Starkville, Mississippi, September 7, 2025
News Summary
Starkville, Mississippi, has been named the best small town in the South for the second consecutive year. The vibrant community, rich in history and culture, offers plenty of nature opportunities, a thriving arts scene, and events that foster a strong sense of community. With a population exceeding 25,000, Starkville continues to charm visitors and residents alike while hosting events like the King Cotton Crawfish Boil and the annual Christmas parade. Despite some challenges, this town remains a beloved destination for families and individuals seeking a welcoming community.
Starkville Shines Bright as Best Small Town in the South for 2023!
Starkville, Mississippi, has done it again! For the second consecutive year, this charming town has been crowned the best small town in the South! With a population just shy of 25,000, Starkville continues to attract visitors and residents alike with its vibrant community and beautiful surroundings.
How Did They Earn This Honor?
The selection process for this prestigious title was both thorough and exciting. An expert panel of judges took the time to nominate towns based on a variety of criteria, such as fun activities, nature opportunities, dining options, and cultural sites. After all the nominations were in, editors made sure to give the public a voice, allowing for a four-week voting period to finalize the rankings.
Why Starkville Stands Out
So, what makes Starkville so special? For starters, the town boasts a thriving arts scene and unique historic districts that tell the stories of its rich past. Notably, adventure seekers can enjoy excellent opportunities for birdwatching thanks to the area’s natural beauty. This town is home to the impressive Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library, housing extensive memorabilia that history buffs will love.
Adding to the excitement, Starkville is also home to the renowned Mississippi State University. The university adds a level of vibrancy to the town, especially during college game days, when the atmosphere buzzes with energy and excitement. In 2020, the population stood at 24,360, and with projections suggesting it has now officially topped 25,000, it’s clear that more people want to be part of this charming community.
Festivities and Community Spirit
Starkville’s historic downtown area is the heart of community events, including the beloved King Cotton Crawfish Boil, an arts festival that attracts folks from near and far, and a delightful annual Christmas parade that lights up the town each year. These events create a strong sense of community, showcasing the friendliness of the locals and their love for coming together.
National Recognition and Local Love
As Starkville garners attention, sports figures have also commented on its accolades. It was highlighted by well-known sports figures while discussing major college football matchups. They showcased its charm and friendly atmosphere, reflecting the excitement buzzing within its festivities.
However, not everything is perfect in paradise. Some critics, including a visiting coach from Arizona State University, pointed out the limited hotel accommodations. This situation led their team to stay over an hour away from Starkville, shedding light on an area that still has room to grow. But for all that, the friendliness of the community and the charm of the town truly shine.
A Family-Friendly Atmosphere
Despite some setbacks with dining and accommodations, Starkville is celebrated for its quality of life and family-friendly environment. From affordable housing options to charming local shops and eateries, this town goes beyond being just another college town. It’s a haven for families and individuals looking for a welcoming, tight-knit community.
In essence, Starkville, Mississippi, continues to write its own story, filled with promise, excitement, and community spirit that keeps it living up to its title as the best small town in the South.
FAQs about Starkville, Mississippi
What features contribute to Starkville being named the best small town in the South?
Starkville was recognized for its vibrant arts scene, historic districts, cultural attractions, nature opportunities, community spirit, and the presence of Mississippi State University.
How does the voting process for the rankings work?
Town nominations were made by an expert panel based on specific criteria, followed by a public voting period that lasted four weeks.
What is the population of Starkville?
As of the 2020 Census, Starkville’s population was recorded at 24,360, with current estimates suggesting it has now surpassed 25,000 residents.
What events are held in Starkville’s downtown area?
The downtown area hosts several events throughout the year, including the King Cotton Crawfish Boil, various arts festivals, and an annual Christmas parade.
Are there any challenges faced by Starkville?
Some criticisms have been raised regarding limited hotel accommodations, leading visiting teams to stay an hour away during events.
Key Features of Starkville
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Rank | Best Small Town in the South |
| Population | Over 25,000 |
| Main Attractions | Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library, Historic Downtown, Arts Scene |
| Community Events | King Cotton Crawfish Boil, Arts Festival, Christmas Parade |
| Educational Institution | Mississippi State University |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Oktibbeha County Board Approves Sale of OCH Regional Medical Center
Mississippi State Bulldogs Soccer Season Opener Canceled
Ally Perry Named to Midfielders To Watch List
Starkville Welcomes Linebacker Jalen Smith and Art Briles
Wynne Student Achieves Academic Excellence at MSU
Notorious Drug Trafficker ‘Fito’ Recaptured
Additional Resources
- SI.com: Best Southern City to Live In – Starkville
- Clarion Ledger: Best Small Town in the South
- Southern Living: Starkville Named Best Small Town
- WCBI: Starkville Named Best Southern Small Town
- Miami Herald: Best Small Town in the South
- Wikipedia: Starkville, Mississippi
- Google Search: Best Small Town in the South
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mississippi
- Google News: Starkville Mississippi
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
