Baldwyn offers a small-town atmosphere with plenty of jobs and housing
The northeastern Mississippi city of Baldwyn offers residents plenty of homes close to outdoor attractions, above average schools and restaurants. Split between Lee and Prentiss Counties, Baldwyn is primarily rural but has several manufacturers and logistics centers that serve as major employers. Baldwyn is also within commuting distance of Tupelo and Booneville. “Baldwyn would be considered a bedroom community to the Tupelo area,” says Justin Tapp, the owner of Compass Realty Group, who sells in Baldwyn. “Baldwyn has done a really good job on their industrial park. They’ve done a really good job of revitalizing their downtown area.”
Lower-cost housing with various styles to pick from
Homes include bungalows, ranch-styles and cottages. Land is also available. The median housing price is $155,000, lower than state and national medians. However, the condition and size of the property can affect cost.
Baldwyn’s single-family properties are typically on gridded streets with larger lots along with oak and magnolia trees accenting lawns. Homes with more acreage are away from downtown. A few properties also back onto lakes, allowing for small fishing docks. Tapp says that the local industry has been “bringing in a lot of folks” as Baldwyn’s manufacturers and those in nearby Guntown draw new residents and potential commuters.
“You got a lot of people in the greater Tupelo area that are discovering Baldwyn as a place that is a little more slower paced to live,” Tapp says.
Baldwyn has its own public school district
Students can attend the Baldwyn School District, rated B-plus on Niche. Pupils can start at Baldwyn Elementary School, graded B, then continue to unranked Baldwyn Middle. Baldwyn High earns a B and offers career courses in business and manufacturing.
Parks, theatre and history serve as local entertainment
Latimer Park has multiple amenities, including baseball diamonds, courts, a covered playground and a walking track. Veterans Park contains a pond, a walking path and an armed forces memorial.
The Mississippi Final Stands Interpretive Center features exhibits and artifacts from nearby Civil War battles, specifically the Battle of Tupelo and Brice’s Cross Roads. The Brice’s Cross Roads National Battlefield is 5 miles west of downtown.
Baldwyn also hosts multiple events, including the annual Okeelala Festival, which features live music, a classic car show and food vendors. In the spring, downtown also hosts the County Line Music festival, featuring multiple musical acts and a 5K race.
Plenty of local dining and shops in downtown and in nearby towns
Restaurants are primarily along 4th Street and Main Street and include a mix of chain and local spots. Fill My Cup Coffee Shop in downtown offers baked goods and coffee drinks. Pizza Factory also serves pasta dishes and sandwiches. Omar’s offers seafood, sandwiches and chicken. Downtown has several boutiques and independent businesses along with a Food Giant grocery store and several dollar stores. More big-box retailers are in Booneville, 11 miles north.
Weather risks in Baldwyn
According to maps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, certain parts of the city are at risk of flooding. Severe weather, including tornadoes, can also occur.
Easy access to Tupelo, Interstate 22 and the airport
U.S. Highway 45 runs along the western edge of Baldwyn, connecting to downtown Tupelo, 20 miles south. The entrance to Interstate 22 is just north of Tupelo on U.S. 45. Tupelo Regional Airport is 23 miles southwest, but only has flights to Nashville International and Dallas-Fort Worth. The community has several urgent care clinics, but North Mississippi Medical Center is 23 miles south.