“The city of beautiful homes, parks, schools and churches”
The city of Jackson was always meant to be a county seat. Founded on the shores of Hubble Creek in the early 19th century, Jackson was initially established around a central courthouse and continued growing as railways expanded. “Our pride for a long time was that we were the first town in the country named ‘Jackson,’” explains Janna Clifton, retail and membership director of the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce. “Now we’re known as the city of beautiful homes, parks, schools and churches—that’s our motto.” The downtown area, in particular, is a hub for longstanding shops and restaurants. “We don’t call it downtown. We call it Uptown,” she continues. “Anyone from Jackson will correct you. That’s where our new sense of community pride comes in. We’ll always have a great turnout, whether it’s a local event or a football game on a Friday night.”
Jackson MO was established around a central courthouse in the early 19th century.
The historic "Uptown" Jackson is a hub for longstanding shops and restaurants.
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Jackson’s midcentury ranch-styles & bungalows
Towering trees and grassy knolls line Jackson's residential streets, where midcentury ranch-style homes and bungalows are among the most common architectural styles. Closer to Uptown, many houses date back to the 19th century and are within walking distance of the Main Street strip. Farther out, lot sizes expand, and styles grow increasingly more modern. Altogether, the median home price sits around $270,000—well below the national median of around $400,000 but higher than nearby Cape Girardeau.
Midcentury ranch homes bring timeless charm to Jackson’s quiet streets.
Bungalows remain a classic and common architectural style in Jackson, MO.
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Friday Night Lights at The Pit
Students citywide attend Jackson R-2 School District, which earns an A-minus on Niche. “The school district is a big draw here, especially for people moving to the area,” Clifton says. She notes that Friday night football games play a significant role in Jackson's culture, as students and community members rally for home games at The Pit. "That's the Jackson Senior High School stadium," she explains. "Football is huge in Jackson, and a lot of people come out to support the team. We were state champions in 2020, and we're always contenders."
Friday night football games play a significant role in Jackson's culture.
Russell Hawkins Junior High School offers a nurturing learning environment.
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From pickleball at Litz to hikes at Trail of Tears State Park
Jackson experiences four seasons, but summers typically last the longest. "If you go to the pickleball courts at Litz Park on a Friday night in the summer, you won't find an open court. You'll have to wait," Clifton says. She notes that Jackson City Park is the most popular of the city's green spaces. "That's where they have the annual Fourth of July event, which is pretty big," she says. "There's a 5K in the morning and mud volleyball, which is a huge draw. Plus, they always have a live band." Though the city offers trails throughout its titular park and surrounding Jackson Senior High School, many head to Trail of Tears State Park for hiking, swimming and boating along the Mississippi River.
Enjoy a match on the courts at Litz Park, perfect for all skill levels.
Hike forested paths on Peewah Trail in Trail of Tears State Park.
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Shops, eats and community events in Uptown
Hubble Creek winds from northern Jackson to Dutchtown, passing through the city’s Uptown area. Boutiques, restaurants and shops line the walkable strips of both Main Street and High Street. “A lot of our events are hosted there, like Oktoberfest and Farm to Table,” Clifton says, referring to a citywide dinner held in front of the courthouse each September. “Our staple restaurant in Uptown is Tractors, but there’s also Wib’s Drive-In. It’s not in Uptown, but it’s a Jackson staple for barbeque, and it’s been around since the 1950s.”
Beyond small businesses and local eats, residents will find most big-name grocers along Blues Highway. Cape Girardeau is home to the West Park Mall and various big-box retailers.
Savor flavors from local cafés and restaurants in historic Uptown Jackson.
Savor comfort food favorites like catfish and burgers at Tractors in Uptown Jackson.
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Reasonable commutes to Cape Girardeau & Fruitland
According to the city administrator, manufacturing, logistics and service are Jackson's largest industries. From Rubbermaid Commercial Products to the Jackson R-2 School District, most residents live within a 5- to 10-mile commute of the workplace. Others head 10 miles south to Cape Girardeau for Southeast Missouri State University or the Saint Francis Health Care System.
Commuters rely on Blues Highway to reach nearby hubs like Cape Girardeau and Fruitland. Interstate 55 also passes through Jackson, heading southbound from St. Louis to Memphis, Tennessee. Residents can fly commercially from Cape Girardeau Regional Airport, which connects to larger airports nationwide.
Crime increases in Jackson
According to FBI data, incidents of violent and property crime throughout the city rose from 2022 to 2023, while state and national rates decreased.
Written By
Dana Chesser
Photography Contributed By
Matt Ponstingl
Video By
Jacob Branchaud
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GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Jackson, MO sell after 50 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Jackson, MO over the last 12 months is $275,000, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Located in the heart of Jackson, this charming split-level home is full of character and thoughtful updates throughout. From the moment you arrive, you'll appreciate the inviting cozy atmosphere. Step inside to find a well-maintained interior featuring updated finishes, warm living spaces, and a layout that offers both function and flexibility. The fenced-in yard provides a great space for pets,
This 4-bedroom, 3-bath beauty in the desirable Fairway Estates Subdivision offers the space you need and the features you’ve been dreaming of! The open split-bedroom floor plan on the main level includes a bright kitchen with stainless steel appliances, an inviting living room, and a dining room featuring a French door that leads directly to the backyard and private 7-person hot tub—perfect for
Step into this thoughtfully designed 3-bedroom, 2-bath home that combines comfort and style in every detail. The heart of the home features a spacious kitchen and dining room combo, complete with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a bar area ideal for entertaining. A convenient mud room helps keep things tidy and organized. The main level includes two generously sized
Welcome to this like-new, 5-year-young thoughtfully designed home. Built for both beauty and durability, this home features James Hardie siding and an open, functional layout that blends style with everyday comfort. Inside, the open-concept floor plan is anchored by a chef’s dream kitchen - featuring Beussink full-height custom cabinetry, granite countertops, composite granite sink, double
Charming and full of potential! Check out this 2bed 2bath home just minutes from Bent Creek Golf Course and within East Elementary boundary . Outside you will enjoy a full length covered porch, decorative brick front, oversized two car garage and a wonderful neighborhood! Inside, the home has both charm and plenty of storage space with walk in closets in both bedrooms as well as a solid
Step into this beautifully maintained home featuring an open floor plan, including a stylish kitchen with granite countertops, a convenient eat-at-bar- perfect for casual dining or entertaining guests, and nine foot ceilings. The spacious master suite offers a relaxing retreat with an oversized, updated tiled shower. One of the most incredible features of this home? Ultra-low electric bills!
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