"All the houses were the same; no mansions, no slums, no country clubs. All the families were middle class, and they were producing children at a steady pace." - John Grisham on early Southaven
Don't bother agonizing over why they called this city Southaven when it's located in the northern part of Mississippi. Okay, in case you can't sleep over this misnomer, we're letting you in on the secret it's located south of Whitehaven, Tennessee; thus, the name. Misnomer aside, the city got its start as a planned suburb to serve the wiles of its glitzy neighbor, Memphis. Joke's on them since this little burb has grown to become the third largest city in Mississippi with a population of approximately 48,000. And before you go thinking it took a century before this suburb got to where it is now, think again. The change happened much more quickly than that - think years. Now think: if it only took around 20 years for Southaven to triple its population and double its land area, what do you think is in store for this still growing, vibrant city?
If you're excited to find out, grab a front-row seat for this city's next act
"All the houses were the same; no mansions, no slums, no country clubs. All the families were middle class, and they were producing children at a steady pace." - John Grisham on early Southaven
Don't bother agonizing over why they called this city Southaven when it's located in the northern part of Mississippi. Okay, in case you can't sleep over this misnomer, we're letting you in on the secret it's located south of Whitehaven, Tennessee; thus, the name. Misnomer aside, the city got its start as a planned suburb to serve the wiles of its glitzy neighbor, Memphis. Joke's on them since this little burb has grown to become the third largest city in Mississippi with a population of approximately 48,000. And before you go thinking it took a century before this suburb got to where it is now, think again. The change happened much more quickly than that - think years. Now think: if it only took around 20 years for Southaven to triple its population and double its land area, what do you think is in store for this still growing, vibrant city?
Moving to Southaven
If you're excited to find out, grab a front-row seat for this city's next act. Time to hunt for an ideal home for rent in Southaven.
Time
Ample time is your friend. You may be used to getting things done when you're beating a deadline, but consider making an exception when you're searching for a good place to live in. Give yourself at least six weeks to find a suitable place and you'll avoid the risk of couch surfing.
Documents
It's best to be prepared. Most landlords will require your W2, ID or payment stub, and a credit check to get the rental application started. If you can't produce any of these, they'll assume you have something to hide - and that certainly won't make you an attractive candidate.
Southaven's Neighborhoods
Before you contact any potential landlord and submit to their wiles, let's check out an overview of the different areas of the city first so you know which pond you'll feel comfortable swimming in.
City Center: A bulk of the action lies here, right below the Tennessee/Mississippi state line. This neighborhood mostly has studio apartments or three- to four-bedroom homes for those who wish to settle where the Spice Market of India, De Soto Plaza Retail Outlets and other shops and restaurants are.
Jago: This is another area that's located below the state line. If you wish to live here, expect to shell out serious dough; but don't worry, you're getting value for your money with this neighborhood's stock of stately homes. If you're willing to pay the price, you might even get a swimming pool in the package. Don't worry about living in a fixer there aren't any in this area.
Pleasant Hill: This is a neighborhood where spacious yards, mansion-like-brand-spanking-new homes and swimming pools are the norm. If you don't get nervous paying top dollar for an excellent apartment for rent, get into the high-end lifestyle here. Who knows? You might just get yourself a crib near Sunset or Sunrise Lake.
Plum Point: Central Park (forget NYC, we're still in Southaven) is within this neighborhood, so if you need a break from all the madness, solace is just around the corner. Single detached homes dominate this area, so if you're determined to find a good home in part of the city good. You're going to need a lot of determination to find vacant homes for rent here.
Greenbrook Parkway / State line Road E: Settlement in Southaven started generally in this area. If you don't mind living in an established neighborhood that's seen how the city got its start, consider apts for rent in this area.
Elmore Road E / Goodman Road E: This area is bustling with activities with the Southaven Towne Center, South Lake Center, Walmart Supercenter and numerous dining options. Sound good? Take your pick of the area's numerous apartment complexes (if you like the communal aspects) or singled detached homes (if you're not feeling the communal thing).
State line Route W / US Route 51: One of the oldest neighborhoods in this city, this area also boasts numerous vacant homes for rent. If you want an easier time in your search, head over to this area; lots of houses that look like they're from another era are what await you here.
Chesterfield Drive / Rasco Road W: If you'd like to save on your rent, this neighborhood may be for you. The problem? Many renters are also heading to this area, so you have to be lightning fast when you find a good rental property here.
Greenbrook Parkway / Rasco Road E: There's never a boring moment in this neighborhood, especially if you're an avid fan of baseball. Greenbrook Baseball Complex is just around the corner for you to get soaked in the local action. In addition, the Baptist Memorial Hospital is also nearby in case you don't catch that fly ball before it catches you.
Route 51 / Colonial Hills Drive: This neighborhood is an interesting mix of culture and sports, what with the Southaven Performing Arts and Boosters Club Park around. If you want to be part of the mix, there's a wide array of old and established houses that are waiting for you in this neighborhood.
Local Flavor, Good Weather
Home of the Mississippi RiverKings, a Southern Professional Hockey League Team that plays at the Lander Center, and the childhood home of famed author, John Grisham, Southaven is taking its place on the map (though it does suffer a minor identity crisis being on the border of two states and all).
Southaven has a subtropical climate (long summers and mild winters, anyone?), meaning no neck-deep snow to shovel. And, of course, with Memphis a stone's throw away and Jackson just a two-hour drive down the road, you can easily get your fix of rock n' roll, jazz or blues (whatever suits your mood) and come home to, well, home. And truly, Southaven is home.
So what are you waiting for? Come and get a place to call home.
