Senatobia was named after the Chickasaw Indian word for "white sycamore," which is a type of tree that is considered a place of rest for the weary.
Located near the borders of Tennessee and Arkansas, Senatobia boasts sunny skies, grassy lands, and, most importantly, scrumptious southern food. It's not all fair weather and foodstuffs; Senatobia also has its share of fancy film stories. Both The Client and The People vs. Larry Flynt were filmed here. And there are more Hollywood connections than that. James Earl Jones, beloved deep-voiced actor, was born in Tate County, where Senatobia is located. But beyond the links to the silver screen, Senatobia also has a wealth of enticing recreational opportunities, affordable cost of living, and insanely friendly natives. You've heard about the famous southern hospitality, right? With a strong, unique culture and a focus on growing bigger and better every year, Senatobia is the perfect place to set down roots in the south.
Moving to Senatobia
Every mover has to take into consideration a few things before they make for sunnier pastures, wherever they're headed. While Senatobia has a lot going for it, the realities of finding a new home are still present. The advice below can make the transition smooth and easy, just like your new southern lifestyle.
Housing Landscape
Do you love older homes with oodles of charm oozing out their hardwood floors? You'll find plenty of those kinds of properties here, whether you like condos for rent or one bedroom apartments. Not sure which type you want? Try a duplex instead. There's a good sampling of all kinds of housing here, but most of it was built between 1970 and 2000. You've a fair selection of newer homes and much older, so don't fret if your ideal epoch isn't included here. More good news: owners and renters are pretty evenly split, so you won't have to worry about some rude side-eye coming from mortgage holders.
And for good measure, here's a bit more excellent information: The vacancy rate in Senatobia is just a hair above average, and they're always welcoming new folks with open arms. You won't have to wait long to find your perfect 1 bedroom apartment or other living arrangement, so jump on in.
The Paper Trail
Before you go packing up the U-Haul and painting "Senatobia or Bust" on the back window of your car, make sure you have a few essential documents ready for your future landlord. Crucial credentials include your ID, obviously, 3 or 4 recent pay stubs, and your credit report. Not everyone can claim a flawless FICO score, but if yours is more bruised than you'd like, make sure you hunt down some appropriate references who can praise you endlessly to your prospective lessor.
One final piece of paper you may need in advance is a cashier's check. Most places won't accept a personal check for the first month's rent and security fee, if there is one, so keep that handy just in case.
Senatobia Neighborhoods
While this city has a beautiful environment and friendly folks, it doesn't have traditional neighborhoods like some cities do. There are still differences from one section to another, so you should definitely get a lay of the land before committing. Here's a quick overview.
North: Up top you've got a wealth of goodies including most of the amenities like shopping, eating, and eventing. Highway 4 is the main drag, although several other streets offer a few commercial options. You've got easy access to the 4, 51, and I-55, and there's also Cromcraft Lake up at the tippy top. As for rentals, you've got plenty. Try Heritage Place Apartments or Kirk Moore Rentals.
South: Down south is a little quieter and roomier, although the 51 and I-55 are still close by. If you dream of a big backyard, a large house to rent, or access to big trees and green grass as far as the eye can see, this is your new home. There are fewer apartments here, but try Senatobia Arms Apartments for a good start.
Living in Senatobia
Worried about getting around town? Well, Senatobia, like many places in the south, doesn't have a particularly impressive public transportation system. There are some buses, but the vast majority of folks opt to drive everywhere, and you'd be wise to do the same.
As far as living here, the cost of living is low and friends are everywhere, so it makes sense that locals like to make the most of their serene life when they're not clocking in hours at work. Most people love to get outdoors as often as possible, unless it's the middle of summer. Humidity is a killer here, so most folks try to stay cool in air-conditioned buildings or find a welcoming river or creek in which to dip. Downtown Senatobia has some worthwhile eateries boasting seriously good southern food, Mexican and American. But don't forget that Nashville is just a hop, skip, and a jump away. Love music, food, or nightlife? They have it in spades there.