Historic landmarks are a way of life in Hernando, MS, and one key architectural delight is the 1925-built Water Tower, subject of a New York Times article and front and center on the cover of Grammy-nominated North Mississippi Allstars' Hernando album.
With a population of just over 14,000, charming Hernando bears the nickname "Mississippi's Front Porch," and from local coffee spots to broad, oak-covered lawns, this is the place to kick back and relax and watch the world go by
Historic landmarks are a way of life in Hernando, MS, and one key architectural delight is the 1925-built Water Tower, subject of a New York Times article and front and center on the cover of Grammy-nominated North Mississippi Allstars' Hernando album.
With a population of just over 14,000, charming Hernando bears the nickname "Mississippi's Front Porch," and from local coffee spots to broad, oak-covered lawns, this is the place to kick back and relax and watch the world go by. On the other hand, if you want a huge helping of music on famous Beale Street, business, and maybe a trip to Elvis Presley's Graceland, visit nearby Memphis, TN. In fact, Memphis is only 25 minutes away. It's easy to travel: US Route 51 and I-55 border the city. Hernando has not one, but five National Register Districts, and is the DeSoto County seat.
Moving to Town
If you are looking for rental homes in Hernando, you'll find plenty of places to live in, from house rentals to one-bedroom apartments. Hernando's southern charm is coveted, and there are more owner-occupied properties than rentals. Summer may be warm for looking for rentals; on the other hand, there's likely to be less competition for a property during that time. You may want to start your search in the cozy Hernando City Center area, but if you like rural locations, check out the neighborhoods around Arkabutla Lake. Regardless, you'll want to spend a month on your home search here. It will be worth it. Scour newspapers, look at local online listings, and don't forget to use word of mouth. In this friendly community, asking around about the availability of a rental may just find you the right spot. Be sure your credit report, ID, and work information is at the ready for landlords.
Neighborhoods
Yes, this fine town gets hot and humid in the summer, but mild winters offset the summer heat. You'll love the scent of fresh flowers in the spring and summer, and enjoy fine southern cooking at cafes and restaurants in town. Grits and cheese? Homemade biscuits? Mouth watering yet? All you need to do is move to one of these neighborhoods.
Eudora / Cub Lake: This is a rural neighborhood with great access to Arkabutla Lake. Bring the fishing rod with you here, and check out the single-family homes and mobile homes mostly built between 1970 and the present.
Hernando City Center: Just off Highway 69, and home to the DeSoto museum, you'll find single-family homes, apartments, and mobile homes here, with many residences owner occupied. Stroll the streets a little longer if you're looking for a spot here.
Love / Robinson Gin: There's plenty of space to go fishing, boating, or swimming in Arkabutla Lake here. Single-family and mobile homes are mostly newer.
Life in Hernando
Fishing, walking, biking, recycling, and gardening -- these are just some of the pastimes that make Hernando residents happy.
Enjoy the fruits of local gardens and farms at Hernando's farmers market, held under the oaks of the Courthouse lawn on historic Hernando Square. Everybody knows everybody else's produce, and there are arts and crafts for sale amid the kohlrabi and farm fresh eggs. This farm-to-table delight was named Mississippi's Favorite Farmers Market 2010, 2011, and 2012 and featured in the July 2010 issue of Mississippi Magazine as one of six favorite farmers markets in the state.
Like a little art and history? Check out the DeSoto County Museum, located right in town and featuring the history and development of DeSoto County, all the way from 1541 to the present. From riverboat days to antebellum mansions, African American heritage exhibits, and exhibits about the Civil War, the museum touches on a number of things. Local artwork is also on display.
Desoto Family Theater and the Kudzu Playhouse offer stage performances year round if you'd prefer your culture with live actors and music. And speaking of music, markers indicating the region's "Blues Highway" musical heritage are scattered throughout the community.
Like to spin your wheels? The Hernando Bicycle Club rides every Saturday morning, departing from the downtown Town Square. The FedEx Rock 'n' Roll Bicycle Race includes Hernando on its route, so practice up and join on in. This town is big on race events -- there are 12 to choose from annually. So cycle on in.
