Railroad roots and blues music shape Amory
The community of Amory was established as a midway point on the Kansas City, Memphis and Birmingham Railroad, and even today steam engines and blues music are essential to its fabric. Blues, soul and gospel performers, including the recording artist Lucille Bogan, descended from the African American residents who worked on the railroad. History, community pride, and neighbors who feel like family are the cornerstones of life today, according to Lindsay Mitchell, co-director of Amory Main Street, Inc.
In the wake of an EF3 tornado in 2023, residents and organizations have worked to reinvigorate the downtown area. "If I had to sum it up, Amory’s greatest strength is that 'we’re in this together' mindset," Mitchell says. "We don’t just talk about helping — we act, and we act quickly, because we believe our neighbors’ needs are our own."
Home prices are lower than average with a mix of styles
The median single-family home price is about $170,000, which is well below the national median. The housing mix spans the decades, from early 20th-century bungalows with front porches to midcentury ranch-style homes. On the city's south end, the River Birch subdivision features more modern, upscale homes with large lots. It's located on a semi-private, 18-hole course.
Amory High wins state titles and offers dual credit classes
The Amory School District earns a B-plus from Niche. It serves a population of about 1,800 students with a lower elementary school, an upper elementary school, a middle school and a high school. Amory High has achieved a strong athletic track record over the past decade, with three state titles in football, two in baseball and two in softball. Students can practice and play on the new athletic complex and soccer field. The school also offers a challenging curriculum that includes dual credit and career and technical education courses.
Music stages and green spaces in Amory
Blues music is still in Amory's blood. Musicians perform under the string lights at the downtown Vinegar Bend Blues Alley stage. Frisco Park anchors the downtown area with a bandstand, benches under the trees and a splash pad where kids can cool off in the summer. It's home to a historic engine that carried President Franklin D. Roosevelt to town in 1934. McAlpine Lake is stocked with bass, bream and catfish. A state grant contributed to updated signage, trees, benches, bike racks and a network of paved walking paths. Locals can also boat along the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway.
Downtown Amory blends historic charm with new businesses
Façade updates and beautification projects continue to add to the downtown vibrancy. Antique stores, specialty shops, offices and restaurants are among the Main Street storefronts. "Over the past few years, we’ve welcomed new businesses, supported expansions of existing ones, and worked closely with property owners to restore and maintain the historic character of our buildings," Mitchell says. A downtown staple since 1929, Bill's Hamburgers has been featured on Travel Channel, Food Network and national magazines. It draws a lunch crowd for hamburgers and cheeseburgers — served with or without the fixings. Walmart Supercenter, Food Giant, Walgreens, Tractor Supply Co. and several fast food options line the U.S. Route 278 corridor.
Railroad Festival is a point of city pride
Amory's Railroad Festival is a cherished tradition in April, with tens of thousands taking over the downtown area. Mitchell says it's not just a celebration, but a community homecoming. "People travel from surrounding towns and even out of state, often timing family visits or class reunions around the festival dates," she says. The festivities include kiddie train rides, live entertainment, food from local churches and arts and crafts booths along Main Street. "Almost every civic club, school group and church participates in some way, from running food booths to serving on volunteer crews," Mitchell says. Other gatherings include Chilifest, Polar Express in the Park and seasonal downtown markets.
Car travel is key and highways are accessible
Amory is the midway point between Memphis and Birmingham. "You’re never far from larger cities when you need them — but most of the time, you’ll find everything you need right here," Mitchell says. Commuters may connect to Interstate 22 about 25 miles north. U.S. Route 278 serves east-west travelers through Amory, and Mississippi Highway 25 is a north-south route through town. Travelers may fly direct to Nashville and Dallas from Tupelo Regional Airport, about 35 miles north. North Mississippi Medical Center Gilmore-Amory provides around-the-clock emergency care and other healthcare services in town.
