Beechwood is a quiet community in East Vicksburg located just off I-20
Beechwood is a low-key residential pocket of East Vicksburg, settled just off an exit of the Interstate 20 corridor connecting Jackson, Mississippi and Shreveport, Louisiana. "You have super easy access to the freeway, and you're close to 27," says local Realtor Kim Steen of Coldwell Banker All Stars. She's served Warren County homebuyers for over 17 years. "And when you head out of Beechwood, you're practically in the city." The community offers proximity to central Vicksburg, while being removed from city buzz. "People love to be on the east side," Steen says. "It's quiet." Local houses of worship, like the Islamic Center of Vicksburg and First Pentecostal Church, engage the community, and Steen says there's a lot of general community involvement.
The overall CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Established homes in Oak Park or the countryside
Many of Beechwood's houses fill the generously wooded Oak Park subdivision on the community's west end. Homes here are relatively spaced out on quarter to half-acre lots, and locals keep their lawns trimmed and their shrubbery manicured. Houses in Oak Park are mainly Acadian and ranch-style, though "once in a blue moon, you'll see a two-story home, but it's rare," Steen says. East of Oak Park, and into Beechwood's countryside, properties are larger and heavily wooded. Housing styles are a bit more varied, and many are custom-built. Many houses sit on at least an acre of land, and residents often designate space for small animals. "There's no big farms in Beechwood, but chickens are real popular right now," Steen says. "Some people even prefer a goat." Homes generally sell from around $145,000 for a ranch-style home on a half-acre lot to $550,000 for a 4,000-square-foot custom home on a two-acre lot.
Career academies at the local high school
The Vicksburg Warren School District scores an overall B-minus on Niche and serves just over 6,800 students. Beechwood Elementary School, Warren Central Junior High and Warren Central High all receive a B-minus. The district's two high schools offer three College and Career Academies. Through these academies, students can earn opportunities to intern with local businesses, learn about career options with an assigned teacher and complete career-based projects. The ACME Academy specializes in architecture, construction, mechatronics and engineering.
Walking the National Military Park
Beechwood is near many of Vicksburg's public parks and recreation spaces. Vicksburg National Military Park, one of the area's most notable attractions, sits just north of Interstate 20. The old battlefield marked the Siege of Vicksburg during the Civil War, commemorated today by hundreds of historic markers and monuments connected by a 16-mile tour road. It's common for residents to grab a parking spot, get out and check out the gunboat or reconstructed trenches. Vicksburg also offers traditional parks, like Halls Ferry Park, a hub of sports facilities. The park features pickleball and tennis courts and several baseball fields flanked by towering stadium lights. The Purks-Golding Family YMCA sits just north of Beechwood, offering a fitness center, rock-climbing wall, indoor pool and an outdoor playground for the kids. "The YMCA offers everything," Steen says. "I'm there every day of my life. It's just a real friendly place."
Locally owned staples and dining in Vicksburg
The bulk of Beechwood's commercial infrastructure is near the intersection of State Highway 27 and U.S. Route 80. Businesses in this area include Dollar General, Family Dollar, a gas station and a couple of fast-food spots, namely Taco Casa. Also in the intersection is Beechwood Restaurant and Lounge, a community staple for nearly 70 years. The restaurant's generational recipes include seafood specialties, handhelds and steaks. Visitors also enjoy a full bar and frequent live music. On Beechwood's rural east end, Don Ho's BBQ and Deli offers smoked meats, loaded potato casserole and stacked nachos. Locals head into the heart of Vicksburg for additional restaurants and traditional Southern fare. The nearest grocery stores include Corner Market, about 4 miles west, and Piggly Wiggly, around 7 miles away.
Navigating Vicksburg
Vicksburg's Nroute Transit Commission operates buses that shuttle across Warren County. Three main routes serve communities like Beechwood, Monday through Friday. Commuters often find it easier to drive themselves, and I-20 runs along the community's northern edge. Locals also have access to U.S. Route 61 and Highway 27. Merit Health River Region is the nearest medical facility, about 3 miles north of Beechwood, and the Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport is about 52 miles east in Jackson.
Written By
Brennen Martin
