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About Natchez, MS

About Natchez, MS

River city in search of a comeback

Natchez was once a bustling trade center thanks to its position along the Mississippi River. In the 1800s, the city was a leader in the development of the Old Southwest, and by 1850, around half of all U.S. millionaires lived in Natchez. But the city had earned its wealth largely through the production of cotton and the trading of enslaved peoples. Since 1900, the city’s fortunes have slowly faded. It was a site of unrest and violence during the Civil Rights Era, and many of the city’s plants and factories have closed. As a result, its population has fallen over time.Today, Natchez has around 14,000 residents, down nearly 4% from 2020, but its bustling nightlife scene and access to the river keeps visitors coming. The healthcare and education industries have the most city employees, but other fields like retail are trying to make a comeback. “People are coming here eager to either bring their business or start a business downtown,” says Joanne Roper, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Stewart Realty.

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Visit Natchez and discover a city where rich history, scenic parks, and welcoming hospitality come together.
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Crossing the Natchez–Vidalia Bridge offers stunning views of the Mississippi River and the historic city of Natchez.
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Ranch-style homes and large estates

Natchez is filled with Victorian-influenced and ranch-style homes, as well as Antebellum estates. The median price of a city home is $176,500, far below the national median. Estates built in the 1800s can be worth significantly more, with some going for $3 million or more. Homes stay on the market for 115 days on average.

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In Natchez, ranch homes add to the city’s diverse architecture, giving residents comfortable and practical living spaces.
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Natchez is famous for its antebellum homes, showcasing grand architecture and the city’s deep historical roots.
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Natchez Trace Parkway stretches more than 400 miles to Nashville

The Natchez Trace Parkway is a scenic road that approximately follows the path of the original Natchez Trace, a 444-mile trail used by Native Americans and late 18th-century traders that began in Natchez and ended in Nashville. State Roads 425 and 61 also pass through the city. Natchez is about 90 miles from Baton Rouge and around 110 miles from Jackson. Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport has nonstop flights to several domestic locations. The Natchez Transit System provides public transportation within the city and to neighboring counties.

Cathedral Catholic School gets high marks from Niche

Students are served by the Natchez-Adams School District, which has a C-plus grade from Niche. Natchez Early College Academy earns an A-minus while the private Cathedral Catholic School holds an A grade.

Natchez Pilgrimage Tours tell story of the city

Oscar-nominated movies like “Ghosts of Mississippi” and “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” were filmed in the city for its distinct look. The Natchez Pilgrimage Tours take visitors through estates from the 1800s. The tours have been given since 1932, but it is only in recent years that tours began talking about the city’s treatment of enslaved peoples. Today, tours strive to be more accurate in their depiction of the era. The city has several stops on the Mississippi Blues Trail, which highlights places that share the history of blues music. Live performances can be found at places like Steamboat Natchez, the only authentic steamboat that still sits on the Mississippi River.

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Natchez’s stops along the Mississippi Blues Trail tell stories of triumph, tragedy, and the enduring power of the blues.
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Natchez Pilgrimage Tours offer visitors a chance to step inside the city’s famous antebellum homes and experience its rich history firsthand.
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Great views of the Mississippi from Bluff Park

Around 20% of city residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, lower than the urban U.S. median of 55%. Most of these parks are for recreation and contain athletic facilities, but others are focused on education. The Natchez National Historical Park tells the story of the city. Photogenic views of the Mississippi River can be found at Bluff Park, especially at sunset, as the park’s higher elevation allows visitors to look down upon the river.

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Bluff Park in Natchez sits high above the Mississippi River, offering some of the most breathtaking views in the city.
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Natchez National Historical Park blends historic landmarks with beautiful open spaces, inviting residents and visitors to relax, explore, and take in the views.
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The Natchez Historic District has local shops and restaurants

Retail boutiques and local restaurants can be found in the Natchez Historic District, particularly along Main Street. Southern fare is popular, but international cuisine is also featured. Fat Mama’s Tamales specializes in “Gringo Pie,” which is a bed of tamales covered in chili, cheese and other toppings. “There are distilleries and wineries, too,” Roper says. “Once a business has success, it keeps rolling onto other businesses.” Outside of downtown, Natchez Mall has chain restaurants and brand-name stores.

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The boutiques in downtown Natchez add color and life to the historic streets, making shopping a personal and memorable experience.
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Strolling through downtown Natchez takes you past charming boutiques, inviting restaurants, historic theaters, and more.
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A moderate risk of tornadoes and lightning

The city experiences long, muggy summers and short, mild winters. Adams County has a moderate risk of tornadoes and lightning. Crime data for Natchez is not readily available.

Ryan Kohn
Written By
Ryan Kohn
Dimitri Fevrier
Photography Contributed By
Dimitri Fevrier

Natchez by the Numbers

105
Average Days on Market

Average Home Value



Source: Public Records

Top Schools in Natchez, MS

Source:

Best Public Elementary Schools

McLaurin Elementary School
#1 McLaurin Elementary School
C+
Niche
Susie B. West Primary School
#2 Susie B. West Primary School
C
Niche
Joseph L. Frazier Primary School
#3 Joseph L. Frazier Primary School
C-
Niche

Best Public Middle Schools

Natchez Freshman Academy
#1 Natchez Freshman Academy
B-
Niche
Robert Lewis Magnet School
#2 Robert Lewis Magnet School
C
Niche
Morgantown Elementary
#3 Morgantown Elementary
C-
Niche
Central School
#4 Central School
Morgantown College Prep Academy
#5 Morgantown College Prep Academy
Natchez Middle School
#6 Natchez Middle School

Best Public High Schools

Natchez Early College Academy
#1 Natchez Early College Academy
A-
Niche
10
GreatSchools
Natchez High School
#2 Natchez High School
C
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Central School
#3 Central School

Best Private Schools

Cathedral School
#1 Cathedral School
A
Niche
Adams County Christian School
#2 Adams County Christian School
B+
Niche
Cathedral Middle/High School
#3 Cathedral Middle/High School
Holy Family Early Learning Center
#4 Holy Family Early Learning Center
Riverside Baptist School
#5 Riverside Baptist School
Trinity Episcopal Day School
#6 Trinity Episcopal Day School

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.