Jackson, Mississippi has grown from a riverside trading post into a city of culture and pride in its Southern heritage, hospitality and quality of life. Once burned by the Union armies during Sherman's march, and a hub for the Civil Rights movement of the mid-20th century, the city has grown to over 200,000 residents who have pulled together to become the "Best of the New South."

"Community support is strong," says Realtor Terry Lightheart, "for the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, the Mississippi Opera, and a professional hockey team, along with the Mississippi Museum of Art, the Natural Science Museum, Agriculture and Forestry Museum, and the Smith-Robertson Museum and Cultural Center, along with the Old Capitol Museum and other venues.

"In association with Varna, Bulgaria, Tokyo, and Moscow, Jackson hosts the world-class International Ballet Competition at the beautiful municipal auditorium, Thalia Mara Hall. The city-center arts complex also includes the Mississippi Museum of Art and the nation's 10th largest planetarium, which houses the unique 870 large format cinema or "wrap around" film projection system and Mega HD Cinemaİ, a large-screen format," she continues. "The Mississippi Arts Pavilion is home to the International Commission for Cultural Exchange, which has hosted several exhibits, including Palaces of St. Petersburg, the Splendors of Versailles, and most recently, the Majesty of Spain exhibitions. Gourmet dining and nightlife sparkle on the Jackson scene. Many races and ethnic groups provide the city with cuisine that is truly international.

Jackson is a city that celebrates a number of cultures. "One can choose Greek, Continental, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, French, Mexican, Thai, Mexican, Russian, or good old Southern cuisine," says Lightheart. "Jackson is a city with wonderful citizens, who are dedicated to providing the energy to meet today's challenges and to make Jackson "The Best of the New South."

The city is in a buyer's market but low interest rates may help. "The market is steaming up as we approach the summer marketing season," says Lightheart. "Now is a buyers time to wheel and deal. With interest rates holding steady below 7% both buyers and sellers are reaping benefits."

Average market days for the Jackson Metro Area is 90-120 days.

"This is an excellent time for both buyers and sellers," says Realtor Sam Floch. "With interest rates still low, buyers can get more for their money and sellers can get closer to their list price."

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Published: June 13, 2002

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