"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
Candace Hasan,
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
Sitting on Chapel Hill Road in Oktoc, this beauty offers a 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home featuring space, functionality, & versatility. The kitchen is warm & welcoming with a practical layout making every day cooking & gathering inviting & comfortable. The cozy fireplace in the breakfast nook adds charm & beauty with the expansive living space greeting all who enter. There's also a dedicated
Desirable 4-bedroom, 2-bath home with just over 2,000 square feet in Grand Oaks Subdivision, conveniently located off South Montgomery. This home features a split floor plan designed for comfort & privacy, along with a spacious layout that includes a breakfast area in the kitchen & a utility room for everyday convenience. The kitchen is accented by stainless steel appliances that beautifully
Just minutes from Mississippi State University, this new 3BR/2BA home offers comfort, style, and effortless livability. Built 2024-25, this home is selling fully furnished - all items remain! The open layout, tall windows, and quality finishes create a polished, welcoming space throughout. The well-appointed kitchen flows into the living room -- perfect for entertaining or game day gatherings.
Very well maintained 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath condo at Upper Crossing. Such a convenient location for all shopping, MSU, and refurbished downtown. Take the highway bypass access or newly refurbished Hwy 182. Travel with ease to all locations. Seller willing to allow some furnishings to remain with the property. Sparkling kitchen, cozy dining area, ideal sized living space, washer/dryer and convenient
ONE FLOOR WITH CARPORT!! NEW STAINLESS APPLIANCES! This private, end unit, at Academy Place Condominiums offers low condo fees that include exterior maintenance & yard care. The spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bath layout delivers the comfort & privacy of a single-family home. High ceilings & a gas log fireplace create a cozy family room, while the traditional kitchen features new stainless appliances.,
This charming three bedroom two bath home sits on two acres just outside the city limits of Starkville. Conveniently located close to campus and town this is a great investment property or home!
Starkville, MS - Hwy 12 East. Instant high impact 5.0 acre tract featuring 386.6 FT of Hwy 12 East road frontage. This premier property features direct access four-way traffic signaled frontage for excellent Ingres/egress and is located directly across from new Wal-Mart Neighborhood Grocery. This ideally located commercial location is situated just off Hwy 82 & Hwy 12 exchange and is located less
Starkville, MS - The Summit at Greenbriar. Lot 321 Greenbriar. Location, location, location best describes the premier building lot located @ The Summit at Greenbriar. This Development is approximately 5 - 7 minutes from Mississippi State University and the home of the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Features include - incredible entrance that boasts both the elegance and quality of the development.
42 acres located inside of Starkville city limits. Conveniently situated yet plenty of privacy comes with this wooded tract. Located on the east side of Sand Road. Zoning is MDU-9, which allows for uses such as single-family home, duplex, triplex, townhouse/rowhouse, multiplex, assisted living, nursing home, parks, place of worship, and other uses. Come enjoy this acreage at a reasonable price!
This versatile 14.75-acre property offers visibility from Hwy 25 Bypass, Hwy 182, and Mockingbird Rd. Zoning allows residential uses and certain commercial uses by special exception, giving developers valuable flexibility. Its location provides easy access to all areas of Starkville and convenient proximity to shopping and services on Hwy 12 and Stark Rd. Starkville, home to Mississippi State
512 S Montgomery offers an exceptional opportunity in the heart of Starkville. This large 4-bedroom, 3-bath brick home sits on a sprawling 0.64± acres with a new roof in 2024, mature trees, a detached garage, and storage building. Just off Hwy 12, the property has great proximity to downtown, MSU, and the Cotton District. It offers excellent potential as a primary residence, game-day retreat,
Priced to sell! This 21± acre tract offers excellent development potential in Starkville, Mississippi. Located on Louisville St just south of Academy Rd, the property is only minutes from Mississippi State University, & Highway 12. It is very close to local K-12 schools as well as a concentration of multi-family developments. Flexible zoning creates a variety of possibilities, with the front 4.2±
Discover The Social Block, a student housing community in Starkville, Mississippi, just minutes from Mississippi State University. The Social Block offers spacious 2- and 4-bedroom student apartments and townhomes, available furnished or unfurnished. Each home includes in-home washers and dryers, high-speed Wi-Fi, and convenient SMART Bus access for an easy ride to campus. With quick access to
Elevate your Mississippi State University experience at The Block Townhomes, where we offer 2-bedroom townhomes 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 with amenities like
Welcome to The Oaklyn, where freshly renovated spaces meet modern Southern charm in the heart of Starkville!Ideally located in the 39759 ZIP code, our spacious one, two, and three bedroom apartment homes have been updated with stylish finishes and smart layouts to fit every lifestyle.Inside, you’ll find contemporary touches designed for comfort from day one. Each pet-friendly floor
Looking for luxury student apartments near Mississippi State University? The Flatts Starkville offers newly renovated, spacious studio, 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom floor plans designed with your comfort in mind. Each apartment features granite countertops, 9-foot ceilings, wood-style plank flooring, and a full appliance package. Our premium amenities include a fully equipped fitness center,
The ideal place for students or young professionals. Studio, 1, 2 and 4 bedroom apartments close to Mississippi State University and close to restaurants, shopping and nightlife. Starting at just $499!
Lakeside Living apartments is a favorite student housing community among MSU students. We were voted Best Apartment Complex in Starkville by the Starkville Daily News 5 years in a row! Lakeside is a fun place to live and we offer many community functions and parties so it’s easy to get to know your neighbors.
Nice 3 Bedroom Townhouse available for rent. 2 Story. Very Close to Campus. Pet Friendly. Quiet and Secure. TOWNHOUSEOnly 10 units on the property. Small park area. Hardwood Floors, Large Bedrooms, Large Closets. All appliances and Washer/Dryer included. Rent Amount is for the Entire Townhouse.Lease Details: Owner pays for trash pickup. Dumpster on site. Pet Friendly.
College View offers studio, one, two, and four bedroom fully furnished apartments. Conveniently located on College View Drive, we're just blocks away from your favorite sporting event or a short walk to class. Moving into your new home has never been easier! As a resident, you will have access to our flex-friendly strength and cardio center, resort-inspired pool, multiple study lounges,
This property at 294 Indian Pointe Dr features 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms within a total of 1,000 square feet. The house is on the lake and has a large back porch that overlooks the lake. The living room includes a fireplace and is designed for comfort, while the kitchen is equipped with dishwasher, oven and range, microwave, refrigerator, and garbage disposal. Off of the kitchen is the laundry
Step into a thoughtfully curated lifestyle at Crossgates Apartment Homes, where southern charm meets understated elegance. Nestled in the heart of Starkville, MS, our collection of one, two, and three-bedroom residences—ranging from 797 to 1,400 square feet—offers a harmonious balance of spacious design and intimate detail. With a prime location near Mississippi State University and top regional
A serene retreat just minutes from Mississippi State University, Avalon Apartment Homes offers a lifestyle that balances comfort, convenience, and charm. Thoughtfully designed two- and three-bedroom residences, ranging from 1,185 to 1,335 square feet, provide an elegant sanctuary suited for students, professionals, and families alike. Here, home is more than just a place—it's an experience. And
Welcome to The Links at Starkville Apartments in Starkville, Mississippi! Living in this beautifully developed apartment community provides everything you want right at home, in your own neighborhood. We are located only 15 minutes away from Mississippi State University and near highway 25 on the West side of Starkville. Whether your preference is upstairs with added views or downstairs for
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and 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.