Ripley blends cultural events with a small-town lifestyle
Located in Mississippi's hill country, Ripley packs a lot of culture into a small Southern town. With music festivals, flea markets and community events, there is always something to do. While the calendar stays full, residents of this rural community can also enjoy a slower pace of life compared to larger cities nearby. "It's like Mayberry. There's no traffic. We don't have great shopping, but we have everything you need," says Charlene Hill, the broker and owner of 1st Class Realty, with over 20 years of experience. "We have a lot of people who move from California and up north because it's more laid-back and much cheaper."
Tree-lined streets and century-old homes define the area
Many homes in the downtown area of Ripley are century-old bungalows, American Foursquares and Victorians. Midcentury ranch-style houses and New Traditional properties are also typical around town. Downtown has a suburban feel, with homes close together and sidewalks on some streets. Tall trees stretch their limbs over the roads, creating a canopy of shade during the spring and summer. Farther out from the community's center, the streets get more rural, with lots of up to 4 acres and denser foliage. The median sales price is around $150,000, lower than in nearby communities like New Albany, where the median is around $230,000.
Blues festival and flea market highlight Ripley’s traditions
Ripley hosts several events throughout the year. As part of the hill country, the town has a rich history of blues music. The Burnside Music Festival pays tribute to the genre's pioneers and showcases artists who carry on their legacy. Held each June at Blues Alley, the festival includes music, food trucks and a rib cook-off. The Ripley First Monday Trade Days is the longest continuous flea market in the country. The market has been running since 1893 and is held on the Saturday and Sunday before the first Monday of each month. The Spirit of Ripley festival takes place on the downtown square in October and includes trick-or-treating, costume contests and a chili cook-off.
Barbecue joints, casual diners and chain stores serve Ripley
Southern cuisine and comfort food are readily available at several restaurants in town. Crossroads Ribshack and Bell's BBQ are known for their smoked meats and classic sides like baked beans and okra. Shirley's Restaurant is a casual spot with a buffet serving chicken-fried steak and catfish. Biscuit's Steakhouse offers a more upscale dining experience. Regional fast-food chains like Dodge's Southern Style and Jack's also have locations in town. Stores nearby include Walmart, Dollar General and Tractor Supply Co. Groceries are available at Food Giant or Ripley Market. Hill says residents drive to Tupelo or Olive Branch for more shopping options.
Local parks and wildlife areas support active lifestyles
There are several recreation options in and around Ripley. "We have a little lake. It's beautiful and quiet. You can go there and feed the ducks, go camping or ride bikes," Hill says. "Most of the guys in the area love to hunt and fish." Tippah County Lake is a 145-acre site where anglers can catch redear sunfish, bass and catfish. It has fishing piers and boat ramps that offer plenty of places to get on the water. Hell Creek Wildlife Management Area is about 12 miles southwest of town and is a spot to hunt deer, turkey and doves. Peoples Bank SportsPlex is a large park in the city with sports fields, a playground and a walking trail.
Highly rated schools from kindergarten through 12th grade
Ripley Elementary School, Ripley Middle School and Ripley High School all earn B-plus grades from Niche. The high school was named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2024, the only high school in Mississippi to receive the honor. Students can take courses through Tippah Career and Technology Center, including automotive service, construction, health science and welding.
Quick access to state highways and Interstate 22
Mississippi highways 4 and 15 are the main thoroughfares through the community. Highway 15 connects to Interstate 22, offering a 46-mile drive southeast to Tupelo. Interstate 22 also leads about 64 miles northwest to Olive Branch. Memphis is about 84 miles away via Highway 4 and U.S. Route 72. Health care is provided at Tippah County Hospital, and the closest commercial airport is in Tupelo.
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Written By
Matthew Atkins
