How did you come to live in Mississippi? (Greenville, Columbus: house, transfer)

[Delta Planter]

If you're a native, that's fine, that's great, but I'm curious as to how some came to Mississippi? Jobs? School? Bad luck or good luck?

And a kinda related question, if you're a native Mississippian, have you ever left, and come back? If so, why did you return? And if you've never left, why not?

Me? I'm a native, but an expat now, living in Texas. That does not mean I do not love my home state, but that I've got a good life out here, now.

Anyone? Everyone?

[auntbee]

I was a military brat so I wasn't born in Mississippi, but this was my Dad's home so we lived here several times when I was growing up. I left several times after I got married, but never found a place I liked as much. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else (except for a different town from the one I live in now).

[jlrich]

I was born in California. My dad got a job in Greenville and moved in 1970. The rest of us made it in 1971. My dad is originally from South Carolina so he was able to get closer to his family. He's still in Greenville to this day, along with a sister. The rest of us (myself, mom and two other sisters) are scattered all over the place.

[tyeebeacon]

I lived in Arizona and California as a child. My home state was NY which I left when I was six months old, my father installed telephone lines on a Navajo reservation. Finally, after being in NH in the early 80's and graduating from HS my Mom was living on the coast of MS, having never been South, she talked me into coming down. I stayed here until 05 after Katrina, for 3 years was in upstate NY and am now finally home in Waveland MS. It has been a love hate relationship with MS but, actually I guess I just feel really comfortable in this area. I love leaving and going up to the mountains etc but, really feel home is here in MS. I have made so many connections and the people are true blue in my eyes. Yes, of course there are some things that bug me but, overall, I love it here.

[Frank1938]

I transferred from West Virginia to Memphis in 1973 when I was a Greyhound Driver & after looking in nearby Arkansas, checked out Mississippi, found a house we could afford at $21,000 and been here since.
I am in the county seat of Desoto County, 15 miles from Memphis so when I was working it was not a bad drive to my work.
When we moved to Hernando the population was about 2,000 people & a high dollar house was $60,000. Now the population is something over 16,000 & the average house runs close to $200,000
We have made many friends so in spite of the hot, humid summers we like it & the taxes for seniors is a plus, so I suppose we are here for the duration

[Tama]

How did I come to Mississippi? Kicking and screaming! I have posted several positive comments about my adopted state, so I have to say I changed my mind. I had heard all the horror stories, had all the fears, and had my escape plotted before I crossed the border into "no man's land". Time, and change--both on my part and on the part of the state of Mississippi has made me a booster and supporter of this region. It had wonderful elements that I was unaware of and then again it had some pretty awful events for which it needed redemption. I think it has redeemed itself and has shed its unglorious
aspects like a snake sheds its skin. I am proud of the state of Mississippi and what it aspires to.

[cia191630]

I got out the miliary and followed stupidity...I left after the hurricane...2.5 yrs later realized out of all the places I've lived, I only missed MS. So I came back. I love living near water, I like the atmosphere of the deep south, the beauty...the fact that if I needed something that isn't sold here, I can go to New Orleans (1 hr away), 2 hrs from Pensacola Beach...I actually love it here! And I'm originally from the north!

[shelby78]

i was drug here by my hair..., ...my husband said there is more investing "opportunity" down here......im fine and dealing with it, except if i have to go to south/west jackson....

[kcguy]

Well my mother moved me here in the year 1998 with my aunt when I was just 16 yrs old. I moved to the city of Columbus and only 3 months after being there I was stabbed in the leg. Needless to say after being stabbed at school, I moved back with my mother in Nebraska, I just felt Mississippi to be to dangerous for outsiders.

[jacksonian]

I was born and raised here, and I have never lived outside of the state. I just graduated from college, so I guess I would be considered a young adult. Though I do love to travel, I have not felt the urge to move out of the state. It is nice being able to drive 10 minutes to my work in the largest downtown in the state. The weather is great, the people are second to none, and the cost of living is very affordable.

I have traveled to 17 states and driven through many others on the way to those. I have never lived anywhere else, but from what I have discovered, nothing has compelled me to pack up and move. Family tradition plays a large role in my foundation, and the culture has further strengthened it.