Looking for the best places to invest in Jackson? Known for its vibrant culture and its very own Jackson State University, this city is a popular place for residents seeking a diverse metro packed with plenty of southern charm. Adoringly referred to as ‘The City With Soul’, Jackson, like many places in the south, is widely known for its connection to food, music, and community. Not only does the city have culturally diverse roots, it boasts plenty of economic diversity as well. With companies like Nisan, AT&T, and Lockheed Martin stationed in the are, the city is plenty popular for young professionals, students, and hardworking families alike. What’s more, given that the majority of residents rent their homes, Jackson is surely a city for investors to keep on their radar when seeking new investment properties. However, it is an expansive city with many different areas to choose from, some that investors may not even be aware of. In this article, we’ll list the best places to invest in Jackson and what type of properties, neighborhoods, and price ranges you can expect there.
Virden
Where is it located?
Located just a mile west of downtown, and cosying up to Jackson State University, is the neighborhood known as Virden. This neighborhood is popular not only for its proximity to the university, but also for its favorable and easy access to all the shops, dining, and entertainment available in downtown Jackson.
What types of properties are available?
Many of the properties available in Virden are B-class, single-family homes. These properties typically follow a 3 bed, 2 bath-style layout. Even though the neighborhood is close to the bustling city center, the homes here tend to be detached, and many of them have yards. Essentially, it’s an ideal neighborhood for those looking to stay close to all their favorite amenities while enjoying all the luxury that comes with an outdoor space.
What other benefits are there?
The homes in Virden are priced at or below what is average for the city, making it an easy place for first-time investors to get their foot in the door, or for seasoned investors looking for their next low-cost spot. What’s more? The proximity to the university ensures that there will always be a constant flow of renters available to choose from.
Belhaven
Where is it located?
Just two miles north and a short drive away from the city center lies the neighborhood of Belhaven. Popular for its proximity to LeFleur’s Bluff State Park as well as Belhaven University, this affluent neighborhood is known for its historic homes and abundant charm.
What types of properties are available?
The homes in Belhaven are almost entirely A-class, single-families, many of them with 3+ bedrooms and generous lot sizes. Understandably, the homes in Belhaven are priced higher than what is average for the city. Given the exclusivity and security of the neighborhood, it’s an ideal place for inventors who are looking for high-quality homes to purchase.
What other benefits are there?
The biggest perk that residents of Belhaven enjoy is simply access to near everything. Downtown, nature preserves, parks, dining, entertainment, you name it - it’s all near Belhaven! There is also an abundance of short-term rentals in the area, so whether you’re looking to lease out or rent short term, you can expect that Belhaven will provide a secure setting for your property.
Oak Forest
Where is it located?
The Mississippi neighborhood of Oak Forest is located just six miles southwest of downtown Jackson. Given its distance from the city center, there are a variety of parks and green spaces available for residents to access while still remaining close to the city.
What types of properties are available?
The properties in Oak Forest are comfortably C-class and are priced lower than what is typical for the city of Jackson. Given that many of the properties are single-family, detached units and are priced quite competitively, there is ample opportunity for high returns for investors looking to turn a profit.
What other benefits are there?
The extra space and low prices are what initially drew many residents to Oak Forest. But there is also a variety of public schools to choose from in the area, making it especially popular among families. With a short commute to the city and accessible housing prices, this neighborhood is a stellar area to begin your search in.
Skyline
Where is it located?
Just north of downtown and a stone’s throw from the Jackson Zoo and Mynell Botanical Gardens lies the area known as Skyline. But that’s not all! In addition to the Zoo and botanical gardens, there is also an abundance of local dining and shopping for residents to enjoy.
What types of properties are available?
Comprised mostly of C-class, single-family homes, the properties in Skyline are largely 2- and 3-bedroom detached houses. The homes in Skyline are also priced lower than average for the city, making it another great neighborhood for investors looking for high returns on properties that just need a little TLC.
What other benefits are there?
Other than the Zoo and Botanical Gardens, residents of Skyline benefit from close proximity to Lake Hico and its beautiful green spaces. Skyline is also close to interstate 220, which makes it easy for people to commute anywhere within the city. Given the entertainment options as well as competitive pricing, Skyline is favored by both families and young professionals alike.
Woodlake
Where is it located?
The suburb of Woodlake sits about twenty five minutes northeast of Jackson. Its name comes from its proximity to Ross R. Barnett Reservoir, meaning residents of Woodlake benefit from all of the extra space of the suburbs with the added bonus of living on the waterfront of the reservoir. With access to amenities like Timberlake Campground and the multitude of parks that the reservoir offers, Woodlake is a suburban nature haven for Mississippi residents looking to spend time outdoors.
What types of properties are available?
With a mix of A- and B-class homes, there's a variety for investors to choose from when it comes to buying in Woodlake. Property pricing is mixed as well. Ranging from below to above average for what is typical for Jackson, this means investors who are able to find less expensive properties can expect solid returns as well as the peace of mind that Woodlake properties will hold their value over time.
What other benefits are there?
Woodlake is excellent for residents who are looking to get outdoors, but is also ideal for investors who are interested in short-term rentals. Given its proximity to Barnett Reservoir, there is sure to be a steady f of people looking to get away and stay on the water. While Woodlake is a bit out of the way from Jackson and other large suburbs, it is still home to plenty of city-dwelling conveniences, so residents can experience some peace and quiet while still enjoying access to all the stores, shops, and dining that comes with urban living.
Ridgeland
Where is it located?
Last up on our list is the city of Ridgeland. Just fifteen minutes due north of Jackson, this is regarded as one of the best places to live, not only in the Jackson area but in all of Mississippi. While Ridgeland is technically a suburb of Jackson, it still has its own unique and plentiful shops, entertainment, dining, and greenspace for residents to enjoy. Similar to Woodlake, Ridgeland is on the edge of Barnett Reservoir, providing locals with all the benefits of the city, suburbs, and the outdoors.
What types of properties are available?
Ridgeland is mostly A-class, single-family homes on large lots. Many of the homes are 3+ bedrooms and boast large yards for residents to enjoy. While the homes in Ridgeland are priced higher than what is typical for Jackson, there are a few sprinkled in that are on the lower end of the cost spectrum, so no matter what your budget is, Ridgeland likely has what you’re looking for if you’re willing to search for it. Considering it’s a 50/50 split for renting versus owning in Ridgeland, it’s the perfect place for investors of all kinds.
What other benefits are there?
Ridgeland is located in Madison county, and while the schools in Madison are some of the best in Mississippi, Ridgeland’s are toward the very top of the list. The highly ranked schools and large property sizes draw in families, while the short commute to downtown and proximity to greenspaces make it ideal for young professionals. This means residents of all kinds keep this city in high demand and, in turn, keep your investment safe.
Final Thoughts: Best Places to Invest in Jackson
With a wide variety of homes available in Jackson, there is truly something for everyone . Whether you’re looking for high returns on inexpensive housing or a chance to break into more affluent neighborhoods, Jacksons got you covered. To get the best feel for where you’d like to invest, it always helps to talk to an expert who has boots-on-the-ground knowledge and knows each neighborhood like the back of their hand. That’s why our Jackson team is always happy to help and answer any questions you might have. If you’d like to learn more about the Jackson market as a whole, including population insight, renal market trends, and more, download our Jackson Market Deep Dive.
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