Young families and outdoor lovers are rediscovering Leakesville
The community of Leakesville is secluded in Mississippi's Piney Woods, but outdoor activities attract more visitors. "Leakesville is rural, very rural. People who live there because they're from there and are usually living on family land," says Realtor Nikki Merritt with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. However, the town, which was established as a timber and turpentine manufacturer, is on a slow incline of business, visitors and residents. "They're getting more and more young people who are moving in or returning to their family homes to raise their children. There's also a water park and ATV park drawing visitors to Leakesville," Merritt says. Though the community has modest offerings, the parks Merritt mentions are just outside the central part of town, near the Chickasawhay River. These recreation areas and the boating, fishing, swimming and off-roading activities they offer are sparking a renewed interest in Leakesville.
Modest homes sit among pine forests and pastureland
Leakesville has the feel of a classic Mississippi small town, with quiet residences on modest lots interspersed with towering pine trees. Pasture lands and swaths of deep pine forest surround the community, adding to the secluded, country feel. Several residences near the Chickasawhay River provide easy fishing and boating access. Most homes here are 20th-century ranch-style, cottages or manufactured houses with prices between $100,000 and $400,000. Farmhouse-style homes stay in a similar price range but may go up to $750,000 depending on the amount of acreage.
Local schools offer steady ratings and college exposure
Students attend Greene County Schools. They may start at Leakesville Elementary, which earns a B rating from Niche. Students may then go to B-rated Leakesville Junior High and B-plus-rated Greene County High. Sophomores at Greene County High attend University of Alabama Vision Day, which offers students an early look at UA's programs and activities.
River access, water park and off-roading draw visitors
One of Leakesville's most notable features is the Chickasawhay River, a popular fishing and boating spot. There's a public boat launch off River Street, and just outside of town, there is a canoe and kayak rental near Chickasawaves Waterpark. Chickasawaves is a massive inflatable waterpark with various water courses, swimming areas, private cabanas and a restaurant. The park is adjacent to Wild Country Offroad, where visitors can off-road through pine woods. "The new water park and ATV park have brought a lot of people in recently, and instigated some new growth downtown," Merritt says. "People bring buggies from all over the state to go mudding, and there are popular concerts and events at the park." Leakesville is home to Leakesville Municipal Ball Park, which has a playground, picnic areas and ballfields for youth games. On Main Street, there's Green Park, another peaceful picnic area. Nearby, the Greene County Rural Events Center is home to the annual Greene County Fair, rodeos, craft shows and concerts.
Main Street has groceries, restaurants and small-town charm
The town's Main Street is home to most amenities, including grocery stores like Piggly Wiggly, Dollar General and Dobbins Family Pharmacy. Main Street also has several small businesses, churches and supply shops. Several local restaurants here, including Molten Kountry Kitchen, a soul food spot offering a seafood buffet each Friday. Other favorites include Southern Drip Coffee, Pizza Inn and El Zarape, a family-run Mexican restaurant. According to Merritt, the increase in visitors has prompted Leakesville to bring a few updates to the town. "They just got a new Jack's Restaurant, it's their second ever fast-food place," she says. For more dining, retail and entertainment, residents may head to West Mobile, which has a big box retail area, or Hattiesburg, which features a shopping mall and more big box stores.
Highways connect residents to Mobile and Hattiesburg
Leakesville sits at an intersection of Mississippi 57 and 63, connecting the town to larger communities like Hattiesburg, 55 miles away. Residents rely on these arterial roads, as there is no public transportation. Mobile is about 55 miles from Leakesville and is home to Mobile Regional Airport. The town is home to Coastal Family Health Center and Greene County Hospital. Leakesville has a four out of 10 CAP Index Crime Score, which is on par with the national number.
