South Jackson - Jackson, MS

The Choctaw, a Native American tribe, were the first people to inhabit the area of Southwest Jackson. In 1820, the United States obtained much of this terrain under the Treaty of Doak’s Stand, which forced the Choctaw to give up a large portion of their land. Despite its small population during the Civil War, the city became a strategic center for the Confederate States of America.

The economic recovery following the Civil War was slow, but there were many developments in transportation, including a public transport system. The community witnessed significant growth during the early 20th century, resulting in a new city skyline.

Southwest Jackson boasts a variety of successful art galleries and museums. The Mississippi Children’s Museum engages children with plenty of educational exhibits, while the Museum of Art includes elegant displays of local art. Treat yourself to an evening of performing arts at one of the lovely neighborhood theaters.

Whether you’re searching for an upscale twist on Southern cuisine, an authentic Delta-style tamale or a sampling of Mississippi craft beers, this part of Jackson delivers a unique dining experience.

For one of the tastiest hamburgers in town, head to Cool Al’s, or as the locals call it, Stamps. Choose from a large array of meat, turkey or veggie burgers, all cooked to perfection with your choice of fresh toppings. Favorites include the turkey burger with onions and mushrooms, and the tortilla chips sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon.

Chef Monday Agho, a native of Nigeria, decided to open up Monte's Steak and Food Restaurant after learning the creole and Cajun styles of cuisine. With a large menu featuring plenty of fish and steaks, this restaurant has been a town favorite from the start. Try the amazing Voodoo Ribeye, a steak seared to your specification, topped with oysters and served with a vegetable medley of creamy fettuccine alfredo.

Built in 1946, Walker’s Drive-In retains the same authentic neon signs and glass trims that it had on day one. Award-winning chef Emerson delivers charming plates of salads, pastas and meats. Begin your meal with the sweet corn tamales, which come served over chipotle sour cream and a tangy pico de gallo sauce. Dinners consist of Southern classics like jumbo shrimp, gnocchi and marinated Chilean sea bass. Stop by on Friday afternoons for cheap beer specials.

When the sun goes down, residents congregate at one of the cozy bars in the neighborhood. Martin’s Restaurant & Bar has been hosting live music since 1953, and it employs one of the friendliest bar staffs in all of Jackson. Enjoy a large selection of beer, wine and liquor at amazing prices. If you’re looking for a place to unwind, then stop by Sam’s Lounge, a colorful venue with excellent service, pool tables and an Internet-wired jukebox.

Jackson International Airport maintains two 8,500 square foot runways and includes major airlines such as American Eagle, Delta and Continental. They provide direct flights to popular U.S. cities such as Dallas, Chicago and Atlanta.

Mississippi’s public transit system, Jatran, operates Monday through Saturday, with an extensive selection of bus routes travelling in and out of the area. Most of these routes end at Union Station, Jatran’s main hub of buses. Residents can hail a taxi off the streets or book a trip with one of the local companies. Uber and Lyft also serve the area.

Ample sidewalks and pedestrian detection systems make walking within town a safe and enjoyable experience. Southwest Jackson contains clearly marked bike lanes at every turn, making it safe for cyclists as well.

Children can burn off energy at Forest Hill Park, which includes a large playground, tennis courts and six picnic tables. Run or ride your bike at Buddy Butts Park, an expansive space with an array of pathways winding around a peaceful river. Dog owners can loosen the leash in the pet-friendly area located at the eastern end of the park.

Yarborough Park has plenty of nature trails, a variety of fields for sports and RC camping grounds. It also hosts the popular Movies in the Park community event, which displays family-friendly films when the sun goes down.

The cost of living in Southwest Jackson is much lower than the Jackson average, making dining, entertainment and food more affordable. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages around $473 per month.

Hitching a ride in one of the public buses or light rail costs about $1.50 for a one-way trip, with prices varying by age. Gas prices here stay 9 percent lower than the national average, and drinking a pint of beer in a local bar comes out to $3.

Southwest Jackson residents can relish in the upscale, open-air shopping scene at Outlets of Mississippi, which features a robust merchant roster and dramatic savings.

High value stores include international designer brands like Michael Kors, Coach Factory, Gucci, Banana Republic and much more. Boutique lovers will be happy to find gems like Chico's Boutique, which sells beautiful men's and women's fashion. Another favorite with the locals is Mozingo Clothiers, a lovely little store that carries a traditional collection of men's fashion. If you're in the market for unique jewelry items, stop by the charming Arbitron's Jewelers.

Find fresh groceries at the Wal-Mart Supercenter located on Greenway Drive. Vowell's Marketplace has a great selection of kosher food products and meats. Byram Farmers Market on Willow Creek Lane carries a huge assortment of produce at reasonable prices.