The north-central Mississippi city of Grenada sits halfway between Memphis and Jackson, on what was originally Choctaw land. A major player in the Civil Rights movement, the city now boasts an almost equal white and Black population, a bustling recreation scene, a highly-rated school system and a sociable community. “We call ourselves ‘The City that Smiles.’ If you walk down the street here and you’re a total stranger, somebody’s going to speak to you,” says Mayor Charles H. Latham, the second Black person elected to the position.
Centrally-located homes for a fraction of the national median
Homes in Grenada are concentrated toward the center of town. As homes become more sparse on the outskirts, lot sizes tend to be larger, with more rural landscapes. Ranch styles are popular, especially in the residential pockets farther from the town center. Bungalows and manufactured homes can be seen in the Tie Plant neighborhood, purportedly named for the production of railroad ties in the area. The median home value here is $125,000, considarbly less than the national median.
High school football state champions
Grenada is served by the Grenada School District, which also encompasses the county. The district has an overall A rating from Niche, and enrolls about 3,800 students across five schools. In 2023, the district launched Balloon Quest, a hands-on, escape room-style museum that simulates a journey through different ecosystems. Both Grenada High School and private Kirk Academy took home state football championships in 2024, after each school fell just short of the title the previous year.
Grenada Lake, the largest in the state
Grenada Lake, the largest lake in the state, is a popular site for camping, boating, fishing and events. The Thunder on Water Festival, originally established 30 years ago as a safe boating event, features music, fireworks, and fishing tournaments. The lake is well known in the angling community for its three-pound crappie, with entire leagues formed in honor of the fish. Locals can hike the trails around the lake or at the Lee Tartt Nature Preserve on the Yalobusha River. Tennis and golf opportunities are available at the Grenada Country Club and the Dogwoods Golf Course.
Industrial and manufacturing hub on the north side
Grenada’s industrial hub lies near the northern part of the city. Modine Manufacturing Company and Milwaukee Tool are two of the area’s large employers. Grenada’s plans for the future include establishing new developments and affordable housing, upkeep of historical structures, and improving community relations. “Anything we can do in southern cities to move us away from our turbulent past — unity is what we strive for,” Latham says. “We’re trying to remove blight and improve the perception of our city. We have a number of civic organizations all working toward the betterment of our community.”
A historic downtown district with neighborhood favorites like Spain's Supermarket
Downtown Grenada revolves around the historic square, which was formed in the 1800s as the original site of the county courthouse. Several small businesses and restaurants make their home in the decades-old buildings here, like beloved Cajun restaurant Orlean’s Bistro and neighborhood staple Spain’s Supermarket. The annual Downtown Jubilee celebrates the town with music, crafts, food, vendors, and more. Chain eateries and businesses can be found along Highway 8.
Located at the junction of U.S. Highway 51 and State Highway 8
The town lies at the junction of two main roads: U.S. Highway 51 and State Highway 8. Interstate 55 is located on the west side of town. The University of Mississippi Medical Center - Grenada is located a mile from the Highway 51/8 intersection. Tupelo Regional Airport, about 80 miles away, has direct flights to Nashville; the next nearest commercial airport is Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport, about 120 miles away.
Numer of crimes decreasing
According to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Grenada County reported 20 instances of violent crime and 199 cases of property crime in 2024, down from 51 violent crimes and 254 property crimes in 2023. The area has hot and humid summers and mild winters, with average daytime highs in the low 90s in July and August.
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