Byram, Mississippi, is known as the Home of the Swinging Bridge. That's not an earthquake, that's just you walking. Built in 1905, the bridge was once the only way to cross the Pearl River at Byram. Since 1987 the Byram Swinging Bridge is only open to foot traffic -- and it's now an historical landmark.
Ranked as one of the ten best places to live in the hospitality state of Mississippi, by the MoVoTo Blog, Byram is a city in Hinds County with a population of roughly 11,400 as of the 2010 Census. Located adjacent to the much larger city of Jackson, Byram has a small town feel close to many big city amenities.
Moving to Byram
If you're looking for winter snowfall or beachfront property, then Byram's not your spot. But if you're after housing for rent in a pleasant, leafy green community in a mild climate not far from major urban attractions, housing for rent in Byram could be the spot for you.
When to Look
With summers humid and hot, you may find it easier to look for your new home during the temperate spring or fall, or mild winter months. This is a popular area, and rentals, particularly in the city center area, can be scarce.
Where to Look
Check out the Jackson Free Press or the Clarion Ledger for rental listings, look at online rental links, and of course, take the time for a stroll through the various neighborhoods here to find the place you'll like best, whether you're after an apartment for rent, house rentals, or even pet friendly apartments.
What to Bring
You can sell your snow boots, but make sure you keep important papers handy to please would-be landlords -- that means your ID, bank statements, proof of employment such as W2s or a letter from a new employer, and a copy of your credit report.
Neighborhoods
With some areas adjoining the bucolic Pearl River, you're sure to find a pleasant property in this quiet suburb of Jackson. Remember though, this is an area people love to live in, so vacancies may take awhile to spot.
Byram City Center: Suburban in density, this central area is one of those close to the pretty Pearl, and offers single family homes and apartment complexes including the Reserve at Byram and Spring Lake Apartments among others. There is a mix of owners and renters here, and properties of all sizes which are primarily newer, constructed between 1970 and the present. Lake Ridgelea borders this community, and Big Creek meanders through it
Spring Ridge / Seven Springs: Bordering Highway 18, this part of town has a rural feel, with a great deal of green space if you're into a summer barbeque or a family game of touch football. There are medium to large single family homes and mobile homes located here, and many are owner occupied. Vacancies are small in this part of town, so look carefully for a rental. Many properties were built between 1970 and the present. Big Creek also wanders through this neighborhood.
Life in Byram
You'll likely need a car to get around here, as public transportation can be scarce. Over 80 percent of the residents here commute to work in a private vehicle, but the good news is that commute times are less than 30 minutes on average.
There are many pleasant bodies of water in this town, allowing you to stroll the banks, fish, swim, or watch wildlife. From Big Creek to 11 Miles Creek, the Pearl River, and CB Blaine Pond dam to a variety of small ponds and streams, you'll have plenty of places to splash your toes or catch a cool breeze in the warm Mississippi summer months.
The Beverly J. Brown Library is a focal point of activities for adults and children from lectures to reading groups. Community sports such as youth Little League take place throughout town. The town also supports a major recycling program
While many national chain restaurants take up much of the dining landscape, one local mainstay is renowned by locals and visitors alike: Reed Pierce's Eat Drink & Play is billiards sports bar with 6,000 square feet indoors and 3,000 outdoors. From the New Orleans style fountain to the tiki bar and 9 Ball Lounge with eight tournament ready billiards tables, this is the place for families and friends alike to play pool, watch major league sports on television, or listen to live music. And the rib eye and steaks are highly touted for carnivorous diners. Backyard Burgers is another local favorite. To work off all those calories? Anytime Fitness has a local branch, so get ready to get on a treadmill.
Looking for more excitement? Just hop in your car and drive into Jackson, less than 15 minutes away. Byram residents can easily access Interstate 55 and zip into the big city or throughout the state. There you'll find entertainment of all kinds ranging from great blues and rock 'n' roll road houses to the Mississippi Symphony and Ballet Mississippi. You can also spend a day at the museum -- or rather, one of many museums -- including the Municipal Art Gallery, the Russell C. Davis Planetarium, and the Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center. The Mississippi Museum of Art is no slouch either.
And of course, when you've tired of the big city, your home is just a short drive away, and you'll be back on quiet streets listening to the pleasant passing of the Pearl River or a nearby creek or stream.
