Oxford, Mississippi, is a small town with a big personality. It was founded in 1837 and was selected as the home of the University of Mississippi. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Oxford has a population of 25,416. This 26.7-square-mile town is a great place to settle down if you enjoy small towns or are a fan of the University of Mississippi.
The median home price in Oxford, according to the official Oxford website, is $235,000, which is below the U.S. average. Sales tax in Mississippi is 7%, and beginning in 2023, the state income tax will be reduced over four years. According to House Speaker Philip Gunn, this tax cut will make Mississippi more work-friendly.
The University of Mississippi, affectionately known as Ole Miss, is a household name throughout the South. Mississippi’s oldest university opened its doors in 1848 and currently has 21,856 students. Ole Miss is classified as an “R1 Doctoral University,” which means the university conducts high levels of research. Ole Miss fans are heavily involved in the university’s sports teams, especially the football team. The Rebels have won six Southeastern Conference (SEC) championships and have been the starting point for many famous NFL players.
Oxford has been around for over 150 years, so it has a lot of history. It was home to Nobel-Prize-winning novel writer William Faulkner from 1930 until his passing in 1962. Rowan Oak, Faulkner’s former home, has been preserved to exactly how the author kept it, and visitors can now tour all of the rooms both upstairs and downstairs for just $5 per person. If you are interested in music, visit the J.D. Williams Library; it hosts the Blues Archive, the most extensive collection of blues records. The archive also boasts an array ofpapers, films, photographs, and more so you can learn about the history of blues. Additionally, Oxford is home to the Burns-Belfry Museum. What was originally the Burns Methodist Episcopal Church is now a museum and multicultural center. The Burns church has a long history of helping the African American community and continues to help all people through community service today. The museum covers African American history from slavery through the Civil Rights.
Oxford, Mississippi, is the perfect place to settle down; it has affordable housing, a community that loves sports, and interesting historical sites to visit. Oxford is ready to be called your new home! For more information, visit the City of Oxford Website.