As Mississippi's capital and largest city, Jackson carries a lot of the state's history, and about 141,000 people live here. It calls itself the City with Soul, and for good reason. The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and Museum of Mississippi History are among the most moving stops in the South, and the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home and the Eudora Welty House add to that. Fondren is the arts and dining district, and Belhaven has historic homes and tree-lined streets.
Living here is very affordable, with some of the lowest home prices in this group, though the market is soft. But the challenges are serious and you should know them. Jackson has one of the highest homicide rates of any large US city, concentrated outside the tourist and northern areas, and the city has a history of water system failures and boil-water notices, so check current advisories. Summers are hot and humid, and severe storms and floods happen. Many people prefer the suburbs of Ridgeland, Madison or Flowood. As a visitor, stay in Fondren, Belhaven and downtown and use common sense at night.
