Contents

6 Welcome to Starkville

8 Starkville at a Glance

9 Community Resources

10 Parks & Recreation  Coming Together for Recreation –
A Starkville Tradition

16 MSU  16 Boomtown: Mississippi State Drives State’s Economic Engine

 18 The Keys to Success: MSU offers breadth of support, with something for everyone

  22 MSU Makes Its Mark in Supercomputing, Cybersecurity, AI

  24 Bulldog Athletics Continues Rise to Success: MSU Baseball hires 19th head coach

26 Education  Excellence in Education

30 Smart Routes Map

34 Retirement Community  Starkville Gaining as Second Home and Retirement Destination

36 Local Airport  Golden Triangle Regional Airport: Starkville’s Gateway to the World Beyond

38  Amazing Things To Do and see in our beautiful community: Mississippi's College town

45 Members – Alphabetical

52 Members by Category

WELCOME TO STARKVILLE

Greetings from Mississippi’s College Town and “The Best Small Town in the South” as proclaimed by USA Today! If you’re looking through this magazine to plan a trip, to learn more information or if you’ve already arrived in town, the following pages are meant to provide a quick glimpse into the many people, places and events that make Starkville such a special place to be.

Serving as the proud home of Mississippi State University, the state’s largest public university, Starkville prides itself on being home to one of only six universities in the nation housing a presidential library – the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library, which boasts a staggering array of artifacts from the famed civil war general and president, along with one of the largest collections of Abraham Lincoln memorabilia in the world.

History also abounds in the many preserved and celebrated architectural areas of the city from the historic Main Street filled with one-of-a-kind shopping and dining establishments, to the well-known Cotton District, where the nightlife along with the Greek Revival and Classical Victorian architectural designs display a vibrant scene.

Additionally, Starkville offers many outstanding restaurants unique to the area providing delicious experiences, as well as a taste of your favorite culinary cuisines from the farm to table movement, southern barbecue and pizza, to handcrafted pastries.

Home of the state’s largest outdoor concert, Bulldog Bash, Starkville is the perfect town to enjoy many entertaining and family-friendly occasions. Festivals celebrating the arts, culinary culture, as well as Southeastern Conference sporting events, occur year-round and keep the crowds coming and the cowbells ringing.

Consistently ranking as one of the Top 10 most visited cities in our State and selected as the Best City in Mississippi to Retire by Insurify, Starkville extends its most sincere and warmest welcome to all. If you’d like to find out more, feel free to visit Starkville.org or call the Greater Starkville Development Partnership at (662) 323-3322 where any of our talented staff stand ready to help you and can answer any questions you may have.

We officially welcome you to Mississippi’s College Town!

Mike Tagert
President and Chief Executive Officer

Starkville at a Glance

A picturesque city with enormous vision, Starkville has an illustrious history, a track record of academic excellence and a warm Southern sophistication all its own. Part of Oktibbeha County and the Golden Triangle, Starkville serves as a hub for the area’s innovative, technology-based ventures.

Plus, the Convention and Visitors Bureau is equipped to orchestrate memorable experiences for vacationers and conference attendees alike, and the Main Street Association focuses on the vitality of the Downtown District. We hope this guide serves you well as a starting point in learning about all things Starkville. Won’t you come and stay a while?

HISTORY

The early settlement of the Starkville area began after the Choctaw inhabitants of Oktibbeha County yielded their claims to land in the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek in 1830. Settlers were drawn to the Starkville area because of two large springs. Southwest of town, a mill sold clapboards, which gave the town its original name, Boardtown. In 1835, Boardtown was established as the county seat of Oktibbeha County, and its name was changed to Starkville in honor of Revolutionary War hero General John Stark.

LOCATION

Starkville is located in the Northeast corner of the State and in Mississippi’s Golden Triangle, 30 miles west of the Alabama state line and 115 miles south of the Tennessee state line. It is accessible by U.S. Highway 82 and state highways 12, 25 and 389, providing access to Memphis, Tennessee; Birmingham, Alabama; Jackson, Mississippi; Atlanta, Georgia; New Orleans, Louisiana, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Distance in Miles to Starkville from:

Atlanta, Georgia 287

Baton Rouge, Louisiana 299

Birmingham, Alabama 144

Columbus, Georgia 270

Jackson, Mississippi 125

Jackson, Tennessee 171

Little Rock, Arkansas 316

Macon, Georgia 370

Memphis, Tennessee 180

Mobile, Alabama 226

Montgomery, Alabama 188

Nashville, Tennessee 281

New Orleans, Louisiana 293

Tuscaloosa, Alabama 84

Source: Google Maps

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

All area codes: 662, unless otherwise noted.

LICENSES

Oktibbeha County Seat-Starkville
Tax Assessor & Collector
Courthouse: 101 E. Main St., Starkville
323-1273
Mon.–Fri., 8 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Driver’s License
Starkville DMV Substation
1280 East Lee Blvd., Starkville | 323-5314

Marriage License
Oktibbeha County City Clerk
101 E. Main St., Starkville 323-5834
Both parties need to be present with valid photo identification. Age requirement is 21 years; parental consent forms must be signed if either partner is under 21. Fee is $22.

GOVERNMENT

City of Starkville
110 West Main Street | 323-2525

Oktibbeha County
101 E. Main St., Starkville | 323-5834

PUBLIC SAFETY

Emergency
Police, Fire, Ambulance or Rescue
911

Non-Emergency
Starkville Police | 323-4134

Oktibbeha County Sheriff | 323-2421

Starkville Fire Department | 323-2962

UTILITIES

Electricity & Natural Gas
Starkville Utilities
200 N. Lafayette St., Starkville 323-3133

4-County Electric Power Association
1808 Hwy. 25 S., Starkville | 323-4502
www.4county.org

Atmos Energy
402 University Drive, Starkville | 888-286-6700
www.atmosenergy.com

Water & Sewer
Water/Sewer Department
Curry St., Starkville | 323-3133

Solid Waste Management
Golden Triangle Solid Waste
Management Authority
2505 Old West Point Road, Starkville
324-7566

Telephone/Telecommunications
CSpire Fiber to Home
337 Hwy. 12 W., Starkville | 855-277-4735

HEALTH CARE

Medical Facilities
OCH Regional Medical Center
400 Hospital Road, Starkville | 323-4320

EDUCATION

Public Schools
Starkville Oktibbeha School District
401 Greensboro St., Starkville | 324-4050

Independent Education
Starkville Academy
505 Academy Road, Starkville | 323-7814

Starkville Christian School
305 Lynn Lane, Starkville | 323-7453

Higher Education
Mississippi State University
75 B.S. Hood Road, Mississippi State
325-2323

East Mississippi Community College
Golden Triangle Campus
P.O. Box 100, Mayhew | 243-1900

Library
Starkville-Oktibbeha County
Public Library System
326 University Drive, Starkville | 323-2766

MEDIA/COMMUNICATIONS

Newspaper
Starkville Daily News
304 Lampkin St., Starkville | 323-1642
www.starkvilledailynews.com

The Starkville Dispatch
516 Main Street, Columbus | 328-2424
www.cdispatch.com

Television
MaxxSouth Broadband
911 Hwy. 12W, Ste. 202B, Starkville
(800) 457-5351

CSpire Fiber to Home
337 Hwy. 12 W., Starkville | 323-4488

TRANSPORTATION

Automobile
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
404 Hwy. 12 W., Starkville | 323-3389

Public Transit
SMART Starkville-MSU Area Rapid Transit
325-5204

Airport
Oktibbeha Airport – MS 1
1620 Camps Airport Rd., Starkville | 323-3515

George M. Bryan Airport - STF
114 Airport Road, Starkville | 418-5900

Golden Triangle Regional Airport
2080 Airport Road, Columbus | 327-4422

Coming together for Recreation

A Starkville Tradition

By Jeffrey Steele

The official motto of Starkville isn’t “the community that plays together stays together.” But it might as well be, given all the opportunities for citizens to become fully involved in recreation and athletics in the town. The epicenter of all that activity is the 125-acre Cornerstone Sports Complex, which provides a broad array of facilities for recreation and athletics. Among them are a dozen baseball and softball diamonds, as well as batting cages, playground and flex space, hiking trails, warm-up areas and green community lawn spaces. Some 700 parking spaces can handle large Cornerstone crowds. As it does throughout the park, Musco LED lighting provides illumination in the parking lot. Hosting as many as 40 youth tournaments annually and offering recreational events year-round, the Cornerstone Complex is nestled within the woods of West Starkville.

The sports complex provides Starkville residents with a priceless opportunity to invest in their health and well-being through exercise and competitive sports, said Kayla Davenport, director of marketing and sponsorships for Starkville Parks and Recreation.

“It’s awesome,” she says of the Cornerstone Complex. “And we’re still making improvements. That’s exciting. Cornerstone had its grand opening in October of 2023, the same month I started working here, and we share the same anniversary.“

“We have our rec league play out there, our youth baseball and softball leagues have practice and games there and our youth and adult kickball programs play out there. They have tournaments involving teams that come from other states that play there. Here are some examples. Grand Slam is playing there this week, and they host baseball tournaments that are kind of like the World Series all over the Southeastern U.S. They host travel tournaments all the way from Virginia to Texas.”

Another tournament often hosted at Cornerstone is USFA Softball, Davenport says.

Other Parks

While the Cornerstone Complex is the crown jewel of Starkville recreational facilities, the town prioritizes other parks, as well. “We like to keep all our parks up to date and usable by everyone,” Davenport said. “Making them accessible to all is a big initiative.”

In the past year, Starkville Needmore Center on Gillespie Street has been transformed into a new and far more spacious community hub. The former building was torn down and replaced by a new center for Starkville events. “It is gorgeous, with a mural on the side representing the story of the people of the community,” Davenport said.

Currently, McKee Park is being given a $6 million renovation aimed at improving amenities and attracting greater use by community residents. New playgrounds, splash pad and pavilions are part of the plans, as are a new amphitheater and washrooms.

All the effort around parks and recreation is evidence of just how important these amenities are to the town of Starkville, Davenport said. “This helps promote a sense of community,” she added. “I get to see the results of all our planning, when I see people smiling at events like Fourth of July and Christmas. That to me says it all about how important parks and recreation are to the people and town of Starkville.”

Boomtown

Mississippi State Drives State's Economic Engine

By Susan Lassetter

A recently released, multiyear study shows that Mississippi State University isn’t just shaping young minds; it’s providing an economic boom to the Magnolia State to the tune of $3.9 billion in annual economic impact.

It’s further proof that what happens in StarkVegas doesn’t stay in Starkville. It shapes the state. It changes the world.

Through analysis provided by the National Strategic Planning and Analysis Research Center at Mississippi State University, Bulldogs can now proudly point to specific positive, statewide impacts that come wrapped in Maroon and White.

Among the 3.9 billion reasons to be proud to be a Bulldog:

•  MSU delivers a 25:1 return on investment for every tax dollar received from state appropriations, generating more than $450 million in state and local tax revenue.

•  The university’s Office of Research and Economic Development boasts $320 million in annual research expenditures, ranking among the top 100 research universities in the U.S. and accounting for 53% of all research and development spending in Mississippi colleges and universities.

•  The MSU Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine contributes $1.7 billion through research, outreach and direct support to Mississippi’s agricultural and business sectors and sustains more than 43,500 statewide jobs.

•  The network of more than 42,000 MSU alumni in the state drives more than $1.2 billion in increased productivity and business activity.

•  Through daily expenses and spending, Bulldog students contribute $41.6 million to Mississippi’s economy.

•  MSU’s nearly 650,000 annual visitors generate $24.2 million in wages to support the tourism and hospitality sector.

And as our alumni, students, research partners and federal and state governments continue to invest in our proven track record of making big impacts on Mississippi and the world, we will continue to fulfill our mission of service, learning and research to meet the needs of tomorrow.

View the full report at www.research.msstate.edu.

The keys to success

MSU offers breadth of support, with something for everyone

By Allison Matthews

Mississippi State University and Starkville are home to tens of thousands of students year after year who will always carry that special nostalgic feeling about their home-away-from-home.

In addition to community support and hospitality, an aspect of the university cementing students’ positive experiences is its focus on supporting their success — providing a wide range of programs and departments focused on learning, well-being and growth.

A strong collaboration between MSU’s divisions of Student Affairs and Academic Affairs means the university is “serving the whole student.”

Students have a wealth of resources from special programs for first-generation students to a new Maroon Leadership, Employment and Development for Students (L.E.A.D.S) initiative to enrich undergrads’ on-campus employment experiences.

Students who want to do their best in the classroom can take advantage of MSU’s nationally recognized Supplemental Instruction program — one of only four accredited SI programs in the Southeastern Conference. Since beginning a decade ago, SI has been freely available to assist students academically in courses that historically were considered difficult. It includes regular study sessions and test reviews led by students selected through a competitive process who previously made an A in the same courses they’re now helping others succeed in. This past year alone, students utilized the program more than 47,000 times — a new record.

MSU has long been recognized as one of the nation’s most veteran-friendly universities, earning the designation this year as a Top 5 Military Friendly School. Including dependents, the veteran community at MSU includes more than 3,000 students. They are served by MSU’s Montgomery Center for America’s Veterans at Nusz Hall and a network of specially trained university personnel. The center’s namesake was an MSU alumnus and World War II veteran who authored the Montgomery G.I. Bill as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Before students ever enroll at the university, they already have access to a wealth of programs targeting elementary and secondary students.

MSU hosts a variety of summer camps and activities — from athletic competitions to computer coding exercises — providing fun and enjoyment to participants of all ages. Camp activities include immersive learning opportunities, recreational and social activities, and field trips, with some designed specifically for participants with special needs.

“Summer at Mississippi State is full of fun and enrichment,” said MSU Vice President for Student Affairs Regina Hyatt. “We love welcoming families and students to campus for programs and events that spark learning, creativity and connection.”

MSU

Makes Its Mark in Supercomputing, Cybersecurity, AI

By James Carskadon

Some of the most powerful computers in the world reside in Starkville, Mississippi. At Mississippi State University, impactful research is driven by more than 10 PetaFLOPS of computing power — enough to complete 10 quadrillion calculations per second.

With more than 35 years of history in high performance computing, MSU is considered a pioneer in the field. Backed by world-class computers, MSU researchers have improved weather and environmental models, advanced aircraft and submarine design, and even simulated re-entry for a NASA space shuttle that was damaged on takeoff. In addition to supporting MSU researchers, the university’s High Performance Computing Collaboratory manages systems for federal agencies such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Since 1996, 10 different MSU supercomputers have made Top500.org’s annual list of the world’s fastest computers. That legacy will continue to grow as MSU opens a 35,000-square-foot data center in 2025. The new building, located in the Thad Cochran Research, Technology and Economic Development Park, will triple the amount of space dedicated to housing high performance computing systems.

MSU is also making its mark in artificial intelligence. In 2024, MSU became the first Southeastern Conference university to offer a Bachelor of Science degree in artificial intelligence. Offered by the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, the new program prepares students with a unique combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience to thrive in a rapidly expanding field. The program provides deeper expertise in AI techniques, integrates interdisciplinary coursework from fields like mathematics and cognitive science, and emphasizes hands-on experience through AI-specific research projects and internships.

The latest supercomputers and AI tools also represent a growing need for secure digital infrastructure, which MSU cybersecurity experts and graduates are working to meet. The university is one of only a few in the country to hold all three cyber Center of Academic Excellence (defense, research and operations) designations from the National Security Agency. Additionally, MSU’s National Science Foundation CyberCorps program is among the oldest in the nation, graduating more than 140 cyber professionals into the federal workforce.

MSU’s academic programs in cybersecurity have grown to include a Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity, a Bachelor of Applied Science in cybersecurity and a Master of Science in cybersecurity and operations. Additionally, certificate programs are offered for an Information Assurance Professional Endorsement and a Graduate Certificate in Cyber Operations.

With MSU’s growing efforts in supercomputing, AI and cybersecurity, the university is poised to continue shaping the technologies that are shaping society.

Bulldog athletics continues rise to success

MSU Baseball hires 19th head coach

By Mary Pollitz

Mississippi State Director of Athletics Zac Selmon locked in on one of the country’s top coaches to lead the MSU baseball program as the 19th head baseball coach.

Coach Brian O’Connor, a 2024 Hall of Fame inductee and the all-time winningest coach at the University of Virginia, brings an impressive resume to Starkville that includes 917 wins, seven College World Series appearances and a national title.

MSU continues to assert itself as a pipeline to Major League Baseball, with 10 players currently starring in the MLB, including J.P. France, Adam Frazier, J.T. Ginn, Kendall Graveman, Nathaniel Lowe, Jake Mangum, Brent Rooker, Chris Stratton, Jordan Westburg and Brandon Woodruff. The university also welcomed perennial Bulldog Baseball fan and five-time Academy of Country Music award winner HARDY to “The Dude” for a concert stop on his Quit tour.

Across various sports for the 2024-2025 season, MSU fans witnessed the Bulldogs compete on the Olympic stage, win a Southeastern Conference title, achieve No. 1 rankings and welcome Top 10 recruiting classes.

Both MSU men’s and women’s basketball teams—led by coaches Chris Jans and Sam Purcell, respectively—punched their tickets to the NCAA Tournament this year and secured Top 10 recruiting classes to continue their winning streak and national prominence on the NCAA stage.

The university’s soccer program achieved a historic No. 1 national ranking, program-first SEC Championship, reached the NCAA Sweet Sixteen and set record-shattering attendances throughout the season. Three MSU graduates from the 2024 season are active players in the National Women’s Soccer League.

MSU spirit squads claimed two national championships this season and more than 10 MSU athletes—active and graduates—competed at the 2024 Paris Olympics, representing their various home countries and their alma mater. Current MSU track and field star Peyton Bair capped off a historic track and field season this year, winning the national title in the heptathlon at the NCAA indoor championship.

Under the leadership of Selmon, MSU Athletics continues its upward trajectory with recent hires. Among them are O’Connor, second-year head football coach Jeff Lebby and recently appointed head soccer coach Nick Zimmerman.

Lebby, the Bulldog’s 36th head coach, previously served as offensive coordinator at the University of Oklahoma and brings an aggressive, fast-paced style to Starkville. Zimmerman, known for his energy on the recruiting trail, has been with the Bulldogs since 2019 and played a key role in guiding the program to a top national ranking.

MSU softball added to the momentum when standout seniors Sierra Sacco and Raelin Chaffin were drafted into the professional ranks. Both were selected by the inaugural Athletes Unlimited Softball League’s draft, earning spots with the Talons and making Mississippi State one of just two programs in the country to have two players drafted in the 12-player selection. This year’s softball team ended the regular season 37-17 and made the NCAA Tournament for the seventh time in the last eight years.

The 2025 men’s tennis team defeated Ohio State in the Sweet Sixteen and competed until the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament.

With men’s teams in six sports and women’s teams in eight, MSU Athletics showcases student athletes and fan favorites across all sports.

EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION

Serving nearly 5000 students, Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District's mission is to facilitate the discovery of each student's passion, purpose and potential. With a focus on innovative approaches to learning, the district engages students every day with hands-on and project-based learning designed to promote creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration. In 2024, SOCSD earned an A-rating from the Mississippi Department of Education based, in part, on 3rd through 8th grade advanced and proficient scores on the state's assessments for English, Math and Science. Deemed a "high performing" school district, SOCSD offers students a wealth of opportunities to excel in academics, extracurricular activities, the arts, athletics and advanced studies.

Academics & Extracurricular Activities

SOCSD offers a diverse range of award-winning academic and extracurricular offerings to help students tap into their passion and achieve their potential. Maker Spaces and 21st century media centers at each grade level provide students with hands-on experiences through manipulatives, virtual reality, coding, 3D printing, broadcasting and video production. Students engage their interests from science and chess to board games and robotics through more than 20 extracurricular clubs for upper elementary and middle school grades. In addition to an impressive array of Advanced Placement and dual-enrollment opportunities, junior high and high school students participate in more than 25 clubs and nationally affiliated skills-based, honors and service organizations.

The Arts

Excellence in the Arts is a long-standing tradition for the district with award-winning fine arts, choral music, symphonic music and theatre offerings. Visual arts programs produce yearly state, national and international honors, including the 2024 Best of Show in the National Beta Competition and the 2025 Best of Show in the 3rd District Congressional Art Competition.

Sounds of excellence abound with the district's choral and musical performance programs including vocal ensembles, marching and symphonic band, gospel choir and an indoor percussion team. Through a partnership with the Mississippi State University Department of Music, the district offers beginning and intermediate strings instruction starting in 2nd grade. Piano instruction is offered in the district beginning in 6th grade, and guitar class is available beginning in 9th grade. The Yellow Jacket band program sees musicians recognized in various collegiate honor bands each year as well as the prestigious Lions Band, with three members earning the honor in 2025. The SHS Wind Ensemble has been named the featured band at the Mississippi Bandmasters Association Annual Conference twice in the last five years. The 6th -12th grade choral program saw a record-breaking 61 Jacket singers selected through an audition process to participate in the Mississippi All State Honor Choir – the most of any district in the state.

Award-winning dramatic and musical theatre training offers students experiences in acting, choreography, set building, stage management and script writing through the Starkville High School Theatre program. The SHS troupe saw top 10 finishes in 10 performance categories during the 2025 competition season, including six individual event performances that earned top-three in the state. The program hosts two productions each year.

Athletics

Excellence moves from the classroom to the field of play with the district's high performing Jacket Athletics program where students compete in 19 sports and 53 teams from 7th through 12th grade. With an emphasis on player development on and off the field as well as an eye to collegiate recruiting, nearly all competitive sports see post-season play each year. SHS Football won its 8th State Championship in 2022. The Lady Jacket Basketball program earned a state runner-up trophy in 2025, with players earning multiple state honors, including Dandy Dozen. The district's Track and Field program produced a State Champion in long jump in 2025, and multiple sports have earned top three rankings and all-star honors. Starkville High boasts student athletes who sign each year to compete in community college and Division I and II athletics in sports including football, basketball, baseball, tennis, soccer, cheer and track.

Advanced Studies

The Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District offers a myriad of opportunities for students who wish to pursue advanced and college- or career-centered academic studies. With 17 Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways, students may earn a two-year diploma endorsement as well as a variety of national certifications that prepare them to be workplace ready.

In addition, the district offers more than 50 dual credit/dual enrollment courses available to 11th and 12th graders. From general core classes like English Composition, Biology and College Algebra to electives like Spanish, Music Appreciation and various CTE options, students can build a community college Associates degree while still in high school. The SHS Class of 2025 includes four students who earned dual diplomas at East Mississippi Community College and Starkville High School.

A variety of Advanced Placement course offerings provide students with an additional way to earn college credit while in high school. In addition, partnerships with Mississippi State University like the Early Honors Academy and Base Pair research program give students the opportunity to interact with professors and experience college courses and research projects.

Academic Houses

With the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District's strategic approach to career exploration, students begin to discover future possibilities from their earliest experiences in Pre-K. From creative play and hands-on Maker Spaces in elementary school to field trips, interest-assessments and project-based learning through junior high, each student's discovery culminates with a high school experience designed to connect classroom to career — the Academic Houses at Starkville High School.

SOCSD has partnered with educators, employers and community leaders to create a high school experience centered around small learning communities that provide 21st-century real-world experiences to ensure students are prepared for college, career and life. The Academic Houses provide advanced and targeted skills, enabling students to leave high school future-ready and workplace-ready with experience in job shadowing, internships and skills or certifications that match both their career interests and the local job market.

Community Partnerships

Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District's dynamic approach to community partnerships centers on maximizing local resources and relationships to provide students with a richer learning experience. A core partnership with Mississippi State University created the award-winning Partnership Middle School, which serves all 6th and 7th grade students. Located on the MSU campus, students and teachers enjoy proximity to museums, labs, athletic venues and academic professionals to enhance learning. The innovative GrOW Classroom funded through a grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation offers students a seed to table experience of food utilizing our school gardens, mobile kitchens and an innovative wellness curriculum.

For more information about the Starkville Oktibbeha School District, visit www.starkvillesd.com.

Public Schools

Emerson Preschool

www.starkvillesd.com/emerson-preschool/index

Sudduth Elementary School

www.starkvillesd.com/sudduth-elementary

West Elementary

www.starkvillesd.com/west-elementary/index

Henderson Ward Stewart Elementary

www.starkvillesd.com/henderson-ward-stewart-elementary/index

Overstreet School

www.starkvillesd.com/overstreet-elementary/index

Partnership Middle School

www.starkvillesd.com/the-partnership-school/index

Armstrong Middle School

www.starkvillesd.com/armstrong-middle-school/index

Starkville High School

www.starkvillesd.com/starkville-high-school/index

Vocational Education

Millsaps Career & Technology Center

www.starkvillesd.com/millsaps-career-technology-center/index

Private Schools

Starkville Academy

www.starkvilleacademy.org

Starkville Christian School

http://scschool.org/dir

Starkville Gaining as Second Home and Retirement Destination

By Jeffrey Steele

In 2025, when USA Today named Starkville the top small Southern town for the second year in a row, readers began to understand what its residents have known all along.

Those qualities include, but are not limited to, small-town charm, a university town feel, cultural and sporting events, an eclectic housing stock, an appealing cost of living and the ability to easily journey from Starkville to anywhere else in the world via the Golden Triangle Regional Airport’s daily flights to and from the world’s busiest airports.

Checking Boxes

“Everybody has different reasons for choosing the place they retire,” said Paige Hunt, Director of Tourism for the Greater Starkville Development Partnership.

“We have a lot of things that check off those boxes. We have a year-round population of 26,000 and during the academic year, that number is doubled. The presence of a university gives us more assets and more things for people to do, all while maintaining the feel of a vibrant smaller city. As for second-home ownership, the four years you spend in college as a Mississippi State student is a very special time in your life, and we see people buy second homes for game days, and later retire to those homes.”

People used to wait until their 60s to think about retirement, but many are now planning for that day in their 40s, Hunt added. She points to a retired couple who relocated to Starkville from out of state, moving into the home they’d purchased as a second home. “They retired into a lovely home and did not have to pay a mortgage,” she said. “There are things to be said for buying a second home and having it become a retirement home.”

As Hunt noted, people choose to move to Starkville for many reasons. Among them: The plethora of cultural, sporting and recreational activities of a college town. Starkville hosts Mississippi State University sporting events, boasts an active arts scene complete with festivals, a symphony and art shows and is home to a vibrant array of restaurants, shops and entertainment. “We have, in Starkville, everything from burgers to steaks to casual to fine dining,” Hunt said. “We also have a lot of international options such as Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Mexican and Indian. As for retail, we offer gift shops, sporting goods stores and clothing stores catering to men, women and children. And lastly, we have lively neighborhoods throughout the city, such as the walkable Cotton District neighborhood offering lots of bars and restaurants.”

In Starkville, second home and retirement home buyers also find a variety of housing types to match every preference.

“A lot of retirees want homes with a big yard they can garden in,” Hunt said. “But some want zero-lot-line homes or condos they don’t have to maintain. Starkville has condos, townhomes, apartments, zero-lot-line garden homes, single-family homes.”

What’s more, Mississippi offers tax incentives for retirees over 65 who own homes, Hunt said. The first $75,000 of a home’s value is not taxed. Owners of a $150,000 home would pay property tax only on $75,000 worth of home value, she added.

What’s ahead for the place called the top small Southern town? “We will continue to share the good news of Starkville, Mississippi,” Hunt said. “Because ultimately if you build a
place people want to visit, you have built a place people want to live.”

Baptist Memorial Health Care Looks to Purchase OCH

Oktibbeha County, home to Starkville, Mississippi, is in the process of selling OCH Regional Medical Center, and at press time Baptist Memorial Health Care had been selected as the potential buyer. The county's decision to sell follows a feasibility study that recommended a sale to a "strategic capital partner" to improve the hospital's financial stability and service offerings. Baptist Memorial, with a presence in Mississippi, is expected to take ownership of the hospital sometime in the summer or early fall of 2025.

Golden triangle regional airport

Starkville's Gateway to the World Beyond

By Jeffrey Steele

Ever since its opening more than half a century ago, the Golden Triangle Regional Airport (GTR) has helped Starkville residents and residents of other nearby towns connect to the wider world. This past May, accessing that world became even more convenient.

The Golden Triangle Regional Airport is located between Starkville and its neighbors, Columbus and West Point, Mississippi.

“If you connect the dots on a map, it makes a triangle,” said Matt Dowell, A.A.E., Executive Director of the airport. “In 1971, those three communities began construction on a regional airport. We’ve been here more than 50 years and are owned and supported by all three communities.”

Since 2000, Delta Air Lines has served GTR with service to Atlanta. By comparison, American Airlines had not served the flying public in the region for nearly 30 years, until returning with daily flights to and from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) on May 5, 2025.

“This service from American Airlines is run as part of their regional connection with the American Eagle branding,” he said. “But you still make your reservation through American Airlines.”

The service will be offered on regional jets, the newer family of Bombardier CRJ700 and CRJ900 regional jet airliners, which can accommodate 65 and 76 passengers.

“They will offer first-class and comfort options as well as economy from here to DFW,” Dowell added. “Atlanta and Dallas Fort Worth are hub-and-spoke centers, so once you make it to a hub, you can travel anywhere in the world.”

The flight from DFW to GTR leaves DFW at 1:18 p.m. and arrives GTR at 2:49 p.m. It takes off from GTR on its return trip at 3:20, arriving at DFW at 5:09.

Dowell noted, “When you have one flight a day, you have to schedule it so it’s convenient for people to make connections to further destinations.”

Return Engagement

The single largest number of GTR users are the students, their families, faculty and administrators of Starkville-based Mississippi State University.

“Passengers have been using the airport for years and have given us proof of the need for service,” Dowell stated. “The statistics tell the story that there’s a strong desire and need for air service in the Golden Triangle. Delta has been very successful over the years. And we could show a growing population and expanding job base to prove to American Airlines there’s a viable market for the service. Passengers have indicated a strong desire to go west as well as east.”

Analyzing this evidence, the airline decided it was a business opportunity to add service at GTR. This welcome news capped a 10-year effort by local leaders and the area economic development and business leaders to convince American to return.

“They provided letters of support as we courted American Airlines,” shared Dowell. “It’s been an ongoing effort by all of us including our local government leadership.”

Unending Effort

Airport officials, the business community and the university continue to strive toward even more air service for GTR.

“We’re still working on additional service; that never stops,” Dowell said. “We would like to see Delta and American Airlines add more flights, and we would like to have additional airline partners offer new service options someday.”

Amazing things to do and see in our beautiful community

Mississippi's College Town

History buffs, art lovers, thrill seekers and nearly everyone in between will find something to pique their interests in beautiful Starkville. Known for Mississippi State University, this college town packs a lot of fun into the area.

The Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library

On the campus of Mississippi State University, history springs to life through exhibits at the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library. As one of only six Presidential libraries located on a college campus, the museum documents key periods in 19th century America from the Mexican War to Reconstruction and the Gilded Age. Multiple collections include letters and even political cartoons, portraying a bird’s eye view of the illustrious life of the 18th president of the United States of America. Please contact the library for its hours of operation.

Solace of Sanctuary

Finished in 1966 and located in the heart of the campus, the Mississippi State Chapel of Memories is a beautiful combination of gothic design with a modern twist. Small colored glass windows provide colorfully diffused light, inviting relaxation, reflection and recollection. All are invited to enter and enjoy the perfection of this simple, quiet space. Please contact MSU for hours of operation.

The John Grisham Room

His tales deliver thrills and goosebumps. Learn more about famed author and Mississippi State alumnus, John Grisham, in the John Grisham Room, which is located within the Mitchell Memorial Library. Original manuscripts are on display along with artifacts of Grisham’s life and his days at the university. Please contact the MSU library system for their current hours of operation.

The Cotton District

Take a walk through the beautiful Cotton District, which is located in Starkville and adjacent to Mississippi State University. The community was redeveloped by the Dan Camp Family beginning in the 1960s, utilizing what would eventually become known as “New-Urbanism” preservation and development. The Cotton District has elements of Greek Revival with Classical and Victorian architecture. This award-winning redevelopment is a national model for New-Urbanism and captures the spirit of a New South.

Charles H. Templeton Sr. Music Museum

Recordings, musical instruments and sheet music collected during the course of four decades fill the Charles H. Templeton Sr. Music Museum, which is housed on the fourth floor of the Mitchell Memorial Library on the campus of MSU. The museum shows the business aspect of music and the influence of music in contemporary life. The Templeton Collection contains more than 12,000 recordings, 200 musical instruments and 22,000 pieces of sheet music. Please contact MSU for hours of operation.

GET A GRIP

The 18-hole Mississippi State University Golf Course is ranked among the top 30 university-owned courses in the country by Golfweek magazine. The Brian Ault design championship course is always open to the public but also serves as a key teaching tool for the university golf and sports turf management program. Sunday afternoons feature Family Golf Days – choose nine or 18 holes. Private lessons, golf clinics, and club fittings are available to boost anyone’s game. Please contact the MSU Golf Course to schedule a tee time.

Veterans Memorial Rose Garden

Located at the Highway 182 entrance to the R. Rodney Foil Plant Science Research Facility, Veterans Memorial Rose Garden is part of the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES). This beautiful site offers a panoramic view of traditional and new rose varieties including Hybrid Tea, Grandiflora and Floribunda. The rose garden also features a central gazebo, raised-brick planting beds, paved walkways through the beds, an arched bridge and three arbors.

All Aboard!

Step into the Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum’s home in the renovated 1847 Mobile & Ohio Railroad depot, and take a trip back through time. Connecting history and culture to contemporary life, the museum features military antiques and memorabilia, as well as a permanent collection of artifacts from history of local aviation to vintage clothing, a retro doctor’s office and more.

Unity Park

Located on Douglas L. Conner Drive, Starkville Unity Park was inspired by citizens who wanted to honor those who have improved race relations in our community and the state of Mississippi. The park was created so all people could come together to celebrate peace, harmony and unity in the community. In addition to plaques honoring Douglas L. Conner, Martin Luther King, Jr., Governor William Winter, Medgar Evers and Fannie Lou Hamer, a timeline of civil rights events, including the historic March 15, 1963 Game of Change, can be found at Unity Park.

A Dairy Delight

Located near Davis Wade Stadium, the “MSU Cheese Store” is operated by the university and serves as a teaching tool for food science and marketing students. Annual sales of campus-made products include 48,000 pounds of the world-famous Edam cheese cannonball; 90,000 pounds of cheddar; 15,000 pounds of jalapeño cheese; and 5,000 gallons of ice cream. Come and enjoy these products and more MSU homemade goodness.

Historical Markers

Enjoy a road trip through Starkville and Oktibbeha County while also learning interesting and educational facts about the area from the many historical markers found here. On the Starkville Historical Marker, discover that what is now called Starkville was founded as Boardtown in 1831 and was renamed in 1837 after John Stark, a Revolutionary War hero. Other markers feature information on “Cool Papa” Bell, Johnny Cash, Grierson’s Raid, historic churches, the Greensboro Street Historic District, the Needmore Community and Odd Fellows Cemetery among other topics. Visit the website MississippiMarkers.com/Oktibbeha-County for more information.

The Carnegie Hall of College Baseball

Bring the hot dogs and brats, fire up the grill and enjoy the best of college sports when the Bulldog baseball team takes the field at Mississippi State’s famed Dudy Noble Field. Known as the “Carnegie Hall of College Baseball,” more than 15,000 tailgaters turn out regularly to the ballpark and its renowned Left Field Lounge to cheer the Bulldogs to victory! Please contact MSU for the current ballgame schedule.

MSU Campus Tree Trail

The MSU Campus Tree Trail showcases the university’s vast landscaping efforts. MSU is home to more than 10,000 tree species and varieties, with 80 to 100 new trees planted each year. Many have informative tree tags. These trees include the special Moon Sycamore, found in the Junction, grown from a seed taken to the moon during the Apollo 14 mission in 1971. MSU has been honored for its commitment to environmental stewardship with the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Campus USA designation. More information can be found on the MSU website.

Starkville’s Newly Renovated Parks

Cornerstone Park and McKee Park hold all the best activities to enjoy. The newly renovated Mckee Park is transformed with playgrounds, a splash pad, pavilions, restrooms and much more – don’t forget about the Pickleball courts. Cornerstone Park hosts sports tournaments throughout the year and features beautiful walking trails, playgrounds and community lawn spaces.

Equestrian Experience

Mount up and discover the 100-acre Mississippi Horse Park just south of the Mississippi State University main campus. More than 40,000 people visit the park each year, reining in fun at 40 annual events. The park is a division of the university’s extension service, providing entertainment for visitors and serving as a classroom and learning center. Please contact the Horse Park for its current hours of operation.

Chadwick Lake

Chadwick Lake is located next to the Joe Frank Sanderson Center on the campus of MSU. Fishing is allowed with a Mississippi fishing license and a Chadwick Lake permit. For the walker and the runner, there is a one-mile walking trail around the lake that passes by the university’s athletic administration buildings and student recreation facility. A disc golf course and a small outdoor gym that includes pull-up bars, dip bars, wall-ball targets and other body weight machines are also situated around the lake. This area offers several ways to stay active outdoors. Please contact the Sanderson Center for their hours of operation.

The Noxubee Wildlife Refuge

You can take a vigorous hike, go birding, canoe or kayak the lake, take a stroll in the bottom-land hardwood forest, photograph wildlife – including alligators and bald eagles – and much more at the Sam D. Hamilton National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge covers more than 48,000 acres with an extensive trail system. The refuge has something for all-aged visitors.

Farm Fresh

On most Saturdays throughout the year, the Starkville Community Market is the place to find wholesome, local produce and goodies galore. Bins brim with colorful fruits and veggies, and artisans sell baked goods and crafty items. The market takes place at Fire Station Park located at the intersection of Lampkin Street and Russell Street.

The Lights on Lafayette

Come and enjoy the warm glow of the festoon lights on Lafayette Street. This most recent and creative feature to the downtown area is a local favorite for an evening walk. This unique space is also used as a public dining space on occasion. The lights look especially beautiful at night with the imagery of the Starkville favorites mural as a backdrop.

Sip, Nip, and Shop

Enjoy delicious wines and a sample of artfully paired food at the unWINE Downtown events held throughout the year. Merchants open their shops and stores after hours, offering sips and nips and discounts of up to 20% for all unWINE ticket holders. These festive nights are perfect for early holiday shopping. Not a wine fan? unTapped may be more your speed. The craft beer event occurs twice a year. You can find the current list of dates at Starkville.org.

Starkville Dog Park

The Starkville Dog Park is located on North Jackson Street as part of Moncrief Park. The fenced-in areas, one for large breeds and one for small breeds, are equipped with picnic tables, trees, a drinking station and waste bags. Dogs who visit the park are required to be at least four months old and have their current vaccinations. The park provides a great way for dogs and humans alike to get some much-needed exercise and play time while visiting this dog-friendly community.

Exciting Annual Events

Starkville is heralded for its many fun events throughout the year that have something for everyone. A big draw is Bulldog Bash, MSU Student Association's annual fall semester concert, which is the state's largest free outdoor concert. Visitors won't want to miss the annual Cotton District Arts Festival, including a Pet Parade, local and regional vendors, Taste of Starkville food vendors, Childrens' and International Villages and live music. Dog lovers young and old look forward to the race, live music and food at the Dachshund Dash, part of the Starkville Derby. This fun and unique event takes place in the Cotton District and benefits the Oktibbeha Co. Humane Society.