Is Oxford, MS a nice place to live??? (Columbus, Clinton: houses, movies)

[theamericanguy]

Is Oxford a nice place to live. I've heard that it is pretty close to the "hollywood" versions of the beautiful Southern town. What about the school systems and the people? Are they poor as many MS statistics suggest (not to offend anybody)?

I am looking for a good southern town, or the "quintessential" one like what you see in the movies with nice green yards, big old houses with columned porches, and with oak-lined streets. I am weary of moving to a place like this because I hear they are typically very poor places, but I like the South and want to move back there (I grew up in VA) and I think the deep South would be the ideal place to raise kids because homes are typically cheap and the small towns would be safe for them. To tell you the truth, I have wanted to move to one of these "ideal southern towns" since I was a kid, but I don't know where to look to find one. I want a town with tradition and a large sense of community that my kids will grow up feeling like they are a part of it. Give me feedback about Oxford and/or other southern towns that you think are the closest to a "romanticist south".
Thanks a lot for your help,
-Evan

[hernandojaybird]

Oxford is a very pretty town but also home the the University of Mississippi, I've only driven through but know many people who love it there.

[AppalachianAngler]

Oxford is a great town and exactly what you are describing except one thing: it isn't cheap. If you are wanting an older house with beautiful trees, you will have to live out from town a bit. Anywhere near the Square (downtown) and you are looking at a lot of money.

[sunniq]

Oxford is great. Not cheap, but many assets. Columbus, Starkville, Natchez, Clinton, come to mind. Don't blame you for wanting the ideal that we all love. Because of Ole Miss being there, there a lot of entertainment, culture, and good medical service. Depending on religion, hobbies, etc, you may want to search from that angel also. There are other towns Hazelhurst, Brookhaven, Crystal Springs
that may qualify. I'd contact the State for info first, then the Chamber of Commerce to get demographics of specific towns.

MS is the hospitality state still. Treat most folks like you want to be treated and you will fare well!
Welcome, and Best of Luck!

[Fawkes]

Yeah, I almost went to University of Mississippi, and it is a pretty little town, Oxford. I ended up going to East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, which is a pretty nice little town as well.

Good luck