Small-town living with lake access and rural charm in Sardis
Just 50 miles south of Memphis on Interstate 55, Sardis is a small Mississippi community that keeps buyers within commuting distance of the city. “People who move there are looking to get out of the city environment and into more of a country setting,” says Patricia Richmond-Young, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury Southaven with 25 years of experience. “If they’re looking for land for livestock or horses, Sardis is a good place.” The north Mississippi town is home to about 1,600 people and offers a mix of city blocks, rural country roads and various housing options. About 8 miles east, Sardis Lake has lots of recreation to keep life exciting in this quiet corner of the state.
Historic cottages and ranch-style homes line tree-filled streets
Sardis has a mix of early 1900s cottages and midcentury ranch-style homes along its residential streets. While not as common, buyers can find vintage houses from as far back as the 1850s, including modest Colonial Revivals and elaborate Victorians. Much of the community features homes close together on suburban streets with trees scattered around the front yards. Sidewalks are rare, but are available on some roads. Outside of the community’s center, more spacious lots have room for small-scale farms and outbuildings like sheds and workshops. Fixer-uppers can cost between $60,000 and $130,000. Move-in ready homes sell for $80,000 to $320,000.
Boaters and anglers enjoy easy access to Sardis Lake
Sardis Lake is a 98,000-acre lake nearby with lots of recreation options. “The lake is the main attraction for people who like to fish and hang out on the water,” Richmond-Young says. “One of the biggest reasons people move here is if they want to be near the water.” Several state parks and public use areas surround the lake. John W. Kyle State Park has boat launches, campgrounds and an 18-hole golf course open to the public. Visitors can spend their day fishing for largemouth bass and catfish or cruising around the lake in a motorboat. Several beach areas on the lower lake offer room for lounging in the sun or taking a dip. Boat owners can store their watercraft at the Sardis Lake Marina, which offers long-term and short-term slip rentals. The Clear Springs Nature Trail is a short hike on River Road near the lake, leading through hardwood forest and a cypress swamp.
North Panola High has college and career pathways
Students in Sardis might attend Como Primary School, rated a C by Niche, for prekindergarten through second grade. Greenhill Intermediate School serves third through fifth grade students and receives a C-minus rating. North Panola Middle School also gets a C-minus, while North Panola High School earns a B-minus. The high school offers dual credit courses through Northwest Community College. High schoolers can also take classes at the North Panola Career & Technical Center, which has automotive technology, business, carpentry, health care and information technology programs.
Main Street offers dining, banking and basic shopping
A few locally owned restaurants line Main Street. El Tejocote Grill is a Mexican restaurant known for its tacos and friendly service. TriBecca Allie Café is a casual family-owned spot serving wood-fired pizza and calzones. The restaurant doesn’t carry alcoholic beverages, but diners can bring their own beer or wine. Other businesses on Main Street include a hardware store and a couple of banks. There is a Dollar General on Lee Street near the interstate. Residents can head about 11 miles south to Batesville for more shopping, including Walmart and Piggly Wiggly.
Major highways connect to Memphis and nearby towns
Interstate 55 and U.S. Route 51 are the main highways through the area. They both run north-south through Mississippi and connect to other regional cities. Memphis is about 54 miles north via I-55. Progressive Health of Batesville is the closest hospital, about 11 miles south on I-55.
Written By
Matthew Atkins
