Petal is a relatively new city, incorporated in 1974. Home to about 11,000 people, the small, southern Mississippi town lies along the Leaf River just 3 miles northeast of Hattiesburg. Residents of the formerly unincorporated area lobbied to become a separate city rather than be annexed into Hattiesburg. One of their main objectives was to control their schools. That instinct paid off, as the Petal School District now consistently ranks as one of the best in the state and is one of the biggest reasons people move to the city. Melanie Waters, a Realtor with Nimble Real Estate, moved to Petal when her children were young and watched them graduate through the school system. “Coming from another city, another state, another school district, we really have seen how great this place is,” she says. “Some people who have been here forever don’t realize what they’ve got.” According to the U.S. Census, Petal's top industries are educational services, health care and social assistance fields, followed by retail trade.
The city of Petal is a growing community known for its small-town charm.
Near Petal, Downtown Hattiesburg offers a lively scene with boutiques, eateries, and more.
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Petal School District has National Blue Ribbon-winning high school
The Petal School District earns an A-plus on Niche and serves more than 4,200 students at five schools. Petal High School won the prestigious National Blue Ribbon Award in 2022. The district has top-tier athletic facilities and a strong career and technical education program that offers training in fields like sports medicine, culinary arts and public safety. It also boasts a leading show choir program running from upper elementary school through high school. “It’s like watching Broadway,” Waters says.
Petal High School serves students in grades 9-12.
The Petal School District, located in Petal, Mississippi, is a top-rated public school system serving over 4,200 students across five schools.
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Smaller homes in the heart of the city, bigger lots on the outskirts of Petal
Petal’s median home price is $244,000, slightly lower than Hattiesburg’s median of $250,000. Waters says the local market is strong and has not been impacted by the recent slumps that affected much of the national housing market. Still, houses in Petal stay on the market for 64 days, on average, compared to the national average of 46 days. Petal has a mix of houses dating from the 1950s to the ’80s and new-construction homes. “Our more popular subdivisions are the older subdivisions, with the bigger homes and the bigger lots,” Waters says.
Petal’s older subdivisions are the most popular, with bigger homes and lots.
Petal has a mix of homes built from the 1950s to the 1980s, offering a variety of homes styles.
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Mountain biking trails and playgrounds
Petal has about half a dozen parks across the city, including a dog park. Miles of mountain biking and nature trails are at Petal River Park, while the playgrounds at Hinton Parl and Emma Hill Park are popular with families. Friendly Park is the site of baseball fields, batting cages, a skate park and a splash pad. The Petal Family YMCA is nearby.
Petal has more than a dozen churches of different denominations, many of which also host community events and youth groups.
Petal’s Friendly Park Splash Pad is a popular spot for kids to cool off and play.
Petal’s Robert E. Russell Sports Complex offers fields and facilities for all ages.
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Limited local restaurants, big-box stores
Petal has a limited number of restaurants, including the locally owned Sully’s steakhouse and Mom & Dad's Country Cooking, a diner that serves Southern-style favorites. Fast-food outlets dot Central Avenue and Main Street, where there is also a supermarket. More chain restaurants and big-box stores can be found off Evelyn Gandy Parkway.
Petal’s Sully’s is a local favorite, known for its great food and atmosphere.
Petal’s Road House is a popular local spot known for its hearty meals and casual atmosphere.
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Commuting to Jackson, day trips to Gulf Coast
The city’s main thoroughfares are the Evelyn Gandy Parkway and U.S. Route 11, which leads to downtown Hattiesburg, where many residents work. It’s also where they’ll find the nearest hospitals and other big-city provisions. Jackson, Mobile and the Mississippi Gulf Coast are less than 100 miles away.
Weather and crime in Petal
Petal’s climate follows the typical Mississippi pattern: hot and humid summers and mild winters. Tornadoes are a threat. A major tornado in 2017 downed trees and powerlines and damaged businesses and homes. The Petal Police Department reported an average of 12 violent crime incidents a year in the period from 2021 to 2024. In that same four-year span, the department reported an average of 56 property crime incidents annually, according to the state’s Crime Statistics webpage.
Written By
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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 Petal, MS sell after 75 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Petal, MS over the last 12 months is $263,000, up 14% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Breathtaking home, breathtaking sunsets along the lake at Acadian Square! Contemporary details and designer touches abound in this nearly-new 4-bedroom, 2-bath (plus office) home with grand gourmet kitchen featuring massive accent island complete with contrasting white quartz counters. As if the kitchen weren't enough, you'll appreciate the large walk-in pantry with custom cabinetry and the
Convenience, quality, practicality, & function wrapped up in this almost new Petal residence complete with refreshing above-ground pool, expansive back deck (runs the entire rear length of the house), plus handy storage shed all nestled under native hardwoods & Magnolias on Chapel Hill. Split floor plan features large bedrooms & wood laminate flooring throughout. All counters in kitchen & baths
Your oasis awaits! Totally updated Southern Colonial tucked away on a beautiful 5 acres (MOC) just outside Petal city limits complete with a refreshing 24' above ground pool, 45' pole barn/RV parking with power and septic hook ups, plus 30' x 30' metal workshop. Gourmet kitchen with granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances, plus don't miss the huge pantry and oversized laundry. Low
Single-family home nestled in the heart of Petal. Remodeled 1713 square feet, three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and a 2 car carport, fenced back yard, covered porch, and a storage building. Spacious living and dining rooms with space for a home office or playroom.Refrigerator, stove, oven, dishwasher, washer and dryer included, large laundry room. Vacant and ready to
Property Id: 1958830Large 3 bedroom 2 bath home. TONS of storage throughout. Kitchen is spacious with large island/bar. Living room and a den along with a sunroom! Petal school district! Only about 5 miles to town and about 20 minutes to Hattiesburg. Peaceful setting!
*NO PETS* GOOD CREDIT/RENTAL HISTORY REQUIRED !!3 bedroom/2 bathroom home in Petal School District but outside the city limits. Home sits on a one acre lot. New carpet throughout and new wood vinyl flooring in bathrooms and kitchen. No pets allowed. Must have previous rental references.No smoking, no pets. Tenant responsible for all utilities and yard maintenance. Parking only in
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