Saltillo blends a small-town atmosphere near job centers and Tupelo
Saltillo is a small city immediately north of Tupelo that offers residents a small downtown, plenty of single-family housing and quick access to outdoor attractions. While the community has direct highway access to Tupelo, it also has several industrial facilities belonging to companies such as Ashley Furniture and paper manufacturer WestRock. “They’re trying to make Saltillo a little more than it used to be; it used to be strictly more or less a bedroom community of Tupelo because it is very close. You can be in some parts of Tupelo in 5 to 10 minutes,” says Kim Graham, a Realtor with Century 21 Knowles Realty, who has 12 years of experience. “The school district is desirable there. A lot of times [buyers] will look in Saltillo just because they want a smaller school [district].”
A mix of home styles and subdivisions to choose from
Homes are primarily bungalows, ranch-styles and New Traditionals. The median housing price is $275,000, lower than the nation's but higher than Mississippi’s median. However, prices can range from around $100,000 to $600,000 depending on size, location and condition. Land is also available.
Homes are typically on gridded streets with large lot sizes, and oaks and magnolia trees accenting lawns. Some subdivisions have smaller lots with less tree cover. Pools are also installed in some properties.
Graham notes that the community has attracted a mix of families and workers for local manufacturing sites.
The Lee County School District serves students
Students can attend the Lee County School District, rated B-plus on Niche. They can start at Saltillo Primary School and then go to Saltillo Elementary, both graded B. Pupils continue to B-rated Guntown Middle School. Saltillo High has a B-minus, and the district offers career and technical education in engineering and computer programming.
Parks, golf and lakes form the bulk of local outdoor activities
Baseball diamonds are fixtures of many of Saltillo’s green spaces, such as Wesson Park, the W.K. Webb Sportsplex and Saltillo City Park. The latter also features a walking path and sports courts. The 300-acre Lake Lamar Bruce, east of the community, allows for boating and is the only public body of water to have rainbow trout fishing in Mississippi. The 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway also cuts through Saltillo.
Public golfing spots include the 6,600-yard Tupelo National Golf Club and the Natchez Trace Golf Club, which has a Par 72, 6,700-yard configuration.
Saltillo also hosts a rodeo show in August, and a farmer’s market is held downtown on Thursdays.
Dining and shopping in downtown and off Highway 145
Restaurants are along Highway 145 or in downtown and feature a mix of chain and local spots. The Blue Magnolia Bread Co. downtown serves homemade bread and bagels along with sandwiches and coffee drinks. Skybox Sports Grill & Pizzeria also sells wings and salads. Kent’s Catfish has various seafood options and burgers.
Downtown has several boutique shops and a Food Giant grocery store, while more dollar and convenience stores are along Highway 145. The Mall at Barnes Crossing, 6 miles south, contains more big-box and department stores.\
Environmental risks in Saltillo
According to maps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, parts of Saltillo are at risk of flooding. Severe storms and tornadoes can also be factors. A rail line cuts through part of downtown, causing noise.
U.S. Highway 45 leads to Tupelo and Interstate 22
U.S. Highway 45 runs through Saltillo and connects to downtown Tupelo, 12 miles south, and the entrance to Interstate 22, 7 miles south. Tupelo Regional Airport is 13 miles southwest, while Memphis International is over 100 miles northwest. Several urgent care clinics are present, but North Mississippi Medical Center is 13 miles south.
