Relocating to Mississippi (Gulfport, Tupelo, Oxford: hotel, new home, private school)

[jetjockey75]

Originally Posted by nlschr0

We were under the impression that Mississippi was welcoming the growth and diversity of a large corporation.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, Mississippians can be very cliquish, and not welcoming toward outsiders. However, I don't believe this is as much of an issue in NE Mississippi, and Tupelo in particular. Of all the cities in this state, I would have to say that Tupelo is by far the most progressive and forward-thinking. And they are all very excited about Toyota moving in!

[aiangel_writer]

I am from Blue Springs, live there now. Of all the places I have lived, Mississippi kept calling me back.
North Mississippi is a great place to raise your family. Small town living still exists, and the people are friendly, nosy but friendly. Yes, you will find some that are not so nice, but you will find that anywhere.

Where you locate depends on how you currently live. Union County is a dry county and so is Pontotoc County. Lee County is wet. SO, if you are used to dining out with a glass of wine or beer, Lee county is where you would have to go.

Of course, we are not far from Tupelo or Lee County. Also, you will find many churches in North Mississippi. We are a laid back people who love to talk, gossip and tell our neighbors what they should be doing-- yet, we do it with love and geniune Southern hospility. Many people do not know how to take our frankness or noseyness. It is just part of the Southern culture that any outsider will need to understand and become accoustomed to. Don't let this scare you off--these same neighbors will watch out for you and your home while you are away and will defend it if necessary.

Any new re-location takes time for adjustments, on both sides. If you are friendly and honest, you should not have a problem.

Currently, Blue Springs has many homes for sale, as the majority of homeowners here are rural people who do not wish to live in a growing community. There is available land for sale, but at the moment, land prices are outrageous.

COnsider nearby New Albany, Mississippi. It is a traditional Southern town. Rough estimate of around 8,000 people, with medical facilities, great schools and good Southern food. No beer, wine, etc. Just a small town where everyone knows everyone else. It is not uncommon to go into a restaurant and see people moving from table to table to visit, or just call out from one table to another. Be prepared to get many waves as you drive along.

During one of my sojourns away from Mississippi, I could not believe I missed the waving so much!

When my husband and I decided to start our family, we could not think of anywhere else we wanted to raise our family than back in the clay hills of Mississippi. Where morals are still important and having a community helping to rear your children a blessing. My children know if they are away from home, they are still under a watchful eye from neighbors. This gives me a peace of mind, knowing my children are much safer than if we lived in a larger metro area.

Come to North Mississippi, we love people. Expect to be a main topic in a small community, understand the talk and questions are not meant to harm, but are part of a curiosity to get to know you better. If you are friendly and open, you will be amazed at how at home you are made to feel.

[kymom]

Originally Posted by nlschr0

Toyota is all about hiring locally, but there will certainly be a big influx of current employees (and experts) from the midwest, KY, California, Canada, and of course Japan.

Maybe we will have to keep this attitude in mind when offered the position there. We were under the impression that Mississippi was welcoming the growth and diversity of a large corporation.

This is very true. Like the mom, from Indiana, we are also considering a transfer to Mississipi. My husband has worked for Toyota in Kentucky for 18 years. We have small children and I am concerned about schools, activities, and everything discussed on this thread.

When the Toyota plant opened in Georgetown, Kentucky the people there were not thrilled about all of the "foreigners" invading their small town. I hope the Tupelo/Blue Springs area will have the foresight to know the positive impact it can bring and the dollars going back into the community by having the #1 auto maker in your backyard. But get ready...people are coming, and they are coming soon!

[aiangel_writer]

Originally Posted by kymom

This is very true. Like the mom, from Indiana, we are also considering a transfer to Mississipi. My husband has worked for Toyota in Kentucky for 18 years. We have small children and I am concerned about schools, activities, and everything discussed on this thread.

When the Toyota plant opened in Georgetown, Kentucky the people there were not thrilled about all of the "foreigners" invading their small town. I hope the Tupelo/Blue Springs area will have the foresight to know the positive impact it can bring and the dollars going back into the community by having the #1 auto maker in your backyard. But get ready...people are coming, and they are coming soon!

The closest school to the WellSpring site is East Union, a county school. I graduated from there; my oldest graduated from there and my youngest is a 7th grader there. The school district has improved over the years, although we cannot even try to compete with a school such as TUpelo. Yet, our schools are smaller, most everyone knows one another which is a great feeling and whether it is true or not, it makes me feel the school is safe. There are currently around 850 students for the whole school k-12.
With the money Toyota is generously giving to our school district, I believe our Math and Science departments will improve as well. Our school is the largest in the County as far as population enrolled.

I can honestly say that the majority of people who live in and around Blue Springs will welcome newcomers. We are a friendly people, nosy but friendly.
Our biggest concern is like any other town, we know that as we grow larger, crime will also become more problematic. This is a place that you can leave and go to the local store without even thinking of locking your doors; many elderly people live by themselves and kids ride their bikes to and from the store from as far as a mile out. We look out for one another, and that includes any new residents we get.

Just please do not expect anything fancy. These are hard working men and women who live on low to moderate incomes. You will find as many brick homes as you will mobile homes.

Tupelo is only 10 minutes from us and New Albany is less than that. Both have theaters and good places to eat. One is a dry county while the other is wet. No beer is sold on Sunday as this is the heart of the Bible Belt, dominated by the Southern Baptist Church, yet, there are Catholic churches; Church of Christ, and other denomonations as well.

Right now, our high school baseball team is in Jackson playing for State 2A title. We do take our baseball seriously at times.

Our school is mostly white, and recently with the influx of Mexican people in our area, we find a few Mexican children and a few black people. We are very accepting on race, but frown on interracial relationships, yet there are a few of these in nearby towns.

I've mentioned in previous posts, I moved away when I was 18. I have seen most of our nation but when it came time to raise a family, I chose to move back to my hometown where I knew my children would be safe and where my values are shared.

There are nice subdivisions going in around this area that many people are buying in. Some are putting conditions of square footage, but most are not.

We have junior colleges in both New Albany and TUpelo. Starkville and Oxford have 2 of our senior colleges, Mississippi State and Ole Miss ( University of Mississippi). Toyota is recruiting from Ole Miss's engineering department and there are plans to build an automotive school in Oxford like the one Nissan put into Mississippi State. There is also a school to be built for the Japaneese children to attend.

Memphis is only 85 miles from here. Yet, Tupelo is working hard to bring in area entertainment such as large popular bands to Bancorp South center; they have a theatre with popular plays, an orchestra and many popular events scattered thruout the year. Right now the Gumtree Festival is going on in TUpelo. It attracts many artists; musicians; and world distance runners. There is a huge flea market held at one of the furniture center locations each month. Our mall is new and a very popular spot, surrounding this is many chain restaurants such as Chili's; Red Lobster; Logans,Olive Garden and many local favorites like Vanallies which is Greek. McAllisters is another good place. New Albany has fewer restaurants from chains except for fast food. Being a dry county has hurt them in this aspect. There are some excellent Mexican places in town and my mom owns a resturant called Taylor's Place which serves a buffet of country veggis during lunch on weekdays and a full seafood bar on weekends with steaks and fish. Private parties can bring their own drinks.

Our weather is pretty hot and dry most summers. There are area lakes to swim and fish and there is the Tenn-Tom waterway that is a favorite for families. To the north outside a small town called Iuka is PicWic Lake on the Tenn-Tom. Camping and rental units are available and the water is great.

I hope I have covered many bases with this long post. THe main thing to remember is that we are a friendly bunch of people who are excited about new opportunities Toyota has given us.

[schweengirl]

I do not believe your children will have any problems with being around any ethnic children unless you have instilled in them that their is a difference in children. Your statement is not rude and yet we as African Americans understand your concerns. Come to the South and learn how to be a friend, neighbor and we will embrace your family as our own. Good luck and do not look at the south as being a place where Blacks lives, but a place of hospitality and friendliness.

[aiangel_writer]

Originally Posted by schweengirl

I do not believe your children will have any problems with being around any ethnic children unless you have instilled in them that their is a difference in children. Your statement is not rude and yet we as African Americans understand your concerns. Come to the South and learn how to be a friend, neighbor and we will embrace your family as our own. Good luck and do not look at the south as being a place where Blacks lives, but a place of hospitality and friendliness.

very well put.

[forestpixey]

I am also considering a move to ms.. We are looking North. De Soto County, Southaven or Olive Branch. I hear the schools there are great. My brother lives in Tate Co. His area is a little to small for us... However, my husband would be working with him in Memphis.. So were looking for a short commute for him and myself Memphis would probably be my best bet for a job as well.. What do you think of these area's? And are there any others you could suggest.

[jetjockey75]

Originally Posted by forestpixey

I am also considering a move to ms.. We are looking North. De Soto County, Southaven or Olive Branch. I hear the schools there are great. My brother lives in Tate Co. His area is a little to small for us... However, my husband would be working with him in Memphis.. So were looking for a short commute for him and myself Memphis would probably be my best bet for a job as well.. What do you think of these area's? And are there any others you could suggest.

If you go back on the forum to the last week of April, there was a fairly long thread concerning Olive Branch and DeSoto County. Some interesting reading and good information.

[eb_spradlin]

I've lived in a small town outside of Tupelo called Mantachie for over 12 years. Mantachie is a town with less the 2500 population and we have our own police dept. It takes only 15 to 20 minutes to get to Tupelo, Mantachie is also only 10 to 15 minutes from Itawamba Community College in Fulton. So it's not a big commute to either place. Me and my husband commuted to ICC til graduation then we transfered to Ole Miss( University of Mississippi) and finished our studies there. We LOVED Oxford and hated to leave but high rent and things pushed us away from there. I love it here(Mississippi) and wouldn't want to be anywhere else. I would have to say to consider Mantachie or Tupelo as some of your choices. Were moving to Meridian, Ms and were a little worried about how things are going to be changing for us but for us this will always be HOME!!

[softballmom]

Originally Posted by aiangel_writer

The closest school to the WellSpring site is East Union, a county school. I graduated from there; my oldest graduated from there and my youngest is a 7th grader there. The school district has improved over the years, although we cannot even try to compete with a school such as TUpelo. Yet, our schools are smaller, most everyone knows one another which is a great feeling and whether it is true or not, it makes me feel the school is safe. There are currently around 850 students for the whole school k-12.
With the money Toyota is generously giving to our school district, I believe our Math and Science departments will improve as well. Our school is the largest in the County as far as population enrolled.

I can honestly say that the majority of people who live in and around Blue Springs will welcome newcomers. We are a friendly people, nosy but friendly.
Our biggest concern is like any other town, we know that as we grow larger, crime will also become more problematic. This is a place that you can leave and go to the local store without even thinking of locking your doors; many elderly people live by themselves and kids ride their bikes to and from the store from as far as a mile out. We look out for one another, and that includes any new residents we get.

Just please do not expect anything fancy. These are hard working men and women who live on low to moderate incomes. You will find as many brick homes as you will mobile homes.

Tupelo is only 10 minutes from us and New Albany is less than that. Both have theaters and good places to eat. One is a dry county while the other is wet. No beer is sold on Sunday as this is the heart of the Bible Belt, dominated by the Southern Baptist Church, yet, there are Catholic churches; Church of Christ, and other denomonations as well.

Right now, our high school baseball team is in Jackson playing for State 2A title. We do take our baseball seriously at times.

Our school is mostly white, and recently with the influx of Mexican people in our area, we find a few Mexican children and a few black people. We are very accepting on race, but frown on interracial relationships, yet there are a few of these in nearby towns.

I've mentioned in previous posts, I moved away when I was 18. I have seen most of our nation but when it came time to raise a family, I chose to move back to my hometown where I knew my children would be safe and where my values are shared.

There are nice subdivisions going in around this area that many people are buying in. Some are putting conditions of square footage, but most are not.

We have junior colleges in both New Albany and TUpelo. Starkville and Oxford have 2 of our senior colleges, Mississippi State and Ole Miss ( University of Mississippi). Toyota is recruiting from Ole Miss's engineering department and there are plans to build an automotive school in Oxford like the one Nissan put into Mississippi State. There is also a school to be built for the Japaneese children to attend.

Memphis is only 85 miles from here. Yet, Tupelo is working hard to bring in area entertainment such as large popular bands to Bancorp South center; they have a theatre with popular plays, an orchestra and many popular events scattered thruout the year. Right now the Gumtree Festival is going on in TUpelo. It attracts many artists; musicians; and world distance runners. There is a huge flea market held at one of the furniture center locations each month. Our mall is new and a very popular spot, surrounding this is many chain restaurants such as Chili's; Red Lobster; Logans,Olive Garden and many local favorites like Vanallies which is Greek. McAllisters is another good place. New Albany has fewer restaurants from chains except for fast food. Being a dry county has hurt them in this aspect. There are some excellent Mexican places in town and my mom owns a resturant called Taylor's Place which serves a buffet of country veggis during lunch on weekdays and a full seafood bar on weekends with steaks and fish. Private parties can bring their own drinks.

Our weather is pretty hot and dry most summers. There are area lakes to swim and fish and there is the Tenn-Tom waterway that is a favorite for families. To the north outside a small town called Iuka is PicWic Lake on the Tenn-Tom. Camping and rental units are available and the water is great.

I hope I have covered many bases with this long post. THe main thing to remember is that we are a friendly bunch of people who are excited about new opportunities Toyota has given us.

As with several others, my family is also considering a move to MS. I love the fact that it is small town because the town where we currently live is small. We are concerned about the athletics at the local school. We are an athletic family. Both my children play sports for their school, but the main focus at their school is on the band. Unfortunately, the athletic program suffers. Could you please give me information regarding the athletic program?