Ripley, MS 1 Apartments for Rent

Home to First Monday Trade Days, Ripley enjoys the oldest ongoing outdoor flea market in the entire United States.

Ripley is located in northern Mississippi and holds the council seat for Tippah County. A small town that takes up about 11 square miles, it has a population of 5,478. This leafy town, bordered by plenty of forest and waterways, has played an important role in history and development, including housing soldiers during the Civil War. Built in the fashion of many old settlements, with a log cabin courthouse at the center, the town slowly expanded around it in a grid pattern. Ripley has preserved this model, including a nationally recognized Historic District in the old square where the flea market used to be held. Centered on the Court House, which was built in 1928, a number of commercial buildings, ranging in age from 1840-190 invoke Art Moderne and Tudor Revival styles. This area of town includes a number of private homes, an ornate jail house and four churches.

Moving to Ripley

There are a few things you must know when moving to Ripley, Mississippi. For instance, during the summer it gets hot and humid, and subsequently this means you'll be treated to some dramatic thunderstorms. Due to this, the best time to move, without succumbing to heat stroke or sudden downpours, is during Spring and Fall. Another thing to consider is your mobility. Runners and walkers will love Blue Mountain neighborhoods, while those looking to get away from their neighbors (or at least keep a peaceful distance) will enjoy Gravestone far more. Start looking for your home about 3 months prior to moving, to suss out all your different options and neighborhoods.

Also be prepared to be prepared! That's right, you'll want to have everything in order before you even begin your search. This means saving up enough for the dreaded security deposit -- usually first and last month's rent -- but don't fear it too much, paying it means you have a new home! Also be sure to have your credit report in order, so a prospective landlord who wants to run a credit check (yes, it's almost a guarantee) won't find any red flags. Finally, having some recommendations on hand from previous landlords is always a plus.

Neighborhoods in Ripley

Finding housing in Ripley is comparatively easy and there's plenty to choose from. Downtown has a number of small apartment homes, while further out in the adjoining neighborhoods, it's easy to find various housing for rent. With a vacancy rate high above the Mississippi average, you'll usually need little more than a downpayment to move into your residency of choice.

Gravestone/Whitten Town: The Gravestone/Whitten Town neighborhood is an excellent location for those who'd like a bit of space. In fact, this neighborhood has one of the lowest population densities in the entire USA, so curmudgeons are encouraged to apply. Large yards, with plenty of solitude, is easy to find, allowing you to stretch out and relax. Most of the homes inside Gravestone/Whitten Town are 2-4 bedroom dwellings, which are primarily owned by the residents. That said, it's not unusual to find rental houses, leased by their owners. Mobile homes are also widely available here, which contribute to the amount of rentals within the area.

Blue Mountain: The neighborhood of Blue Mountain is ideal for avid walkers, runners and students. With above average safety ratings, and a nearby university, it has become a popular area for college students to live. Slightly more populated than Gravestone, it's primarily made up of medium sized homes, and rent tends to be less expensive thanks to the amount of college students making up tenancy. However, despite the amount of students, do not expect Blue Mountain to be a party neighborhood. In fact, don't expect to hear a peep from your neighbor. Although this area of town is slightly trendier than Gravestone, the Blue Mountain neighborhood mostly known for its peace and quiet. The vacancy rates here are slightly more competitive, with about 10 percent of the homes available for rent.

City Center: Ripley's City Center has the highest population density in the town, so if you want a more suburban style life, this one's for you. There is a nice mix of housing in this area of town, ranging from small apartment buildings to small medium size homes. A walkable area, that is close to plenty of shops, restaurants and historical buildings it is ideal for those who want their neighbors a little closer, and a myriad of options around them. The vacancy rate in City Center is fairly high, running at around 12 percent. Because of this, it's considered fairly easy to get a 1 bedroom apartments. Larger 2 bedroom apartments are also widely available, although the rates for these are slightly more competitive.

Living in Ripley

Tired of hearing your neighbor blast their awful music? Well, fear not, because in Ripley you'll have your fair share of peace and quiet. However, that hardly means there's nothing to do here. A number of lively activities take place in Ripley year-round.

Festivals and events, which run about two per season, are usually centered on the Ripley Historical District. Amongst the beautiful backdrop of old architectural styles there are food festivals, school sponsored events, and even an occasional parade. Yes you will be asked to buy a few trinkets to support the local sports teams, but hey, it's for the kids.

Speaking of children, or those who remain children at heart, the Ripley SportsPlex is an expansive property that includes six different baseball and softball fields and two full size soccer fields as well. Walking trails, playgrounds for toddlers, and a pavilion are also nearby, so that the entire family can enjoy fitness and fun.

Nearby, Kids World is filled with playgrounds set to accommodate over 150 children at a time. With plenty of safety padding and weatherproof grips, you can choose between covered play toys and open air fun. It is also equipped with an amphitheater for child-friendly shows and picnic areas, perfect for birthday parties.

Of course, the historic flea market, which has existed for over 100 years, is a must-see while in Ripley. Called First Monday because it takes place on the Saturday and Sunday before the first Monday of every month, it is usually held just outside the city. Here you can go browsing for hours and find not only antiques and practicalities, but also memorabilia from throughout the ages.

Nearby Tippah Lake is also a great way to relax and unwind. A perfect place for avid fishers, the water is filled with Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Bluegill, Redear, and Crappie. Camping along the lake, enjoying the occasional festival, and plenty of outdoor activities will round out a perfect way to spend the weekend.