Madison, Mississippi
True Small Town Living
Madison offers its residents a unique suburban hometown. The town is a planned community giving priority to safety, comfort and a small-town atmosphere. Just five miles north of Jackson, Madison's close proximity to the state's capital has made the town a thriving suburban community. The symphony, opera, ballet, theater companies and the Mississippi Museum of Art with its international exhibitions are well worth the 15-minute drive, and offer wonderful resources for the Madison retirement community.
The Jackson International Airport provides convenient access to the area.With more than 70 carefully planned subdivisions, Madison retirement provides a serene environment for residents who desire all that a metropolitan area has to offer.
With four courses in the area, a favorite aspect of this serene environment is golf. Annandale, a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, is located in Madison. The course gives residents the chance to test their skill on some challenging holes, and every year the PGA-sanctioned Viking Classic brings professionals to the course. A brand-new recreational and fitness center keeps everybody limber between tee times.
Southern Living Magazine recently featured Madison's shopping area. Here's what they said: "...Instead of repetitive chain stores taking over, this community features a handful of boutiques, galleries and restaurants that are drawing a lot of attention - and visitors-up I-55."
Wonderful examples of shopping they included are: Madison Gallery: Whether you're on the hunt for Mississippi artists' works or antiques, this elegant gallery features pieces priced from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Look for colorful works by acrylic artist Opal Smith and originals and prints by Walter Anderson. Antiques include silver goblets, wooden figurines from the Orient, vases, and sculpture. (100 Depot Drive, 601-898-3676)
The Inside Story: If you can't find it here you don't need it. Spread over two floors in a small, victorian house, this accessory and gift emporium carries everything from purses, necklaces, and shoes to Christmas ornaments, ceramic monkeys, candles, and decorative pillows. Plan on browsing at least an hour. (3081 Main Street, 601-856-3229)
The arts have a home in Madison, as well. The Madison County Cultural Center is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is home to the Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet. Residents with a creative side can also take classes in dance, theater, art and music here.
Strawberry Patch Park is the site for many good times for the Madison community. The park combines walking trails with exercise stations, playground equipment and picnic areas, all surrounding a serene lake for fishing.
The Simmons Arboretum features a wonderful walking tour through a variety of Mississippi's native plants, trees, and shrubs.The Natchez Trace is a perfect place to unwind. Its historic sites and nature trails are perfect for picnics or an afternoon walk. Boating, sailing, swimming, fishing and hunting make the 33,000-acre Ross Barnett Reservoir the place to go if you're looking for some intense relaxation.
Read what people like yourself have to say about Madison retirement:
Lamar and Mary Champion hopped across the state line and moved to Madison from Montgomery, Alabama.
Mississippi Living: What lured you to Mississippi?
The Champions: Our daughter lives here, so we were always driving over to visit with her. We started to notice all the great little things about Mississippi life. Then we found all the conveniences we were looking for in Madison.
Mississippi Living: How do you guys keep yourselves busy?
The Champions: The Confederate Air Force is headquartered here, and we're really active with them. We're members of the Walter Scott Coffee Club. We also serve on the Madison Parks and Recreation Commission and teach a current events class.
Mississippi Living: What's the best thing about living in Madison?
The Champions: It's a pleasure living in a city where everyone knows the mayor personally. There's always something to volunteer for, so we're always meeting more of the wonderful people here.
Facts and Figures |
| Population: | 24,000 |
| Hospital Beds: | 3,135 |
| Physcians: | 1,782 |
| Average cost of Home: | $241,000 |
| Average Cost of a New 2,000 sq. ft. Brick Home on a half-acre lot: | $250,000 |
| Tax on $100,000 Home with Homestead Exemption: | (under age 65): $860
(65 and older): $286 |
| Places of Worship: | 37 |
| Denominations Represented: | 18 |
| Commercial passenger air service available locally at Jackson International Airport (10 miles south). 250 Flights per week served by 10 airlines. |