Oxford

Oxford

Located in Lafayette County

$286 Average Price per Sq Ft
223 Homes For Sale

Award-winning college town in northern Mississippi

As the home of the University of Mississippi — better known as Ole Miss — Oxford was recently named the "Best Small College Town" by USA Today. The small city is home to about 25,000 residents, plus another 25,000 students when school is in session. Technically, the centrally located campus isn't part of Oxford, but the university is deeply embedded in the city's identity and character. Ole Miss is a major driver for people moving to the area, and the city's historic charm, wealth of local shops and restaurants give Oxford a strong sense of community. The university is also one of the city’s major employers, while the tech industry and retail also account for much of the area’s employment. “This town has really grown in the time I’ve been here,” says Dasha McGinness, a broker associate with Kessinger Real Estate who has lived in Oxford for over two decades. “It’s really boomed in the last four years.”

The focal point of Oxford is Ole Miss, which provides more than 200 undergraduate and graduate programs.
The focal point of Oxford is Ole Miss, which provides more than 200 undergraduate and graduate programs.
Neilson's Department Store in Oxford claims to be the oldest store in the south, having opened its doors in 1839.
Neilson's Department Store in Oxford claims to be the oldest store in the south, having opened its doors in 1839.
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University of Mississippi and Oxford Public Schools

The centerpiece of Oxford is the University of Mississippi, the state's oldest public university. Much of the student body lives on campus, but it's not uncommon for students to live scattered around Oxford in one of many rental properties. Before potentially attending Ole Miss, young students in the area will likely zone into the Oxford Public School District, which receives an A-minus from Niche. Lafayette County School District, which receives an A, also has several schools in Oxford.

Oxford High School maintains a student-teacher ratio of 15.52:1.
Oxford High School maintains a student-teacher ratio of 15.52:1.
Central Elementary is located at 409 Washington Ave in Oxford.
Central Elementary is located at 409 Washington Ave in Oxford.
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Ole Miss games at Vaught Hemingway Stadium and the Double Decker Arts Festival

When it's football season, most Oxford residents flock to The Grove to tailgate before watching the Ole Miss Rebels play at Vaught Hemingway Stadium. Though the city rallies around its Rebels for top-tier athletics, residents also gather during non-sports events throughout the year. The Holly Jolly Holidays festival and Fall Festival are some of the seasonal gatherings, while Third Thursdays and the Square Jam Session have live music and local vendors. The two-day Double Decker Arts Festival is a prime example of Oxford’s investment in its art scene, with plenty of local art and live music. On a day-to-day basis, art aficionados can check out the Southside Gallery or the University of Mississippi Museum.

Oxford's Vaught Hemingway Stadium serves as the home field for the Ole Miss Rebels.
Oxford's Vaught Hemingway Stadium serves as the home field for the Ole Miss Rebels.
The University of Mississippi Museum in Oxford began as the Mary Buie Museum in 1939.
The University of Mississippi Museum in Oxford began as the Mary Buie Museum in 1939.
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Local shopping on the Square

Many events take place on the Square, Oxford's downtown area filled with local boutiques, shops and restaurants, plus city hall and the Lafayette County Courthouse. Residents can find everything from barbecue to Southern comfort food and cozy coffee shops. Oxford is also home to a burgeoning writing scene, and Square Books has a vast collection of books and writing events throughout the year. Outside the Square, residents can find grocery stores, chain restaurants and fast-food spots along main thoroughfares.

Oxford's cultural hub, the Courthouse Square Historic District, was established in 1837.
Oxford's cultural hub, the Courthouse Square Historic District, was established in 1837.
From collectibles to children's books, Square Books in Oxford has something for people of all ages.
From collectibles to children's books, Square Books in Oxford has something for people of all ages.
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An abundance of new builds and condos

Oxford has an abundance of new builds throughout the city as well as more established homes built around the 1960s. There's also an assortment of condos and townhomes. The city is split into several distinct neighborhoods ranging from private communities like Belmont, where homes sit on spacious lots near downtown, to golf course communities like the Grove of Grand Oaks. The median price for single-family homes hovers around $500,000, slightly higher than the national median. “Home values are still very affordable. We still have homes in the national median range. But we also have a lot of second-home owners and investors, which is very popular recently,” McGinness says. Homes tend to stay on the market for 40 days before being sold.

Some homes in Oxford have cozy front porches that welcome guests.
Some homes in Oxford have cozy front porches that welcome guests.
Charming townhomes are sprinkled throughout Oxford.
Charming townhomes are sprinkled throughout Oxford.
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Oxford green spaces and Sardis Lake

Oxford has several municipal parks, trails and recreation centers. In the run-up to the city's 200th anniversary, the Vision 2037 Comprehensive Plan accounts for everything from park development to land use and zoning. Residents are also about 10 miles from Sardis Lake, an expansive 98,000-acre reservoir with fishing, boating and camping spots.

There is plenty of green space for all to enjoy at Lamar Park in Oxford.
There is plenty of green space for all to enjoy at Lamar Park in Oxford.
The 98,520-acre Sardis Lake is a short drive from Oxford.
The 98,520-acre Sardis Lake is a short drive from Oxford.
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Commuting in Oxford

Two major roads, U.S. Highway 287 and Mississippi Highway 7, run through Oxford. The city doesn't have major mass transit, so residents drive to get around. For school, students can take the Oxford University Transport to shuttle around campus. The Univeristy-Oxford Airport, located minutes from the university, flies business and private flights, while the nearest commercial airport, Tupelo Regional Airport, sits about 50 miles away. Oxford is about 52 miles from Tupelo and about 160 miles from Jackson, the state capital.

Crime in Oxford

Oxford's climate is generally mild, with temperate summers and mild winters. Over the past two years, Oxford has reported a violent crime rate higher than state and national figures, although property crime rates fluctuate below or around the national numbers.

Robert Breckenridge
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Robert Breckenridge
Mary Drost
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Mary Drost
Chris Norton
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Chris Norton

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Open Houses

  • Saturday, May 17
    10am - 12pm

    2039 W Wellsgate Dr, Oxford, MS 38655

    $840,000

    • 5 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 3,896 Sq Ft
    • 2039 W Wellsgate Dr
    • New 19 days ago

    New price! Located in Wellsgate Subdivision, with views of the lake, this home has a lot to offer. The main level is comprised of the primary suite & another bedroom w/private bath, 1/2 bath, formal dining, breakfast room, family room w/ cathedral ceiling & is open to the kitchen w/quartz counter tops, pantry, lots of storage & natural light. 2nd floor has 3bedrooms & full bath. The approx 440sf

    Shea Turner RE/MAX LEGACY

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Source: Public Records
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Oxford