Starkville

Located in the foothills of east-central Mississippi, Starkville boasts the state's largest university, a national wildlife refuge and a nationally acclaimed golf course. Residents enjoy all the town has to offer while living in safe, quiet neighborhoods.
    
Starkville is the home of Mississippi State University, and the entire community (and several thousand visitors) joins together to root for the Bulldogs whenever they play. Football days bring a sea of maroon and white tailgaters to town. With a 1997 College World Series baseball team and a 1996 Final Four basketball team, the cheering sections fill quickly - so be sure to buy tickets early.
    
But great college athletics aren't the only thing MSU has to offer. Performances by the Starkville-MSU Symphony and theater productions are cultural highlights the university brings to Starkville. The school also sponsors several concerts and performances by visiting artists.
    
The Starkville Community Theater invites residents to step into the spotlight. Would-be thespians suffering from stage fright can also take part in the action by just sitting in the audience and enjoying the play.
    
Continuing education programs are available through MSU, the public school system and city parks department. They offer courses of study for the curious as well as degree seekers.
    
Festivals also bring the Starkville community together. In addition to the annual Arts Festival, the family Fourth of July Celebration and a community Christmas parade give Starkville residents great reasons to have a good time.
    
Starkville also has numerous interesting clubs and organizations. These groups are always looking for someone with a little time or talent to take part. For those who really want to be active in the Starkville community, there are also quite a few tennis teams that would be more than happy to add a new ace to their roster.
    
Hunting, fishing, bird watching, hiking, boating, golfing and tennis are all excuses to get out and enjoy the natural environment surrounding Starkville. Some of the finest golf courses in the South are located around Starkville, including Old Waverly which has received national attention for its marvelously landscaped greens.
    
The Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge has two major lakes, nature trails, hunting areas and a 3,225-acre bird sanctuary. Other public and private lands also offer excellent hunting, with several hunting clubs for hunters who want to share tips, good times and tall tales.

Read what people like yourself have to say about Starkville:

When Jack and Lois Kean got ready to retire, they came home to Mississippi's low cost of living.

>Mississippi Living: What exactly brought you back to Mississippi?

The Keans: Well I grew up in Mississippi and Lois went to Mississippi State University here in Starkville. We both loved living here before – but the low taxes, moderate cost of living and mild climate would've attracted us even if we'd never visited before. You just can't beat it.

Mississippi Living: What do you like about Starkville in particular?

The Keans: The university is great. Our calendar stays full with football, basketball, concerts, plays and lectures. We've lived in St. Louis, Dallas, Atlanta and D.C., and they've all had their benefits. But only here have we found such an affordable and excellent quality of life.

Mississippi Living: Any new discoveries since you've moved back?

The Keans: Of course, we knew about all the antebellum homes and historical attractions in Mississippi, but all these new resorts are very impressive. The casinos are fun and there are always some big-name acts coming through. With so many golf courses springing up, we might have to buy some clubs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Greater Starkville Development Partnership
200 East Main Street
Starkville, MS 39759
Phone: 662-323-3322
1-800-649-8687
Fax: 662-323-5815
email: info@starkville.org
Website: www.starkville.org