Brandon, Pearl, or where... (Jackson, Vicksburg: for rent, houses, employment)

[2BoysN1Girl]

My family left McDonough, GA about 8 months ago and came to MS. We are staying with my in-laws until we are able to sell the house in GA. It has gotten to be too long and I am just ready to go. We are considering moving to (renting) the Brandon area. If you know anything about the McDonough (Atlant suburb, ab 20+ miles S of Atlanta), that is what I am really looking for. We are an AA family with 3 small children (b-10, b-7, g-4) and want to be in a more diverse area. We are currently in Hazlehurst and I am sooo ready to go (the economy, the school...). I am originally from NY and am not used to being so far away frofm everything (shopping, eating, entertainment, everything). Don't get me wrong, I love the suburban life and I don't want to live in the city, but I want to have access to it.

Sorry for the rambling, but I am almost in a state of desperation. Like I said I want to live in the Rankin county area. I work at the VA and my dh works in VIcksburg; we are trying to get him in the Jackson area too. We can't really afford to pay any more than $1000 for rent, but I want a good school district. I've seen some houses for rent in Brandon. What I am concerned about are the race relations in the communities and the schools. I've heard stories and I don't want to have my family in an area where they will be uncomfortable.

Again, my husband and I are har working, law abiding citizens, and my boys play baseball and football. I am trying to get my daughter into an activity too. I just want to get into a good area, that we can afford.

Any suggestions.

[bornjacksonian]

Please also check out the Clinton, MS area. It sits west of Jackson and the perfect neutral zone for your place of employment and your husbands (about a 20 min drive from Clinton to Vicksburgh). They have one of the best school systems in the state. You can find an affordable home in this area and traffic will not be as bad as coming through Rankin County. Don't get me wrong Brandon is a nice place to live, I was just keeping your husband's commuting in mind when I suggested Clinton. Either option is not bad at all. I attached a link comparing both cities. Click on it and you also can view the people, housing, education, cost of living, and economy. Have a great day! Moderator cut: link removed, linking to competitors sites is not allowed

[auntbee]

I live in Pearl and I love it. The schools here are good and I have seen several houses for rent lately. Brandon is good too. They have good schools and good athletic programs for the kids. They have a big summer baseball program too at Shiloh Park in Brandon.