First time teaching in Jackson (Gulfport, Biloxi: apartment complexes, crime, home)

[dandycandy]

Hi. I am a recent college grad who is considering teaching (elementary music) in Jackson. However, I have heard that Jackson is not the ideal place to teach or live. Am I naive in thinking that elementary students couldn't possibly be that bad? I also would like information on the best surrounding communties would it be best to commute from. Also, I am a parent of a six year old, so that would be a factor too. Thanks in advance!

[bornjacksonian]

Originally Posted by dandycandy

Hi. I am a recent college grad who is considering teaching (elementary music) in Jackson. However, I have heard that Jackson is not the ideal place to teach or live. Am I naive in thinking that elementary students couldn't possibly be that bad? I also would like information on the best surrounding communties would it be best to commute from. Also, I am a parent of a six year old, so that would be a factor too. Thanks in advance!

Jackson will be fine and those children are not a problem. We have several schools that are top rated around the city. Many of my friends teach and don't complain at all. If you just want to live outside of Jackson you should check out the Clinton area.

[dandycandy]

Thanks for putting my mind at ease. Can you tell me anything about Pearl, Flowood, or Ridgeland? Or will these areas be out of reach on a teachers budget?

[bornjacksonian]

Yeah you shouldn't have a problem choosing either city but Ridgeland has more to do. I work in Ridgeland (County Line Road area) and must say I enjoy lunch everyday in that area. This area is also geared with current and recent college graduates. They are swamped with shopping and restaurants. Flowood is booming right now and has been over the last 10 years. They just passed a liquor law in Flowood so expect to see even more restaurants in the area. Flowood (Lakeland Drive) also have shopping in the area and you area close to the airport.

[dandycandy]

Originally Posted by bornjacksonian

Yeah you shouldn't have a problem choosing either city but Ridgeland has more to do. I work in Ridgeland (County Line Road area) and must say I enjoy lunch everyday in that area. This area is also geared with current and recent college graduates. They are swamped with shopping and restaurants. Flowood is booming right now and has been over the last 10 years. They just passed a liquor law in Flowood so expect to see even more restaurants in the area. Flowood (Lakeland Drive) also have shopping in the area and you area close to the airport.

As you said, Clinton seems like a nice area. Can you recommend any apartment complexes in any of these areas? Also, is the crime bad, or is it just a matter of exercising common sense?

[bornjacksonian]

Originally Posted by dandycandy

As you said, Clinton seems like a nice area. Can you recommend any apartment complexes in any of these areas? Also, is the crime bad, or is it just a matter of exercising common sense?

Clinton is a very casual city on a slower pace than Ridgeland and Flowood. Their main focus is education and safe communities. It's also home to Mississippi College. I live at Clinton city limits in Park Springs Apartment and it can be difficult to get an apartment here. Very quiet and close nit complex with quick access to the Interstate. Check this site out for apartments in Clinton. Search for apartments in the Jackson, Pascagoula, Hattiesburg, Biloxi, Starkville, Gulfport area Search for Property