Reasons This Mississippi City Is The Fastest Growing In The State
By Daniella DiRienzo|Published June 11, 2016
×
Daniella DiRienzo
Author
Though Daniella was born in New York and has lived in a couple of other states, Mississippi has been her home for more than 30 years. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships. In the years since, she’s had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications, such as the Mississippi-based Parents & Kids Magazine. She’s also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience.
Based on recent census numbers, Oxford is the fastest growing city in the state. In the past five years alone, the city’s population has grown by 17%, meaning nearly 3,500 new people now call Oxford home. One look at the city and it’s easy to see the appeal. Known as the “cultural mecca of the South,” Oxford is the perfect combination of small town charm and big city culture. So many visitors to Oxford turn into lifelong residents; here are just a few reasons why.
In the heart of the city’s downtown area is the historic Oxford square, which is known by locals as the “Square.” The picturesque Square is home to a variety of shops, boutiques, and restaurants.
Among the businesses that fill the Square is one of the nation’s most renowned independent bookstores, Square Books. Over the years, the bookstore has grown tremendously and has been nationally recognized countless times.
City Grocery is another landmark that can be found within the Square. The restaurant’s mouthwatering southern cuisine is prepared by Chef John Currence, who has been the recipient of the James Beard Foundation’s award “Best Chef in the South.”
Another popular eatery in the Square is Ajax Diner, which boasts a menu filled with local cuisine, has won numerous awards, holds many local titles, and just so happens to be one of Eli Manning’s favorite restaurants.
The Square is also home to Southside Gallery. Committed to promoting the arts, the gallery showcases the works of regional, national, and international artists in addition to hosting lectures and receptions.
But the iconic courthouse isn’t the only significant structure you’ll find in Oxford. The city is filled with historic homes, including Rowan Oak, which was the home of William Faulkner.
While the Square may be one of the most popular parts of Oxford, there’s plenty more to the city. There are 135 restaurants scattered throughout Oxford, and the city just keeps growing. Three new hotels are being built this year and that’s in addition to the three that are in the works for next year. Check out the gorgeous Graduate Oxford.
When it comes to education, Oxford has that covered too. The city is home to the University of Mississippi, which has been ranked one of the top colleges in the nation by Forbes.
Aside from being home to a nationally ranked college, Oxford is also home to an impressive music and art scene – a fact that’s celebrated with the Double Decker Arts Festival. The annual festival focuses on the arts and music and draws in a crowd of more than 60,000 people each year.
Lamar Park is located in Oxford and is the perfect setting for both exploration and relaxation. The park is designed as an outdoor arboretum, which means gorgeous greenery and gardens are plentiful. Lake Patsy, which offers great fishing, is another one of the park’s assets.
