Oxford, MS: More Than a College Town

Karen Pulfer Focht

Most people know Oxford and Lafayette County as the home of the University of Mississippi. The university, affectionately referred to as Ole Miss, is known for its attractive campus, strong research programs, diverse student body and passionate football fans.

But it’s not just students and sports enthusiasts who are making the move to Oxford. This North Mississippi city has arts and culture, excellent restaurants and nightlife, outdoor activities, and great shopping. It has history, beautiful architecture and Southern charm (as seen in the historic downtown square). 

Oxford and Lafayette County also provides a standout quality of life, with a healthy business climate and a reasonable cost of living. The median home price for single-family residential is $360,000 (North Central Mississippi REALTORS). When scouting out good places to raise a family, keep in mind that Oxford and Lafayette County school districts are consistently ranked among the best in the state. 

Why Make the Move to Oxford?

Jason List and his wife, Nicole, made the move to Oxford from California when he took a job with Ole Miss Athletics. 

“Having the opportunity to live and work in the greatest college town in the world was a dream come true,” Jason says. “And the longer we stayed, the more we got exposed to the culture, the people and the family feel of this town.” 

Tony Deal, owner of Deal’s Auto Repair and an Oxford native, says he loves the community for its kid-friendly environment. 

“It’s a small town, but there are a lot of things to do with kids here, such as plays, camps and activities for children at the university,” he says. 

Cultured Pearls Around Town

Incorporated in 1837, Oxford was named after its namesake city in England because town founders wanted it to be a major university town, just like the original; and their wishes came true. From just 80 students in its opening year in 1848, the University of Mississippi enrolled nearly 20,000 in 2022.

But even beyond the university, people who move to Oxford will find a town of creativity and learning, with music venues, theaters, art galleries and the homes of literary greats – William Faulkner and John Grisham – nearby. 

There’s always something to keep people entertained here, and outdoor enthusiasts have access to bike routes, golf courses, parks, campgrounds and fishing holes. One popular spot is the South Campus Rail Trail, a former railway converted to 5 miles of trails. 

Overall, residents say that no matter what you decide to do, it’s easy to get around in Oxford. “It’s just a nice place to live,” Deal says. “Things are accessible. Traffic’s easy. Going to the store is easy. It’s just easy to live here.” 

Loyal and Kindhearted Customers 

Oxford and Lafayette County is also a good place to run a business. Major employers, such as the University of Mississippi and Olin Corporation, provide jobs and boost the local economy, but startups and smaller businesses also thrive in Oxford – businesses such as Deal’s Auto Repair, which has been open 18 years. 

“If you provide a good service, you can make money here,” Deal says. “The town is small enough that you can meet everybody, so they’ll really get to know you and your business.” 

Krishna Kethana Samineni thinks similarly to Deal. As a current student at Ole Miss, Samineni moved to Oxford to get her MBA but also works as a data analyst. 

“Oxford has the best of two worlds,” she says. “It has a cozy small-town vibe along with a great potential for businesses. I feel confident about setting up a business here.” 

It’s the people of Oxford who make all the difference. “Oxford has kindhearted people and a very supportive community,” Samineni says. 

Then, of course, there’s always football. Though the Rebels may not always win, Ole Miss’ fans remain faithful, and every game day is a major holiday. What’s more, most locals keep on rooting for the town of Oxford. 

“Oxford is still undefeated,” Jason List says. “And we don’t see that scoreboard changing anytime soon.”