Laurel may have only 17,000 residents, but millions of people know this small Mississippi city thanks to the HGTV show “Home Town.” Hosts Erin and Ben Napier live in Laurel, renovating its historic houses while highlighting local businesses. Those who call Laurel home also appreciate the small-town feel. “Everyone seems to be kind and generous and helpful,” says Kandance Monsivais, a longtime resident and a Realtor and broker with Red Fox Realty. “It is a slower pace of life.”
The city was founded in 1882 as a sawmill town because of the large number of yellow pines in the area. Today, major employers include healthcare facilities like South Central Regional Medical Center, the largest hospital in Jones County, and manufacturers including Howard Industries and Sanderson Farms. “Another perk of Laurel is its location,” Monsivais says. “We are located about two hours from New Orleans, two hours from the coast, two hours from Mobile.”
Downtown Laurel blends history, charm, and vibrant local art.
South Central Regional Medical Center has been providing quality healthcare in Laurel since 1952.
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Historic homes in Laurel
Early 20th-century homes comprise most properties near Downtown Laurel. A handful of these older cottages may look familiar, with renovations featured on episodes of “Home Town.” Farther from downtown, mid-20th-century ranch styles are common. The median price in Laurel is $201,000, lower than the median price of the nearby major cities like Hattiesburg, which is $249,900. “The cost of living is affordable compared to many places, but also, with our incomes, that’s why it is more affordable,” Monsivais says.
Laurel’s Ranch homes offer comfort with timeless charm.
Classic brick homes add warmth and character to Laurel.
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Golden Tornadoes foster community-wide school spirit
Laurel School District receives a C-plus from Niche. Laurel Magnet School for the Arts offers a curriculum incorporating visual and performing arts for kindergartners through sixth graders. Sports are also a big deal for the community, with residents showing up for Laurel High School’s Golden Tornadoes football team, which often makes it to District Championships. Southeastern Baptist College is a private Christian institution in the city.
Southeastern Baptist College has been equipping students since 1948.
Laurel High School is recognized for its commitment to academic excellence and student development.
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Sportsplex features fields, pool and walking path
Parks in Laurel include downtown’s Gardiner Park, with a playground and soccer fields, and the Susan Boone Vincent Sportsplex in the western part of the city. This 145-acre facility has over 10 athletic fields, an Olympic-sized swimming pool and a walking trail. The complex’s most recent addition is the Elvin Ulmer Eightplex, a group of eight softball fields named after a longtime city employee. Both Bogue Homa State Lake and the Chickasawhay District of De Soto National Forest are within 10 miles of the city.
Families in Laurel enjoy the Susan B. Vincent Sportsplex for its well maintained fields and community events.
Gardiner Park in Laurel, Mississippi, spans 9.6 acres and offers well-maintained trails suitable for walking and running.
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Locally owned businesses in downtown
Local boutiques, restaurants and businesses fill the streets of Downtown Laurel. “On Sundays, things are completely shut down, and there’s even a slow start on Mondays,” Monsivais says. “Most of us are small business owners, and those are just the days you can take off if you’ve got a retail store and you have to be open on a Saturday.” Downtown is also home to some of the city’s biggest attractions, including the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, a historic museum that regularly offers guided tours. At the Laurel-Jones County Black History Museum, visitors can learn about Black culture and history and how it has impacted Laurel and the country.
Sawmill Square Mall is another shopping hub that is expanding. “We are getting a Hobby Lobby in the mall, and I hope after that we get some other larger stores that will help keep it going,” Monsivais says. Big-box stores and chain restaurants are along major thoroughfares like Highway 15.
Strolling through downtown Laurel, you’ll discover charming local shops filled with Southern hospitality.
Laurel Jones County Black History Museum in Laurel preserves and celebrates the rich history of African American heritage.
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Cook-offs bring neighbors together
Many of Laurel’s most popular events take place on Main Street. “Any of the downtown special cook-off events are such a fun time to see the community out and about because it’s mostly local people who enter the competition,” Monsivais says. One of the most anticipated events is the Magnolia State Bank Chili Cook-Off, which features live music and homemade chili from dozens of teams every February. The city returns to its roots every October with the Loblolly Festival, honoring Laurel’s heritage as a sawmill town.
Car-dependent community near major highways
Laurel is car-dependent, with one exception. “If you were determined to be a walkable person, you could if you live close to downtown and walk everywhere,” Monsivais says. Major roads include U.S. Route 11 and 84 and Interstate 59. Downtown Hattiesburg is about 30 miles away. There’s an Amtrak station in Laurel, with a train that runs from Laurel to New Orleans once a day. The Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport, about 25 miles away, offers direct flights to George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston at least once a day.
Long summers and short winters in Laurel, crime
Laurel residents are well-adjusted to the heat, with long, humid summers that last from late April to early October. Winters are short and dry. The city is prone to hurricanes and tornados.
According to Mississippi Crime Statistics, there was barely a change in violent crimes in Laurel from 2023 to 2024. However, there was a significant increase in property crimes.
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