Laurel

Tucked into the pine hills of Jones County in southeast Mississippi, Laurel has a story worth knowing before you decide to make it home. Once a booming lumber and oil town, this small city has quietly been experiencing a cultural renaissance — largely thanks to its national spotlight from HGTV’s “Home Town,” hosted by locals Ben and Erin Napier. But beyond the television fame, Laurel offers something genuinely appealing: an authentic Southern community with a manageable pace of life, deep roots, and real affordability. If you’re weighing your options, here’s what you actually need to know.

A City That Fits Multiple Lifestyles

With a population of just over 17,000 people, Laurel is small enough to feel personal but large enough to have real amenities. The city attracts a surprisingly diverse mix of residents — retirees drawn by the affordability and calm, young families planting roots, and remote workers who’ve realized they don’t need to pay big-city prices to live well. The median age hovers around 35.6, which means the community skews relatively young and working-age, giving the city an active, forward-looking energy. Historic neighborhoods like Oak Park and the Lauren Rogers Museum district offer charming, walkable streetscapes with craftsman-style homes and mature trees, while newer developments on the city’s outskirts cater to those wanting modern construction.

Cost of Living and Housing

This is where Laurel genuinely stands out. The median home price sits around $110,200 — a figure that’s almost hard to believe if you’re coming from a larger metro area. For that price, you can find well-maintained historic bungalows in established neighborhoods, spacious ranch-style homes, or even properties with acreage just outside the city limits. Renting is equally reasonable, with apartments and houses available at rates well below the national average. The overall cost of living — groceries, utilities, transportation — tracks lower than most of the country, which means your dollar stretches further here. The median household income of around $37,781 reflects the local wage landscape, so it’s worth factoring that in if you’re job-seeking locally rather than working remotely.

Employment and Economy

Laurel’s economy is anchored by healthcare, manufacturing, and public services. Sanderson Farms, one of the largest poultry producers in the country, operates a significant facility in the area and is a major regional employer. South Central Regional Medical Center serves as another cornerstone employer in healthcare. Jones County and the City of Laurel itself also provide substantial public sector jobs. The school district, retail, and small business sectors round out the employment picture. If your career is specialized or you’re in a professional field like technology or finance, remote work or a commute to Hattiesburg (about 45 minutes west) or Meridian may be necessary. Entrepreneurs will find low overhead costs encouraging, and the revitalized downtown has seen new small businesses taking root in recent years.

Lifestyle and Recreation

Laurel punches above its weight culturally. The Lauren Rogers Museum of Art is genuinely impressive for a city this size, housing a remarkable collection in a 1923 Georgian Revival building. Downtown has a growing roster of locally owned restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques. Outdoors, the Longleaf Trace — a 41-mile paved trail extending toward Hattiesburg — is a gem for cyclists and walkers. The surrounding Jones County landscape offers fishing, hunting, and access to the DeSoto National Forest. Community events, high school football, and local church life form the social fabric for many residents.

The Bottom Line

Laurel isn’t for everyone. If you need a bustling nightlife scene or proximity to a major airport, you’ll feel the limitations. But if you’re looking for an affordable, community-oriented place with genuine character, historic charm, and a lower cost of living that lets you build financial stability, Laurel deserves serious consideration. It’s a city making the most of its moment — and for the right person, it could be exactly the fresh start you’re looking for.