Mississippi Neighborhoods (Hattiesburg, Southaven, Olive Branch: middle-class, construction, university)

[Skeptical1]

If this question offends you, please don't respond..........

I have to move to Mississippi for work, what are good neighborhoods for middle class African-Americans?
Also, where are the nice integrated neighborhoods where I won't have a cross burned on my lawn?

Thank you kindly

Once again, if this question bothers you, save your comments. I just want a decent place to live in your wonderful state.

[mccarley]

I live in Ocean Springs on the coast and you will be welcomed in any neighborhood down here. I don't know about the rest of Mississippi.but I suspect all of the middle class neighborhoods are just like mine.

[duck hunter]

As long as you dont act like a thug you will be fine anywhere. By the way you wouldnt have anybody burn a cross in your yard any way.

[Tama]

All of the neighborhoods are integrated in Hattiesburg. Some are out of reach of the middle class financially but they are integrated. Most of the neighborhoods between Hwy 49 and the interstate 59--the university area-are in the middle-class price range and very much integrated and peacefully so.

[Skeptical1]

I would just like to say thank you to everyone who has responded to the question. I sincerely appreciate it.

[Jadastwin]

Originally Posted by Skeptical1

If this question offends you, please don't respond..........

I have to move to Mississippi for work, what are good neighborhoods for middle class African-Americans?
Also, where are the nice integrated neighborhoods where I won't have a cross burned on my lawn?

Thank you kindly

Once again, if this question bothers you, save your comments. I just want a decent place to live in your wonderful state.

The places I would recommend are Olive Branch, Southaven (I really recommend based on the new shopping centers, concert venue and other great new developments they have going on), and finally Horn Lake. These places are close to Memphis which is where the jobs are (I'm speaking from my experience) for African Americans. Nike is opening up a new facility in Memphis and there are many other Fortune 100 and 500 corporations that are hiring immediately.

[NWS]

You mentioned moving to MS for work. What city is the job located?
There are great cities/towns in north, central and south MS.

[nancy thereader]

I am sorry that you even have to ask a question like this in the year 2008.

[Muhnay]

The Gulf Coast in Mississippi seems to be more open minded and accepting, than other deeper parts of Mississippi.. while I was there seemed the White and Black population were teaming up on the many Hispanics moving there for the construction work.

[NWS]

Nancy if you have lived in Mississippi part or all of your life it may seem like a sad question. Most people who have never been to Mississippi don't have a clue of what Mississippi is like today. I know I didn't two years ago.
When I told people back in New York I was moving to Mississippi most comments were negative. ALL the negative comments were from people who had never been to MS and had never known anyone who had.
I remember 4 good comments. All 4 were from people who had either went to college in MS or had family here. They had only left for economic reasons.
I remember the smile on their faces as they talked about MS. You could tell they had happy memories.
I think it took time for MS to become what it is now. It is going to take time for many outsiders to realize MS can be a safe, great place to live.