History and a small-town atmosphere define life in Philadelphia
Philadelphia grew as the seat of Neshoba County and a bustling freight railroad stop throughout the early 1900s. Today, the original town square is a historic district, blending well-maintained homes and storefronts with a vibrant country music scene. “It’s very charming here, and people take pride in that,” says Charlene Clark, a lifelong Philadelphian and a volunteer at the Neshoba County Historical Museum. Philadelphia also offers a small-town atmosphere, with around 7,000 residents who often know their neighbors, support the high school football team and gather for events like the nearby Choctaw Indian Fair. “It’s a place where the people are nice and life moves slowly, simple as that,” Clark says.
Century-old houses still stand in Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s historic district has bungalows, Colonial Revivals and Federal-style homes dating back to the early 1900s. Ranch styles built throughout the 1950s and ‘90s are also in town. Maple and cedar trees often shade lawns, with the median lot size at a little over half an acre. Smaller houses can cost between $65,000 and $250,000, while larger homes range from about $300,000 to around $650,000. The median single-family home price is $259,000, which is lower than the national median.
Heavy rainfall can lead to flash floods in the area, and tornadoes are also a risk.
Historic Downtown Philadelphia is known for its country music scene
The Neoclassical-style Neshoba County Courthouse, built in 1928, sits at the center of Historic Downtown Philadelphia. Boutiques, casual restaurants and cultural centers, like the Neshoba County Historical Museum, also make up the district. Country music star and Philadelphia native Marty Stuart is still expanding his Congress of County Music downtown. The $30 million, 50,000 square foot campus will include a museum of country music artifacts, and its 1920s-era Ellis Theater already hosts big acts. “We’ve had people like Chris Stapleton and Dolly Parton perform in the last five years,” Clark says. “People come far and wide to see shows there.” Philadelphia is also home to a Walmart Supercenter, Neshoba General hospital and Williams Brothers General Store, operating since 1907.
The football program is big at Philadelphia High
The Philadelphia Public School District serves most of the community. Kids can attend Philadelphia Elementary, which Niche grades a C. They may continue to the unrated Philadelphia Middle and B-minus-graded Philadelphia High, where famous alumni include former NFL players like Josh Boyd and Billy Cannon. The school’s football team, dubbed the Tornadoes, plays a big part in the community. “Our football team is big-time,” Clark says. “The stands are packed for every home game.”
Two parks are in town, and the Choctaw reservation is nearby
Philadelphia has two main green spaces. Little League and youth football teams play at Northside Park, also home to the Philadelphia-Neshoba County Senior Citizens Center. Westside Park offers a playground, basketball courts and another community center available to rent for events. Members of the Philadelphia Country Club, in the south part of town, have access to an 18-hole golf course, a swimming pool and a small fishing pond. Several recreation facilities are also on the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians’ reservation, about 8 miles west. Visitors can float along the lazy river and race down slides at the Geyser Falls Water Theme Park. Campgrounds and walking trails surround Lake Pushmataha, and a few casinos are also on the reservation.
Choctaw Indian Fair and Neshoba County Fair draw crowds
Philadelphia’s lively, week-long community events have earned it the nickname 'Fair City.’ In July, the Choctaw Indian Fair celebrates Native American heritage with stickball tournaments, frybread-making demonstrations and craft tents selling baskets and beadwork. The Neshoba County Fair, also in July, is held about 8 miles outside of town. Colorful cabins are available to rent on the fairgrounds, and visitors can stay the entire week. “We say it’s like a giant house party because you just hang out with your neighbors the whole time,” Clark says. Events like horse races, political speeches and concerts fill the schedule. There’s also an amusement park with a Ferris wheel and funnel cake stands. “You can’t call yourself a Philadelphian unless you’ve been to the fair,” Clark says.
Several state routes are accessible
Philadelphia is a car-dependent community with several state routes running through it. A 39-mile drive south on state Route 19 reaches Meridian. State Route 21 connects with other highways to reach Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport, about 75 miles southwest. The original train station is now a welcome center, but a freight railroad still operates, and it may cause traffic delays at intersecting roads. There’s also a strong industrial presence, with facilities for lumber, food and metal fabrication scattered around town.
