Relocating to Mississippi (Tupelo, Southaven, Olive Branch: realty, housing, rental)

[klposton]

Tupelo is like any other place - you get out of it what you put into it. If you become involved in your community, church, volunteer activities, etc., you will meet nice people. If you choose to have a negative attitude, then that's what will be reflected back to you.

It can be clickish, but that is to be found anywhere. We are retired military so we've lived many, many places. Tupelo is not the best however it is growing and we anticipate further opportunities because of Toyota.

We were overjoyed to find out Toyota was building here and everyone I speak with is thrilled over the growth and input of so many people.

We go to church with blacks, whites, browns - you name it. Life is like a box of chocolates!!!!

Best of luck!

[ladyeclectic79]

From my experience (this was in deep south Miss, near Gulfport, Pass Christian and Waveland), you needn't worry about the black population. I'm not sure what it's like in Tupelo but there aren't too many African Americans in Mississippi, contrary to stereotypes. Loads of rednecks who are proud rebel flag wavers, but few black people.

I'm from California, and I can tell you right now that I have never, NEVER, met nicer people than down in Mississippi. It was very much a culture shock, especially the racism that's just so ingrained down there, but the biggest thing was just how NICE everyone is. It's truly every Jeff Foxworthy stereotype, yet I loved the people. It's a good state which like all others has its share of quirks; you almost have to live there to really get a taste of what it's like, it's hard to describe. But good luck!!

[carwil25]

The City of Tupelo is to be commended on receiving a Toyota plant as they're acting on the future with the shrinkage of the furniture manufacturing industry. Tupelo is to be commended for what is has accomplished and it has grown leaps and bounds. What use to take an hour and half to Memphis only now takes 45 minutes. I think it's cool of them and I respect how Ole Miss is going about to welcome the Japanese community. Other communities around the U.S. need to follow suit when bringing in foreigners to their town to make them feel welcome.

[skimbro000]

I grew up in Tupelo , MS and lived there until 12 years ago- and it has always had an influx of people that are from the North, Midwest, West, etc. That's because it has ALWAYS been a manufacturing town. Tupelo may be small, but it has a symphony, a ballet company, and the largest non-metropolitan hospital in the county. As for the schools, they are actually very very good. We are the ONLY town of any size in the deep south that did not have a private school pop up when full integration occured in 1971. The leaders of the community (of both races) got together and figured out a way to make it work for everyone! That is something I am very proud of. Tupelo has always been very welcoming to newcomers - they realize how important they are to the community. It is a GREAT place to live!

[spinrider2000]

I live in Oxford which is 60 miles west of Tupelo but I was raised in Richmond IN. The concerns of moving south I do understand. Living is different (slower), in my opinion the schooling is not as demanding (you know), but there is the normal good and bad. People are friendly, very curious, and generally return what they receive. Race gets a bum rap. Make a go of the move.

[nandoo]

I too will be relocating to a small town called Amory. It is about 30 miles south east from Tupole. I will be managing a new hotel there. I too live in a small town that is about 98% white and I too worry my girls which are 12 and 5 will have a tough time fitting in, or worse saying someting to offend someone without meaning to.
I however have been noticing that children don't see in color like adults so I am hoping if no-one points out any differences then my children won't either and will soon have lots of friends of many cultures.
Mississipppi bound!

[spinrider2000]

Nandoo, good luck with Amory. I have 3 children, 20, 16 & 12. My troubles dont come from race but from economics. It is all about being excepted and $$$ play the biggest role now....sad

[aiangel_writer]

Amory is a very nice little town. It has it's own cultural ways, but the people are very friendly and outgoing. They hold the Railroad Festival there each year and it draws crowds from many places, even neighboring states.

I can safely say you will find yourself very pleased with your new hometown. Not only with the people, but you are not far from the major recreation area of the Tenn-Tom which is a haven during the hot summer months.

welcome to Mississippi.

[nandoo]

Actually that is what I am more afraid of. Hopefully the values I instill in my girls will help them to be accepted. What can you tell me about the Christian Academy?

[nandoo]

I am all too aware of the Railroad history in Amory. Actually that is exactly what has brought me there. We are very excited and can't wait to move. I hear there are afew new industries coming in as well. I hope my husband can secure a good job once we get setteled in.