Avoid Greenville at all costs (Helena: high crime, median income, quality of life)

[sohappyIleft]

You will be dismayed to know that the old Greenville Seafood was torn down and replaced with a "hip" clothing store. Just what they needed. What's left of the mall is that crap from end to end. Retire there? I talk to friends that are still there but can't leave for various reasons, can't sell teir house, can't find another job elsewhere, ect. but the one thing that they all have in common is if they could get out they would. My family sacrificed a lot but we did get out and have not looked back since. I went back last summer and when I came off the last big hill out side of Greenwood headed west into the Delta the worst feeling of sadness and dispare came over me. I almost turned around and came back to Saltillo. But as I have family left there I visited bu as soon as the sun rose on Sunday I headed back to the hills.

I was born in the delta and will always be proud of it's heritage and the many great people that came from it but I am also saddened by what it's become. Tupelo and the surrounding areas have short-comings but no where near the mindset and hopelessness of the delta. I hope and pray for friends and family left there it will arise from the ashes one day. Mississippians, white, black, blue green and purple are the best people regardless what part of the state they're from.

[aodonnell]

I lived in Greenville from 1963 through 1976. I attended Matty Akin Elementary, Soloman Jr. High, Greenville Christian, and Washington High School (graduated 1976). It was a great place to grow up andI miss it more the older I get. What a shame that it has gone so far down hill. I now live in Texas and I am planning a trip back to Greenville with my son in the spring. After reading the posts on this site, I am a bit leary about returning. But like all good Texans, we will be exercising our 2nd amendment rights and will be armed.

[big daryle]

Originally Posted by JOMAX

After living in this hole in the Mississipi Delta for two years I must say that if you care about your family, your belongings, and/or your mental health....STAY AWAY!!!!!! In less than 2 years I have been robbed 3 times. Of course local law enforcement is on top of collecting traffic fines but if it comes to other crime we let's just say they are on "break." The property values are extremely inflated considering the crime levels and the 13.2% unemployment rate. The schools are a travesty if you can't afford private school, look elsewhere because the public school system is really bad humor. The only people that seem to be moving in are those who hope to benefit from the lucrative narcotics market. As for the industrial climate, let's just say it is freezing. No new industry would touch this area, aside from possible casino projects and they are prone to pull out after short tenure. This town is a cancer and its leadership and much of its citizenry like it that way. So if you are considering moving to the Greenville area, I suggest that a pit in the lower parts of hell would be a better choice. By the way, I am moving away as fast as I possibly can.

Isn't there a beautiful new bridge being built there?

[mississippi boi]

this is the problome with most americans blameing things on other people and always complaining dont get me wrong i am american and born and raised in mississippi but we need to grow up and stop moaning and griping... get together and make the DELTA and mississippi a better place not only for me but for everyone eles

[marmac]

Here in MN last month, I had a nice conversation with a young black woman who is college educated.

She moved to MN from Houston, but grew up in Greenville.

She spoke favorably about her hometown and said she might move back in the future but not until her 2 sons ( ages 10 and 8 ) are graduated.

[DebFlack]

Originally Posted by marmac

Here in MN last month, I had a nice conversation with a young black woman who is college educated.

She moved to MN from Houston, but grew up in Greenville.

She spoke favorably about her hometown and said she might move back in the future but not until her 2 sons ( ages 10 and 8 ) are graduated.

I was just thinking- given the variety of choices within the US, Canada and the rest of the world, unless you had some family connection, history, or some fantastic professional opportunity, why would any younger professional move to any place in the Delta of MS, or even most places in the MidSouth in general ? there are 49 other states outside the Mid South with more economic and cultural opportunity- having family connections is understandable however- so I guess is not wanting to be in brutally cold weather

[purpleglasses]

I'm from Mississippi, and my husband is possibly looking into a transfer to the Delta sometime in the next couple of months. We live in Corinth at the moment, so I suppose we're accustomed to small-town feel and such, but the visits that we've made to the Delta haven't put us off. Sure, there are bad parts of every town - but as a whole I think the environment can be embraced.

[jlrich]

Originally Posted by purpleglasses

I'm from Mississippi, and my husband is possibly looking into a transfer to the Delta sometime in the next couple of months. We live in Corinth at the moment, so I suppose we're accustomed to small-town feel and such, but the visits that we've made to the Delta haven't put us off. Sure, there are bad parts of every town - but as a whole I think the environment can be embraced.

I think I'd stay in northern Mississippi. Small town has nothing to do with it. Greenville is my home (wasn't born there but spent my formative years there 5-20), but minimal visits are all I want to do. If the people are happy or content living there then good for them. I don't have anything against it, just don't want to live there. I'm in the N.C. mountains and would rather be somewhere else instead of here, so its nothing about the Delta in general.

Back to your post: There isn't much to offer in the Delta as far as shopping, entertainment, etc. These things are needed for a certain quality of life. If nothing else just to get out of the house and break up the repetitiveness. I know Corinth is in the middle of nowhere much like most of the Delta and you're about the same distance to Tupelo & Memphis as Greenville is to Vicksburg & Jackson but for the most part north Miss. has a whole lot more going for it than the Delta. Unfortunately it is at a standstill and its going to take a lot to get the area going again, hopefully before its too late.

Last note:
As I previously stated, if you're happy and content then good for you. Most people who have moved away from Greenville and have all these great memories and wonderful things to say are speaking based on just that...memories. That Greenville is long gone.

[big daryle]

Originally Posted by JOMAX

After living in this hole in the Mississipi Delta for two years I must say that if you care about your family, your belongings, and/or your mental health....STAY AWAY!!!!!! In less than 2 years I have been robbed 3 times. Of course local law enforcement is on top of collecting traffic fines but if it comes to other crime we let's just say they are on "break." The property values are extremely inflated considering the crime levels and the 13.2% unemployment rate. The schools are a travesty if you can't afford private school, look elsewhere because the public school system is really bad humor. The only people that seem to be moving in are those who hope to benefit from the lucrative narcotics market. As for the industrial climate, let's just say it is freezing. No new industry would touch this area, aside from possible casino projects and they are prone to pull out after short tenure. This town is a cancer and its leadership and much of its citizenry like it that way. So if you are considering moving to the Greenville area, I suggest that a pit in the lower parts of hell would be a better choice. By the way, I am moving away as fast as I possibly can.

Wont the new bridge opening this year bring new business and progress to the area?

[jlrich]

Originally Posted by big daryle

Wont the new bridge opening this year bring new business and progress to the area?

Oh yeah, they've already built a casino. Because of the casino they might get a motel, convenience store, and maybe a restaurant or two.

I don't see the new bridge being a big attraction for tourists, just a new route to get across the river.