Families Find it All in Jackson, TN
After life in a huge international capital, Ed Jackson wondered whether a move back to his hometown might entail a bit of culture shock. Instead, his family found in Jackson a welcoming community where families enjoy big-city amenities and small-city comfort.
Jackson’s economic vibrancy, quality educational options, affordability and enviable quality of life increasingly attract families looking for a great place to settle. And, in turn, they’re making Jackson an even more attractive destination.
“My wife, Chelsea, and I looked at housing prices and schools and quality of life and knew we didn’t want to be in another big city,” says Jackson, district director for U.S. Rep. David Kustoff.
The couple had lived for years in Shenzhen, China, but decided to return to the States when they were expecting their second child.
“So, we came back home to Jackson. It was the perfect size for what we were looking for, and everything — home, school, taxes, daily needs — was so affordable,” he says.
Dr. Robert Stacey was drawn to Jackson for many of the same reasons when he was offered a new job as head of the Augustine School. He, his wife and teenage son moved here from Houston, finding that Jackson’s size, cost of living and community life were a welcome change.
“Houston is truly a metropolis. Jackson, on the other hand, has the benefit of being small enough to really form a community,” Stacey says. “You can build relationships and feel like you are part of something human. You might say Jackson is a really big small town.”
Affordability & Opportunity in Jackson
The area’s economy is dynamic, with significant employers like Georgia-Pacific, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Tennessee, Kellanova and Delta Faucet. Ford’s BlueOval City, a 6 square mile site about 40 minutes from Jackson, will produce the next-generation electric truck from Ford and batteries for future Ford and Lincoln vehicles when construction is complete. With a business sector led by manufacturing, health care and education, career opportunities are plentiful and growing.
“Jackson is known as the Hub City, and we live up to that name,” Jackson says. “People from all over West Tennessee come to Jackson to work, eat and shop. And we have the only towered airport between Memphis and Nashville.”
Schools are top-of-mind for any family, and Jackson offers the region’s best, from award-winning public schools to a variety of excellent private or religiously affiliated schools.
Union University, Lane College, the University of Memphis Lambuth and Jackson State Community College are located here, too.
Compared to cities like Nashville and Memphis, housing costs are easier on the family pocketbook. According to Zillow, the estimated mean price for all Jackson housing units in spring 2024 was just $218,000. That’s about 30% less than the statewide average.
A Thriving Cultural Scene
As the city that gave Carl Perkins and his blue suede shoes to the world, entertainment and the arts have always been a point of pride here. A youthful city with a median age of 38, Jackson is bustling with creatives offering their best.
Jackson Hidden Tracks serves as a gateway to the local music scene. Promoting music tourism, the initiative draws attention to the region’s rockabilly history while touting today’s talent.
There’s lots to do in Jackson, from the symphony to the Strawberry Festival in nearby Humboldt — a Stacey family favorite activity. The Jacksons’ two boys participate in several sports and play instruments, so the family spends its free time immersed in those interests.
“If you need to find us on Friday nights in the summer, we will be at The Amp in downtown Jackson for live music with a few thousand of our friends and neighbors,” Jackson says. “On Saturdays, in the summer, we will be at the West Tennessee Farmers Market, Middle Fork Bottoms State Park or one of the many beautiful golf courses.”
Is Jackson Right for Your Family?
With all this to offer, could Jackson be the right place for your family? Just ask Robert Stacey: “I believe Jackson is a wonderful place to live for a whole host of reasons. If you want to enjoy a rich, fulfilling life in an exciting, wholesome community, I don’t know any better place.”
That sure has been the experience for the Jackson family, too.
“Moving back home to Jackson was the best decision my wife and I have ever made for our family,” Jackson says.
Get to Know Jackson, TN
Want to learn more about living and working in Jackson, TN? Check out the latest edition of Livability Jackson, TN.