Is Mississippi Fat, Ugly, and Stupid? (Jackson, Hattiesburg: transplants, condo, living in)

[southernnaturelover]

If you're wanting to go to Biloxi you could fly into Mobile, it's a quick trip on I-10.

[jacksonian]

I would fly into an airport either at the north or south end of the state, and work your way up or down. As for roads to travel, I would stay away from the interstates. Not only are they busy, but they are not a good way to see the scenery and will cause you more headache than pleasure. A few roads that make for a good drive are Hwy 587 (Columbia to Monticello - Red Bluff), Hwy 552 (near Port Gibson - Windsor Ruins), the Natchez Trace Parkway (extends from Natchez to Nashville, TN), Hwy 61 (Delta), and Hwy 90 along the coast. As for women, I think... no, I KNOW you will be pleasantly surprised, especially if you're here during the warmer months. I have traveled to many places in and outside the country, and nothing has convinced me that any other place has women as beautiful as the ones here in the South. Yes, we have overweight people, and you will see why once you start eating at our restaurants. Generally, the portions are larger and the food is less healthy/taste great! As for finding educated people, we do exist, especially around the more heavily populated areas like Jackson, Hattiesburg, Tupelo, and the coastal cities. Rural areas tend to have more that are less educated (I wouldn't call them uneducated) but mainly because of how specific their skill set is, ie farmers, offshore workers, foresters, etc. They may not be worldly educated, but they do know a lot about what they surround themselves with, and I guarantee they can teach you a thing or two; you will just probably never need that knowledge to use in your own life. The quality of life depends a lot upon perception, and the media tends to weigh in on this heavily, which is why you asked the question in the first place I am sure. You were told by someone or a variety of people that Mississippi is a terrible place with nothing going for it, but at least you are questioning it rather than just taking others' word for it. I think you will be pleasantly surprised on your trip. On a side note, I recommend the fried catfish, and if you travel during crawfish season, you will have to try some boiled crawfish.

[sgtpeeper]

When I was 17 back in the '80's, I hitched my way from Memphis down through Mississippi on my way to the Mobile area where I grew up. I met so many kind, concerned people along the way. I had different people give me money for food and offer me a place to stay. A preacher offered me a ride all the way to Mobile if I could hang around the Granada, MS area for a couple of days. I never had trouble getting a ride (luckily I didn't have the wrong people pick me up). It was a great experience.

I'm glad you're open-minded and wanting to form your own opinions. That makes you far more intelligent than most. People are laid-back, friendly, and there are no better women. It's unfortunate that there are so many prejudices regarding the South. I've come across so many people who have changed their minds after actually spending time here.

Oh, and if you want the best beaches, drive the AL and FL panhandle coasts. Good luck to you!

[Mary Hadley]

There are a lot of ignorant people in Mississippi, but there are a lot of ignorant people ALL over. Some people just choose to be this way. There are also a lot of fat people, but fat does not mean UGLY!

[Gypsy_Nomad]

I've been living in Mississippi on and off for fifteen years. It's the only place I can call home, but it's not where I want to be.

The climate would be alright if it weren't for the humidity. It's downright unhealthy.

There are fine people here, and the whole southern hospitality shtick is true for the most part, but I've met many who use it as a front. As long as I've been here, I've made few loyal friends. I guess that's likely to be the case anywhere though.

[glass_of_merlot]

Originally Posted by Capt. Dan

Some of the most beautiful women you will ever meet are in Mississippi. Especially Oxford/Ole Miss. I kid you not! The place is a young mans dream!!

It's a college town.....

[MusicBoxBallerina74]

I was born and raised in Mississippi and I hated it. I always wanted to get out even as a kid. When I moved to West coast it was like being in a whole different world. Things are so backwards in MS and you'll find that out. This southern belle got out and is never looking back. The schools are horrible!!!! And it's hard to get your foot in the door unless you know someone. I don't like the guys because they're mostly rednecks and all they care about is drinking, trucks, and deer hunting. I meet my husband in MS but he wasn't from there. I don't want to raise my kids there. All the bad stuff you hear about is true. And now they have a meth problem too. The cost of living is cheap but wages are low. I'd visit and think about it.

[pirate_lafitte]

Originally Posted by MusicBoxBallerina74

I was born and raised in Mississippi and I hated it. I always wanted to get out even as a kid. When I moved to West coast it was like being in a whole different world. Things are so backwards in MS and you'll find that out. This southern belle got out and is never looking back. The schools are horrible!!!! And it's hard to get your foot in the door unless you know someone. I don't like the guys because they're mostly rednecks and all they care about is drinking, trucks, and deer hunting. I meet my husband in MS but he wasn't from there. I don't want to raise my kids there. All the bad stuff you hear about is true. And now they have a meth problem too. The cost of living is cheap but wages are low. I'd visit and think about it.

I have been through Mississippi on my way to the New Orleans area(I have family down there). I have stopped in Corinth. I didn't see the meth anywhere, but it did feel like a step back in time. To me it felt like a very boring place that was a step behind. In my own visit, I can understand why you left. I can also understand because I have lived in places similar to what you speak of. I spent some vacation time in my mother's home town in Louisiana. I didn't like it. I also lived in the rural exurbs of metro Atlanta(not the suburbs, there is a difference), which are exactly how you describe in terms of the type of people and being somewhat backwards. It only grew because of the real estate industry(some people were looking for cheap places to live). I, just like you, have lived on the West Coast. I am still living in the rural exurbs because I can't afford to leave until I graduate college(I will be living at home until I get some things sorted out). I can understand why you left Mississippi. I live in a place similar to it, not quite like it, but similar.

[Huckleberry3911948]

i love mississippi and memphis area. so often such posts are disguised racial hatred posts.
an ugly urban monster cleverly hiding behind an invisible bush.
i have a dream.
signed
a non white

[pirate_lafitte]

Originally Posted by Huckleberry3911948

i love mississippi and memphis area. so often such posts are disguised racial hatred posts.
an ugly urban monster cleverly hiding behind an invisible bush.
i have a dream.
signed
a non white

Please explain what you like about Mississippi.