Chosen by AAA as the Best City in Mississippi, Jackson is also known as the City with Soul, thanks to its deep musical roots, especially jazz, blues, and gospel. Jackson is filled with history and charm and is known as one of the top hotspots for classic Southern cuisine in the U.S. If all of the above has your mouth-watering to visit Jackson or move there, the information below will be a fantastic appetizer! It’s the best things to do in Jackson, MS, as well as info about the weather, cost of living, and more! Read on to discover everything there is to know about this fantastic city and why it’s so beloved!
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What is Jackson, MS, Known For?
If there’s one thing above all others that Jackson, MS, is known for, it’s the city’s southern hospitality. It’s also the home of renowned author Eudora Welty and the city where famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright built his spectacular Fountainhead.
We mentioned earlier that Jackson is also a well-known music hub with deep jazz roots as well as many other musical genres. Live music is a way of life here and can be heard daily on many streets in the city.
Planning a trip to Jackson, MS
Jackson is warm most of the year, but the heat and humidity can be stupefying in summer. In the winter, it’s much less humid, with fewer insects. If you’re planning a trip, you should take a good look at the weather in Jackson before you go and plan accordingly.
You’ll rarely need heavy winter clothes in Jackson, but long-sleeve shirts and light pants are always a good idea. Of course, as with all trips, planning in advance is a good idea, especially if you plan to travel by air, as ticket prices will be lower.
Top Activities in Jackson, MS
You’ll be amazed a how much there is to see and experience in Jackson! From gorgeous parks to fascinating museums and natural wonders, below are several of the top activities and attractions in the city.
See the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra Play
If you’re a fan of fine music, a trip to the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra will be a pure delight! They also have ballet companies, various shows, and other events throughout the year.
See How Science Works, Naturally
The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science is spectacular. Considered one of the best in the country, its premier exhibit is “Permian Monsters- Life Before the Dinosaurs.” They also have a thriving volunteer network if volunteering is your jam.
Talk to the Animals at the Jackson Zoo
Established over 100 years ago, the Jackson Zoo is small but still amazing. They feature over 250 different beasts of all kinds, all housed in living areas that approximate their natural habitat.
Enjoy Nature at its Finest in LeFleur’s Bluff State Park
If you’re in Jackson with your RV or boat and want to enjoy nature, LeFleur’s Bluff State Park is a must-see! The park’s 50-acre lake is perfect for boating and watersports, and the park even has a 9-hole golf course and campsites!
Enjoy some Adult Beverages at Cathead Distillery
If you’re curious as a cat to see how vodka, gin, and other spirits are crafted, a tour of the Cathead Distillery will be fascinating! Established in 2012, it’s the first legal distillery in Mississippi and a local favorite. Plus, it’s dog-friendly!
Take the Fam to Battlefield Park
With a public pool, sports fields aplenty, and picnic areas with grills, Battlefield Park is one of the best places to take the family on a warm Jackson day! There are well-kept walking paths, also for a romantic walk around the park with your significant other.
Go Back in Time at the Mississippi Petrified Forest
Accessible to the public, the Mississippi Petrified Forest is spellbinding! You’ll see trees that have turned to stone, making them appear almost fake! There’s a picnic pavilion and gem-mining attraction, too, making it a perfect day trip for the entire family!
Best Time of Year to Visit Jackson, MS
According to locals, the best months of the year to visit Jackson are April, May, and October. We would also add September to that list, giving you 4 solid months with warm weather, less humidity, fewer bugs, and almost no rain.
Considerations when Moving to Jackson, MS
Below are a few things, good and bad, to consider before moving to Jackson, MS:
- The cost of living in Jackson is affordable, with very low housing prices.
- The weather can be hot and sticky throughout the year, although less in winter.
- The median home price is a very affordable $92,400!
- Unfortunately, crime rates in Jackson are significantly higher than the U.S. average.
- The commute time in Jackson is one of the lowest in America. (Just over 20 minutes.)
- Jackson’s unemployment rate is almost 8%.
- The public school system is rated a C.
- The city is highly diverse.
- Nightlife in Jackson is exciting and fun.
Let Southern Self Storage Help You Plan Your Move to Jackson, MS
If you’re planning a move to Jackson, Mississippi, soon and need to find storage, Southern Self Storage has everything you need to help you plan your move well! Our clean, safe, and secure storage facilities in Jackson give you peace of mind when you store your things with us. Then there’s our convenient storage unit size guide, which can help you choose the best storage unit for your stuff. If you’re storing items that can’t take the heat and humidity, our climate controlled storage units will be perfect!
Southern Self Storage also helps you by offering month-to-month rentals so you can avoid getting stuck in a long-term rental contract. With 24/7 video security cameras, keypad-controlled front gates, and well-lit storage facilities, you’ll always feel safe when coming and going to your storage unit. When ready, you can reserve your Jackson, MS, storage unit online in mere minutes. There’s no deposit necessary, and your storage unit will be ready and waiting for you when you and your movers arrive!