News Summary
Starkville has been recognized as the ‘Best Small Town in the South’ for the second consecutive year by USA Today. This title highlights Starkville’s Southern hospitality, rich history, and community charm. The recognition has sparked a friendly rivalry with Oxford, which was rated as the second-best small college town, while both cities are witnessing a notable demand in real estate.
Starkville has once again been named the “Best Small Town in the South” by USA Today, marking the second consecutive year that the city has received this prestigious recognition. The accolades are reserved for towns with populations under 25,000 that exemplify Southern hospitality, rich history, and community charm.
This year’s designation has reignited a friendly rivalry between Starkville and Oxford, which was rated as the number two “Best Small College Town” in the same evaluation. The ranking is likely to provoke some disappointment among Oxford’s residents, further fueling the competitive spirit between the two cities.
Supporting Details
Notably, Oxford also earned the fourth position for “Best Public Square,” showcasing landmarks such as the historic 1872 courthouse and a sculpture dedicated to famed author William Faulkner. In the broader context of college towns in Mississippi, Hattiesburg was mentioned as another noteworthy location, although it is not in direct competition with Starkville and Oxford.
Mississippi’s relatively small population of less than three million places it as the least populous state in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) region. Despite this, the state’s towns are thriving, especially in real estate, where both Starkville and Oxford are experiencing increasing demand for housing and rental properties. Starkville’s vibrant downtown area has recently undergone significant transformation, further enhancing its appeal as a desirable place to live.
Community Culture and Athletic Rivalry
The significance of Starkville’s recognition is spotlighted by notable SEC analysts praising the city for its warmth and hospitality. On the other hand, Oxford is characterized as a community deeply rooted in its traditions while also embracing a promising future, particularly in its devotion to SEC sports and literature.
Both Starkville and Oxford boast lively food and beverage scenes, although a definitive comparison of culinary excellence remains unresolved. The historic rivalry between Mississippi State University in Starkville and the University of Mississippi in Oxford is epitomized in events such as the Egg Bowl, an annual football game that first took place in 1902. The Egg Bowl has become a cherished tradition and has continued annually since 1944, with intense regional pride at stake.
Recent Sports Highlights
In the realm of women’s sports, the upcoming Magnolia Cup on October 17, 2024, will showcase a match between the No. 3 Mississippi State and Ole Miss. Under head coach James Armstrong, Mississippi State’s women’s soccer team is enjoying an exceptional season, having secured a perfect 6-0-0 record in the SEC. Goalkeeper Maddy Anderson stands out this season with 10 solo shutouts, leading her team in goals-against average. Forward Ally Perry leads the team in scoring, having accumulated eight goals and consistently high performance metrics.
In contrast, Ole Miss women’s soccer has encountered challenges this season and is still searching for its first SEC victory, previously managing a tie with No. 23 South Carolina. Mississippi State has made history by achieving a program record for the most SEC wins in a single season with six, highlighting the competitive nature of both teams.
Notably, the Egg Bowl and Magnolia Cup continually draw high attendance, with both recent matches attracting over 2,000 fans. This passion and enthusiasm are reflected not just in sports activities, but in how both cities are prominently featured in various rankings and sports news sources, emphasizing their ongoing rivalry and competitive spirit.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Starkville’s Main Street Set for a Summer Transformation
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Starkville, Mississippi Named Best Small Town in the South for 2025
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Helen Restaurant Advances in South’s Best Steak House Contest
Oktibbeha County Puts OCH Medical Center Up for Bids
Additional Resources
- Mississippi State Soccer News
- Saturday Down South: Ole Miss vs Mississippi State Rivalry
- Clarion Ledger: Rock Eupora’s Indie Sound
- Wikipedia: Magnolia Cup
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University of Mississippi
