Eastern Mississippi's Columbus is a designated Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area known for its historic architecture and deep blues roots. It welcomed the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, B.B. King and Duke Ellington to historical landmarks, such as Queen City Hotel and Catfish Alley – two iconic stops on the Mississippi Blues Trail. Local blues artists, from Big Joe Williams to Bukka White, left a lasting impact on the city's culture. Columbus' population of over 23,000 continues to celebrate music through events like the Southside Blues Festival. The local University and Air Force Base welcomed new crowds throughout the 20th century, but the city retained its small-town feel. "It's a small southern town, but it's still one of the bigger cities in Mississippi," says local broker Kaleena Richardson of Legacy Real Estate Group. She's lived in Columbus since 2005. "It's a city full of history and a melting pot of diversity."
The Columbus Air Force Base is one of the largest employers. Major industries include healthcare, education and manufacturing. According to Golden Triangle Development LINK, Rural King is coming to Columbus with an investment of $8 million. This will bring over 50 new jobs to the city, and the store will open in 2026.
Columbus Air Force Base plays a vital role in the city’s economy, bringing military families and aviation history to Columbus.
Columbus honors its past through the Catfish Alley mural, a visual tribute to the music, food, and community that shaped the city.
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The history of Catfish Alley
The Rosenzweig Arts Center is the heart of Columbus' intimate art scene and home to the Columbus Arts Council. The center exhibits local pieces for sale and hosts various events and workshops. Catfish Alley was a hub of music, culture and business for Black Americans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, named for the catfish caught, sold and cooked in the Alley. Catfish in the Alley, a popular event held every spring, celebrates the history of Catfish Alley and the contributions of Black residents to the city's culture through blues music, Mississippi farm-raised catfish samples and various other vendors.
Local restaurants and businesses sprawl from the intersection of Main and Fifth Street in downtown Columbus. Spots like the Coffee House on 5th and Park Place Gifts fill two-story, brick-clad buildings with shuttered windows and outstretched awnings. "We have some really great locally owned boutiques and shopping downtown," Richardson says. Huck's Place, with popular catfish entrees, and Zachary's are a couple of local favorites for a meal downtown. Most of the city's retail and grocery stores line Highway 45 in the city's north end.
Catfish Alley in Columbus is a historic street that once served as a hub for Black-owned businesses, music, and culture in the city.
Coffee House on 5th is a popular local café in Columbus, offering coffee, pastries, and a cozy atmosphere in the heart of the city.
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Historic homes with Greek Revival and Italianate architecture
Columbus is known for its historic 19th-century homes. They date as early as the 1830s and have Gothic, Italianate and Greek Revival architecture. Several homes are on the National Register of Historic Places, and historic home tours are popular. "Most historic homes are on Columbus' north and south ends," Richardson says. Craftsman bungalows and cottages from the early 20th century cluster in and around downtown. Housing developed inched eastward throughout the 20th century, mainly including ranch-style homes. Housing development started to lull in the 21st century. "There's not a lot of new houses," Richardson says. The city's few condominiums and townhomes are downtown. The median sale price for homes in Columbus is $200,000, which is about half of the American median.
Columbus features Creole Cottage-style homes, adding to the city’s diverse and historic architectural landscape.
Columbus is known for its stunning Greek Revival homes, showcasing grand columns and symmetrical designs throughout the city.
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The Mississippi University for Women was the nation's first state-supported college for women
The Columbus Municipal School District scores an overall C on Niche and serves just over 3,000 students. Franklin Academy has served the community since 1821 and was the first public school in Mississippi; it has a C on Niche. Heritage Academy is a faith-based, private school option in north Columbus that serves pre-kindergarten through twelfth-grade students. Niche gives the Academy a B-plus. Local post-secondary options include the Mississippi University for Women, the nation's first state-supported college for women.
Franklin Academy in Columbus is the oldest free public school in Mississippi, established in 1821 with a long legacy of education.
Mississippi University for Women, located in Columbus, is the first public college for women in the United States.
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Fishing days on the Tombigbee River
The Tombigbee River, specifically the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway branch, is a magnet for outdoor recreation. The Columbus Riverwalk runs over 4 miles along the river, popular with cyclists and casual strollers. The river connects with Columbus Lake, a 9,000-acre freshwater expanse framed by grassy banks, the Columbus Lock and Dam and the Columbus Marina. The marina offers boat rentals and several wet slips for boat owners. Fishing is popular from Columbus Lake to Lake Lowndes State Park. The city also operates two community centers and six public parks.
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Air quality in Columbus
Columbus suffers from poor air quality, primarily due to industry, including a nearby Superfund site. Summers are hot in Columbus, and temperatures rarely go below freezing.
Hopping on the Route 82
U.S. Routes 45 and 82 intersect in Columbus, connecting with Tuscaloosa about 60 miles away. The Friendly City Express is an on-demand transportation service with limited hours. The Golden Triangle Regional Airport offers flights with American Airlines and Delta about 12 miles west of the city center. The Baptist Memorial Hospital Golden Triangle is just north of downtown on Fifth Street.
Decreasing violent crime
Columbus' crime statistics are not readily available, but the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office reported a 10.29% decrease in violent crime from 2023 to 2024 and a 42.86% increase in property crimes.
Written By
Brennen Martin
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Video By
Rebecca Askin
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State of Mississippi Wildlife Fisheries & Parks Department
Riverside Park
Artesia Community Center
Columbus Housing Trends
On average, homes in Columbus, MS sell after 22 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Columbus, MS over the last 12 months is $190,000.
10 acre commercial/industrial site located amongst all the major industrial uses in Lowndes County, such as Steel Dynamics, International Paper, Aluminum Dynamics, PACCAR, and SDI Biocarbon Solutions. Property is at the SW corner of Manufacturers Drive and Artesia Rd, adjacent to the railroad. Property is selling as is. Great site for your next development in a strategic location! Just south of
This 18 acres +/- is located right off HWY 50 in Columbus. There is a manufactured home on the property along with a small storage shed. Seller has no knowledge of either one and both will be sold as is.
Whether you want a quiet place to build, room to roam, or land to hold for the future, this 33.40-acre property gives you the space and freedom to make it your own.
This prime development opportunity is positioned at a high-visibility corner along Highway 45 N, with additional frontage along N. Spurline Road and extending down Ridge Road, offering approximately 2,480 feet of frontage on Highway 45 N and 2,440 feet along Ridge Road for excellent access, exposure, and multiple points of ingress and egress. Located in the county within the Caledonia School
Welcome to this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in North Columbus! Conveniently located near shopping, restaurants, and the Highway 82 bypass, this property offers both comfort and convenience in a desirable area. Remodeled just two years ago, the home features fresh neutral colors, updated flooring, modern kitchen cabinets, and countertops, creating a clean and inviting atmosphere
Wonderful opportunity in East Columbus located on Lehmberg Road. This property sits among well established and successful sites, offering excellent visibility and long term growth potential. Zoned R 4, the property is ideally suited for multi family development and presents a strong opportunity for investors and developers. There is also potential for the City to consider rezoning for commercial
Commercial lot zoned C-3 and ready for development | Located in Columbus with frontage on Alabama Street along abusy road with high visibility | Strong accessibility for a variety of business uses | Former structure has been removedwith utility connections remaining in place | Investment opportunity with potential for commercial redevelopment.
Spacious 4-Bedroom Home Near Columbus Air Force Base offering plenty of space and comfort for your family. Featuring two inviting living areas, this home is perfect for entertaining or relaxing. The large kitchen boasts ample counter space and storage, making meal prep a breeze. Conveniently located just minutes from Columbus Air Force Base, this home provides easy access to shopping, dining, and
Unique property offering several possibilities. The original 1,428(approx) square foot home was lost to a fire in 2024, but the concrete slab remains, along with the existing septic system and plumbing connections. A 30x40 shop was later built toward the rear of the property and is currently being used as living space. The shop includes basic living accommodations but is not fully finished. This
Welcome home to this beautiful property in the desirable Cady Hills subdivision. Inside, you will find updated paint and fixtures, newer flooring, and attractive tile work in the bathrooms. Spacious bedrooms, generous closets, and a large laundry room provide plenty of storage. The home features two living areas, along with a beautiful sunroom that offers flexibility as a sitting area or home
3-bedroom, 2-bath home offering comfort and convenience! Inside, you'll find a functional layout with plenty of space for everyday living. Step outside to enjoy the covered back patio, perfect for relaxing or entertaining, overlooking the fenced backyard that's ideal for kids, pets, or outdoor gatherings. Conveniently located near schools, shopping, and everyday amenities, this home combines a
Located in the charming city of Columbus, The Colony offers a variety of amenities and thoughtfully designed apartments for you to call home. Our mission is to enhance the lives of our residents by providing exceptional customer service, a strong sense of community, and superior property maintenance. Our community features a resort-style pool, 24/7 gym, and more. Each pet-friendly apartment has
Vintage, affordable apartment community in the heart Columbus offering new LVP flooring with many other upgrades available. We offer furnished apartments with shorter lease terms. Walking distance to Downtown and close to shopping. We have one, two and three-bedroom` apartments to choose from.
Welcome to Audubon Cove Apartments, your new home in Columbus, MS. Our community offers a variety of amenities designed to enhance your living experience. Dive into our sparkling resort-style pool, perfect for cooling off during those hot summer days. Enjoy evenings by our outdoor fireplace, a cozy spot to relax and unwind, complete with a TV lounge for your entertainment. For those who love an
Welcome to Rivergate Apartments, located on Holly Hills Road, in Columbus, MS!Comfortable, Budget-Friendly Living in the Heart of Columbus, MS.Discover easy living at Rivergate Apartments, a welcoming community that combines affordability with a location designed to keep you connected to the best parts of Columbus. Whether you’re settling in after a long day or planning your next
Welcome to Chanticleer Apartments, located on 6th Street North, in Columbus, MS!Simple Living. Smart Value. Convenient Columbus Location.At Chanticleer Apartments, you’ll find a community designed for residents who want comfort, convenience, and affordability all in one place. Located in a well-connected area of Columbus, Chanticleer offers an easy, practical lifestyle without the
Welcome to Chateaux Holly Hills Apartments, located on Newbell Road, in Columbus, MS!Affordable Comfort with Everyday Convenience in Columbus, MS.Step into Chateaux Holly Hills Apartments, where thoughtful comfort meets a prime Columbus location—without stretching your budget. Designed for residents who value simplicity, convenience, and a welcoming community, Chateaux Holly Hills
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