"Mississippi’s College Town" with a popular downtown
Nicknamed “Mississippi’s College Town,” Starkville is home to Mississippi State University and about 25,000 residents. “Starkville draws students, faculty, and staff from across the nation, along with researchers and professionals in agriculture, engineering and other fields,” says Ethan Hosea, a Realtor with Cozy Hosea Homes Realty. “As the largest employer in the region, Mississippi State provides thousands of jobs in education, research and administration. It is a hub for agricultural and engineering research, contributing significantly to the local economy and offering opportunities for professionals across various fields.” Along with the university, major local employers include the Oktibbeha County Hospital, Southwire Co. and Xerium. Downtown Starkville is another highlight of this central Mississippi town, where locals can find boutique shops, hotels and restaurants. The downtown also hosts a variety of events like the Bulldog Bash. The area’s affordability, outdoor recreation and school system also add to the town’s appeal.
Starkville is a lively college town in Mississippi, best known as the home of Mississippi State University.
Mississippi State University (MSU) in Starkville is a major academic and research institution, known for its strong programs in engineering, agriculture, and business.
1/2
From Greek Revivals in the Cotton District to Queen Annes in the Overstreet District
Housing styles vary by district in Starkville. The Cotton District is known for its preserved buildings, including colorful Greek Revival and Victorian-style housing, also seen in cities like Charleston and New Orleans. The historic Nash Street District features Tudor-revival and colonial revival-style homes. Queen Annes and Victorians can also be found in the Overstreet District. The median home price in Starkville is $350,000, lower than the national median home price of $405,000, according to the National Association of Realtors. “The housing market in Starkville has experienced significant growth over the past few years,” Hosea says. “Home values have been appreciated significantly, thanks to the strong influence of the university and the demand it generates. Homes in desirable neighborhoods and near campus often sell quickly.”
Several residences in Starkville's historic districts embrace the Tudor Revival style with their asymmetrical facades, arched doorways, and tall, narrow windows adorned with diamond-shaped panes.
The Greek Revival architecture in Starkville is seen in several historic buildings, including the Oktibbeha County Courthouse, which features columns and a pediment reminiscent of ancient Greek temples.
1/2
Mississippi State football games at Davis Wade Stadium
The Cornerstone Sports Complex is one of Starkville’s most popular outdoor spaces. It features 12 baseball/softball fields, a playground and walking trails. The Travis Outlaw Center is an indoor facility with a basketball court and a walking track. On Saturdays in the fall, Davis Wade Stadium is packed with Mississippi State fans watching the football team compete. The 102-year-old stadium holds over 60,000 spectators. “Games at Davis Wade Stadium are a celebrated event, with fans packing the stands to cheer on the Bulldogs and participate in the unique tradition of ringing cowbells,” Hosea says. “Football season brings energy and excitement to the entire city.” Golfers can tee it up at the Mississippi State University Golf Course, which provides discounted round rates for students, faculty, alums and first responders.
Improvements over the years have made the Starkville football stadium at MSU a premier venue for SEC matchups.
Starkville's Cornerstone Sports Complex features multiple fields and modern amenities, drawing regional tournaments year-round.
1/2
From Downtown Starkville to the Cotton District
“Starkville does not have traditional large-scale malls,” Hosea says. “But it offers several local shopping districts that cater to residents and visitors.” Downtown Starkville is home to boutique shops, local eateries and colorful and thoughtfully done murals, popular for locals to take photos in front of. Many of the murals showcase some of the history of the city. The Cotton District is close to downtown and offers a few restaurants. The Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library is an interactive museum that walks visitors through the life of the 18th President of the United States.
Starkville Cafe in downtown Starkville is a beloved breakfast spot known for its classic Southern dishes and cozy vibe.
Locals in Starkville love visiting Dunkington Candle Company for their clean-burning scents and stylish packaging.
1/2
From Bulldog Bash to the Cotton District Arts Festival & Taste of Starkville
Starkville has many community events each year, including the popular Bulldog Bash. The live music events have included artists like T-Pain and Eric Church. The event features a Maroon Market, which provides boutiques, food vendors and local artists. The Starkville Area Art Council hosts the Cotton District Arts Festival & Taste of Starkville. The event has art exhibits, live music, food vendors, a 5K run and a pet parade.
Well-regarded Starkville – Oktibbeha Consolidated School District
Students here attend the Starkville – Oktibbeha Consolidated School District, which earns a B grade from Niche. The district enrolls about 5,000 students each year across nine schools. Starkville High School and the Shackouls Honors College at Mississippi State University are partners in an early honors program for the high school’s highest-performing students. Mississippi State enrolls over 24,000 students between undergraduate and graduate programs for higher education.
A B rating on Niche places Starkville High School among the better-rated schools in the region.
Overstreet Elementary School in Starkville is rated a B on Niche, earning high marks for diversity and teacher quality.
1/2
Starkville-MSU Area Rapid Transit’s fixed bus route
U.S. Route 82, Mississippi Highway 12 and Mississippi Highway 25 run through the town. Tupelo is about 65 miles north of Starkville, while Jackson is about 130 miles southwest. The Starkville-MSU Area Rapid Transit provides a fixed-route bus service. The Golden Triangle Regional Airport is about 20 miles east of Starkville and offers Delta regional flights.
Starkville crime and weather
According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, violent and property crimes were down year over year in 2023. Starkville is prone to tornados and hurricanes that come through the southeast. The area is also prone to extreme heat during the summer and mild winters.
Written By
Kevin Haswell
Photography Contributed By
Dimitri Fevrier
Video By
Ellie Brown
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Amy Wood,
an experienced agent in this area.
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Starkville, MS sell after 196 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Starkville, MS over the last 12 months is $200,000, down 70% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this Beautiful move in ready 3 bedroom/2-bathroom home. This home features hardwood floors and an open concept. The bedrooms have plenty of space and the home is minutes from Mississippi State.
Peaceful Country living minutes from campus! Welcome to your dream home nestled on six acres with a large swimming pool in the heart of Starkville MS. This beautiful four-bedroom three-and-a-half-bathroom residence offers the perfect blend of privacy, space and convivence. The home also features a private suite above the garage that could be used as a rental. Agents are related to the owner.
Pretty South Montgomery home! 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths located in popular Sherwood Forest neighborhood. Recent renovations, split bedroom plan. Foyer, Dining Room, Family Room w/Fireplace, Breakfast Area. Extra Nice Kitchen with pretty cabinets, recently updated Countertops, Quality appliances. Beautiful Primary Suite With 2 Separate Vanities, Tiled Shower and Jetted Tub. Pretty Primary Bedroom
Welcome to this Beautiful move in ready 3 bedroom/2-bathroom home. This home features hardwood floors and an open concept. The bedrooms have plenty of space and the home is minutes from Mississippi State.
Peaceful Country living minutes from campus! Welcome to your dream home nestled on six acres with a large swimming pool in the heart of Starkville MS. This beautiful four-bedroom three-and-a-half-bathroom residence offers the perfect blend of privacy, space and convivence. The home also features a private suite above the garage that could be used as a rental. Agents are related to the owner.
Pretty South Montgomery home! 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths located in popular Sherwood Forest neighborhood. Recent renovations, split bedroom plan. Foyer, Dining Room, Family Room w/Fireplace, Breakfast Area. Extra Nice Kitchen with pretty cabinets, recently updated Countertops, Quality appliances. Beautiful Primary Suite With 2 Separate Vanities, Tiled Shower and Jetted Tub. Pretty Primary Bedroom
Welcome to ''Little John'' - a spacious and comfortable 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom home thoughtfully designed for extended stays. Located just minutes from Mississippi State University, downtown Starkville, and nearby hospitals, this fully furnished property is perfect for travel nurses, medical professionals, remote workers, and graduate students. The SpaceStep inside to find a generous
Elevate your Mississippi State University experience at The Social Block and Townhomes, where we offer 2- and 4-bedroom floorplans just minutes from campus. Our apartments feature in-home washers and dryers, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, and furnished options. With the convenience of the S.M.A.R.T Shuttle and our prime location, getting to classes is a breeze. Create your own Starkville oasis
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
