Laurel

The House Dealer's South Mississippi Living Guide
Living in Laurel, Mississippi: The Complete Relocation Guide (2026)
"Real advice from Jason McMichael, The House Dealer, Broker Associate and Co-Leader of Connect Group at Real Broker."

 
Welcome to Laurel, Mississippi
Laurel is one of South Mississippi's most recognizable communities—and not just because it's home to HGTV's Home Town.

Over the past several years, this historic city has experienced an incredible revival. Beautifully restored homes, locally owned restaurants, boutique shopping, and a thriving downtown have attracted visitors and new residents from across the country. But what many people discover after moving here is that Laurel offers much more than what they see on television.

Whether you're looking for a walkable historic neighborhood, a low-maintenance home close to restaurants and events, or acreage where your family has room to grow, Laurel offers a lifestyle that's difficult to find in many communities today.

Located about 30 minutes north of Hattiesburg, Laurel combines small-town charm with enough shopping, healthcare, dining, and recreation to make everyday living convenient.

 
Why Jason Recommends Laurel
One of the things Jason appreciates most about Laurel is the variety of lifestyles it offers.

"When people ask me if they should move to Laurel, my answer is usually another question: 'What kind of lifestyle are you looking for?' That's what makes Laurel unique. You can live in a beautifully restored historic home and walk to dinner downtown, or you can drive just a few minutes outside the city and find acreage, privacy, and room to spread out. There aren't many places that offer both."

 
Is Laurel Right for You?
Laurel tends to be an excellent fit for:

Buyers relocating from larger cities looking for a slower pace of life.
Retirees and downsizers who want a walkable community with character.
Buyers who love historic architecture and unique homes.
Families looking for land, privacy, and room to grow in the surrounding county.
Anyone who enjoys supporting locally owned businesses and community events.
If you're looking for a fast-paced urban environment with heavy nightlife and large shopping districts, Laurel may not be the best fit. But if you're searching for a community with personality, history, and genuine hometown pride, Laurel deserves a closer look.

 
Choosing the Right Area
One of the biggest decisions buyers make isn't simply choosing Laurel—it's deciding which part of Laurel best fits their lifestyle.

Historic Downtown
Downtown Laurel has become one of Mississippi's most recognizable downtown districts.

Many buyers are drawn to:

Historic homes full of character.
Smaller lots with less maintenance.
Walkability to restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and local events.
A vibrant community atmosphere throughout the year.
This area is especially popular with retirees, professionals, remote workers, and buyers relocating from larger cities who want to be part of the energy that downtown offers.

Rural Laurel & Jones County
For buyers who want more land and privacy, the surrounding county provides a completely different lifestyle.

Here you'll find:

Larger homesites.
Acreage.
Farms and hobby farms.
Space for workshops, animals, and outdoor living.
Many growing families choose these areas because they offer more room while still being just a short drive from Laurel's restaurants, shopping, and entertainment.

 
Schools
School choice is one of the first conversations Jason has with relocating families.

While Laurel offers both city and county school options, families whose top priority is school performance often explore the surrounding county districts, including South Jones, West Jones, and East Jones.

Jason believes the right school decision depends on each family's goals, and he encourages buyers to compare their options before deciding where to purchase a home.

 
Downtown Laurel Lifestyle
One of Laurel's greatest strengths is its downtown experience.

Spend an afternoon walking the historic streets and you'll quickly understand why so many people fall in love with the city.

Some local favorites include:

Laurel Mercantile, founded by HGTV's Ben and Erin Napier.
Pearl's Diner, a longtime local favorite.
The Loft, known for dining and gathering with friends.
Rusty Chandelier, offering a unique shopping experience with antiques, home décor, gifts, and local vendors.
The downtown district is designed to be enjoyed on foot, making it easy to spend an entire afternoon shopping, dining, and exploring.

 
Jason's Hidden Gem
One place Jason loves recommending to clients is The Knight Butcher.

Part butcher shop and part restaurant, it's one of those places many visitors don't discover until a local points them in the right direction. Whether you're picking up premium cuts for the grill or sitting down for one of their popular burgers, it's the kind of local business that reflects Laurel's personality—authentic, welcoming, and worth the visit.

 
Community Events
Laurel stays active throughout the year with events that bring residents together.

Some favorites include:

Wine Down Downtown
Christmas celebrations
Fourth of July festivities
Halloween events
Seasonal festivals
Community markets and shopping events
These gatherings help create the close-knit atmosphere that keeps many residents connected to their community.

 
Jason's Local Perspective
"People often discover Laurel because of HGTV, but they stay because of the people. Television may introduce you to the beautiful homes, but it doesn't show the conversations you'll have with local business owners, the friendships you'll build, or the sense of community you'll experience. Laurel gives buyers choices. You can enjoy historic downtown living, or you can have acreage and privacy just outside the city. That's why I never try to sell Laurel the same way to every buyer. My job is to help you find the part of Laurel that fits your life."

 
Jason's Quick Tips
🏡 Love history? Spend time walking downtown before you buy. The character of the historic neighborhoods is one of Laurel's biggest attractions.

🎓 Moving with kids? Compare both city and county school options before narrowing your home search. The right location often depends on your family's priorities.

🍔 Don't leave town without trying The Knight Butcher. It's one of those places locals recommend again and again.

🚶 Plan to park and explore on foot. Laurel's downtown is one of the most walkable shopping and dining districts in South Mississippi.

 
Jason's Scorecard
Category
Jason's Rating
Family Friendly
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Historic Charm
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Walkability
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Dining
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Shopping
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Outdoor Recreation
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Retirement
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Investment Potential
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Affordability
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Variety of Housing
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
 
Thinking About Moving to Laurel?
Every buyer's idea of the perfect home is different. Some fall in love with a restored historic cottage just blocks from downtown, while others dream of a home with acreage where they can spread out.

That's why Jason starts every conversation with one simple question:

"What kind of lifestyle are you looking for?"

Once you answer that, finding the right home—and the right part of Laurel—becomes much easier.