The small town of Leland in the Mississippi Delta
Leland is a community of 3,600 in the Mississippi Delta with ranch-style homes on tree-lined streets and a few restaurants and parks. Alderman Michael Street says the town's simplicity is exactly what people like about it. "If you're not into the hustle and bustle of the big-city life, it's perfect," he says. "It's a small town. People like to go to the river and the lakes, and they like to go out to eat."
Street says he used to be a truck driver and has visited a lot of American communities but has rarely felt the level of support he feels in Leland. "I've seen our mayor out at night in the middle of a thunderstorm, holding a flashlight for the power person trying to get the power back on,” he says. “You don't see that too much."
Ranch-style homes on lots with sprawling trees
Leland has mostly ranch-style single-family homes, with prices running from $60,000 to $210,000, depending on the age and condition of the property. Sidewalks and curbs are not common, but sprawling mature trees provide plenty of shade to the houses' lawns. "There are several neighborhoods in town that are very tight-knit, with kids playing in the neighborhood and such," Street says. Land is often available for sale, with prices ranging from roughly $15,000 to $40,000.
Career and technical education in Leland School District
Leland School District gets an overall C-plus grade from Niche. Edna M. Scott Elementary School receives a C, Leland School Park gets a C-minus, and Leland High School gets a B-minus. The Leland Career and Technical Education Center provides students with work-based learning opportunities such as career talks, job shadowing and internships and allows students to study in areas such as agricultural sciences, construction and business.
Parks, Deer Creek Town & Racquet Club and the Mississippi River
Leland Medical Clinic's Walk-Track and Park is a playground with a walking track. The Leland City Pool is open Monday through Saturday. The private Deer Creek Town & Racquet Club features tennis, golf, a pool and a clubhouse. Sixteen miles west, Greenville's Warfield Point Park offers access to the Mississippi River.
A popular Mexican spot and an Italian restaurant
Sr Jose Mexican Restaurant serves chips and salsa, margaritas and large plates. Lillo's Restaurant is another popular dining spot, serving Italian food in a dimly lit dining room. "That's the spot for Sunday evening family dinners," Street says. Residents can shop for groceries at Dollar General, Family Dollar or one of several locally owned markets.
The Birthplace of Kermit the Frog Museum
Jim Henson, creator of the Muppets, was born in Greenville and raised in Leland. Residents can learn more about his childhood, early works and creation of the Muppets at the Birthplace of Kermit the Frog Museum in Leland. Highlights of the museum include a replica of Kermit the Frog sitting on a log playing a banjo and the Rainbow Connection Bridge, which crosses Deer Creek outside the museum.
Leland Medical Clinic and the Mid Delta Regional Airport
Leland is located in the Mississippi Delta, 8 miles east of Greenville. It's centrally located about two hours from Jackson and Monroe and about two-and-a-half hours from Little Rock and Memphis. Medical services are available in town at the Leland Medical Clinic. Eleven miles away, the Mid Delta Regional Airport offers nonstop flights to Dallas-Fort Worth.
