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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Oxford, MS sell after 319 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Oxford, MS over the last 12 months is $454,250, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This grand custom 4 Bedroom and 5 bath home sits on 10 serene acres surrounded by forest and backs up to a Creek! Enjoy entertaining on the wrap around porch to gunite pool deck and covered back porch with TV, masonry wood fireplace, and custom outdoor kitchen. Lounge in the pool sun deck or enjoy the swim-up bar. The inviting great room has gas fireplace, french doors, vaulted ceiling,
Waterviews everywhere!! This 16 acre property with lakefront from one side to the other has so much to offer, a swimming pool, 3 car garage, additional workshop with heated and cooled living quarters, and a 4000 sq ft 4 BR house. Come experience how this waterfront property feels with the lake breeze as you relax by the pool and how much fun you can have with all of the room for your toys. There
Are you looking for a property that you can have a private tree lined driveway to your home and shop? Enjoy the amazing views of the sunset and the privacy that this property offers with only a 8 minute drive to Oxford. This property is zoned Low Density Residential and is great for building your dream home on or separating into a few lots to develop with several nice home sites. A new road has
Walking distance to Campus!!! This Fully furnished and game weekend ready or permanent residence is waiting for its next owner. This 2 bed and 2 bath renovated condo sits on the second floor, stylish, and in a pristine location to campus, the square, and easy access in and out of Oxford. The property comes with an array of amenities such as fitness room, pool, shuffle board, and outdoor green
Step into a lifestyle designed for those who want more than just a college address. Nestled just minutes from Ole Miss, Ivy & Elm offers brand-new luxury cottages and upscale apartments that blend Southern elegance with modern comfort. From curated designer finishes to community perks that make every day feel like a retreat, Ivy & Elm is where campus convenience meets boutique-style
****1/2 off 1st Months Rent****You will love this 3-bedroom, 3-bath condo. This gem is situated in a gated community with a swimming pool and is ready for you to call it home. The spacious living room opens to dining and the kitchen and all appliances remain including the washer and dryer. Two of the bedrooms and two full baths with granite countertops are on the main level and one bedroom
Welcome to The Belle at The LamarIn the heart of Oxford, Mississippi, The Belle at The Lamar will offer a blend of charm and modern luxury in an upscale community with spacious flats, high-end finishes, and top-notch amenities. Enjoy resort-style living near the University of Mississippi and downtown. Floor plans ranging 1 - 3 bedrooms, nearby amenities and freshly built with high-end
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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.
