I'm actually from Arkansas... so there will be no culture shock for me, haha! My hometown's population was 2,000. Thanks so much for your info! Cost of living is much much cheaper in MS than STL. We've already visited Madison and just fell in love with it!

Great! You'll fit right in. Welcome!

[JacksonRes]

Some people like the suburbs, but I would hate living in any of them. I highly recommend the Fondren area of Jackson -- great neighbors, convenient to everything, an all-around good place to live. (Belhaven is also a good place to live.) What level do you teach? I would say that the best public high school in Jackson is Murrah and the best elementary school Power APAC.

I don't have much useful advice about apartments. I happened to check out Fondren Hill very recently for somebody who is about to move to Jackson from Chicago. The problem with it is that there's a long waiting list -- it stays full of medical students. I've known people who have lived in Vieux Carre on the west frontage road of I-55 and in a condo (rental) in the complex of condos on Roxbury Road -- where Meadowbrook crosses I-55 -- and both have been happy with their choices.

[SashaBlue]

Originally Posted by JacksonRes

Some people like the suburbs, but I would hate living in any of them. I highly recommend the Fondren area of Jackson -- great neighbors, convenient to everything, an all-around good place to live. (Belhaven is also a good place to live.) What level do you teach? I would say that the best public high school in Jackson is Murrah and the best elementary school Power APAC.

I don't have much useful advice about apartments. I happened to check out Fondren Hill very recently for somebody who is about to move to Jackson from Chicago. The problem with it is that there's a long waiting list -- it stays full of medical students. I've known people who have lived in Vieux Carre on the west frontage road of I-55 and in a condo (rental) in the complex of condos on Roxbury Road -- where Meadowbrook crosses I-55 -- and both have been happy with their choices.

I know many people who live in Fondren and Belhaven, and they love it. It's an "artsy" area meaning the people there are into music, theatre, and the arts in general.

[lkstiles]

I actually teach early childhood education which is Pre-K through 4th grade!

[lkstiles]

well I was there this weekend and looked at the Arbors, Van Mark, and a few others. I was shocked at how expensive they are. They were like 850 and up for a 3 month lease. Very ridiculous. and I didn't even think they were all that nice. I looked at apts in St. Louis and Memphis that were way nicer and less expensive and has much much more to offer. Anyways, thanks for all the help. I still don't know what I"m going to do about apts. I can't bring myself to spend $3000 on an apt when I could use that money towards a downpayment on a house. Really don't know what I'm going to do and I have just a short amount of time.... we'll see...

[SashaBlue]

Originally Posted by lkstiles

well I was there this weekend and looked at the Arbors, Van Mark, and a few others. I was shocked at how expensive they are. They were like 850 and up for a 3 month lease. Very ridiculous. and I didn't even think they were all that nice. I looked at apts in St. Louis and Memphis that were way nicer and less expensive and has much much more to offer. Anyways, thanks for all the help. I still don't know what I"m going to do about apts. I can't bring myself to spend $3000 on an apt when I could use that money towards a downpayment on a house. Really don't know what I'm going to do and I have just a short amount of time.... we'll see...

Check out Riverchase Apts. on Northtowne Drive. I lived there and it was nice. All apartments have a security system and covered parking. I paid $650 for a one bedroom. I lived there almost 3 years and really enjoyed it.

[Philipgb]

Originally Posted by lkstiles

My husband and I are looking at relocating to the Jackson area from St. Louis, MO. We love it here because of all the parks and fun things to do. What is there to do in Jackson? Also what would be the best town to look for a house. We saw that Brandon, Madison, and Ridgeland looked like nice towns. Another question, I am a teacher and I will be looking for a job. What are the best school districts, or should I say safest?
Another question we will be living in an apartment while we are looking for a house or having one built. Where are some good places to rent an apartment? Thanks for any help!

You might want to consider leasing a house. Clinton is an excellent school system with along standin reputation. Has great atheletic facilities for youth and young adults. Close to all North Jackson,Madison, Ridgeland area.