"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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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GreatSchools:
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Welcome to your own private retreat in beautiful Browning Creek. This spacious 5,000+ square foot, two-story home offers the perfect blend of comfort, recreation, and peaceful living. With 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and an oversized bonus room, there's plenty of space for family, guests, entertaining, or creating the ultimate game/bunk room.The thoughtfully designed floor plan features both
Welcome to one of Starkville's most desirable neighborhoods--Country Club Estates. This exceptional 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath home offers over 3,200 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, where every bedroom features its own private bath for unmatched comfort and privacy.From the moment you step inside, you'll appreciate the spacious layout, soaring ceilings, abundant natural light, and
Step back in time with this exquisite custom-built Queen Anne home, lovingly crafted in the 1885 and located within the Greensboro Historical District (which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places). From the moment you enter, the craftsmanship and grandeur of the era are unmistakable. Beautiful hardwood floors, deep crown moldings, elegant baseboards, and lovely transoms showcase
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
Starkville, MS - The Summit at Greenbriar. Lot 435 Day Lily Drive. 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
Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom 2-bath home. Located in a quiet neighborhood this home features a large backyard and spacious living room perfect for entertainment. The garage has been converted into a flex space that could be used for storage.
Absolutely beautiful home in a peaceful, tree shaded setting just minutes from the Highway 82 bypass, shopping, dining, and town. The spacious lot is filled with mature trees, creating a private and inviting atmosphere. Inside, you will find natural hardwood flooring throughout much of the home, neutral paint colors, plenty of closet space, and an open living, dining, and kitchen area perfect for
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
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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±
Charming 1950s cottage full of character and tasteful updates. Original wood flooring adds warmth and timeless appeal, while the updated interior offers style to suit any taste. This home features 3 full-sized bedrooms plus a bonus room that could serve as an additional living area or 4th bedroom. Two full baths, a separate laundry room, sweet dining room, and a spacious kitchen with updated
Phenomenal Central Starkville location right in the middle of everything! This 3-bedroom / 2-bathroom home sits on one full acre±. Located just off Hwy 12, and walkable to downtown, MSU, & the Cotton District. Nice mature trees on the expansive site, plus a detached storage shed with roll-up door. This property is a blank slate with so many possibilities. Covered parking under two carport areas,
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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
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!
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,
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,
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
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Currently SOLD OUT for Fall 2026. We will start leasing for 2027 on October 1st 2026! 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.
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Discover the comfort and convenience of Cedar Cove Apartments in Starkville. Located near Mississippi State University on Louisville Street, our community offers spacious apartment homes, convenient on-site parking, washer and dryer options, and smoke-free living. Enjoy a peaceful atmosphere with easy access to shopping, dining, entertainment, and everything Starkville has to offer. Come see why
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