5 Reasons to Move to Jackson, TN
Nestled between Memphis and Nashville is Jackson — a city that's unique, vibrant, offers high-value living and is making its mark on the world.
Named after President Andrew Jackson, this city provides residents with a nice fit between a small town and a large metropolitan area. “Hub City” is family friendly with plenty of green open space and several other quality-of-life assets.
In This Article
1. A Nice Place to Live
The typical home price in Jackson is a reasonable $195,000 (Zillow, September 2022). The city has a median age of 35 years and is welcoming to seniors, millennials and young professionals. Livability amenities include two dog parks, outdoor amphitheaters, new housing developments and diverse nightspots. Jackson is named a “gig city” thanks to a fiber network that offers home and business internet speeds up to 1 gigabit per second. The work commute time in Jackson averages only 17 minutes, and residents have an easy drive along Interstate 40 to Memphis or Nashville.
2. Make Your Career in Jackson
If you’re looking for a high-paying career, Jackson could be ideal for you. Big-name companies enjoying success include Tennalum, which produces aluminum rods and bars for aerospace, automotive and general industrial applications, and Kellogg Co., which makes Pringles, saltines, graham crackers and Club Crackers. Also in Jackson are The Carlstar Group, Conagra Brands, Delta Faucet, Gerdau, Owens Corning, Stanley Black & Decker, UGN Automotive and TBDN. And Ford Motor Co.’s massive BlueOval City project will create thousands of new jobs in West Tennessee.
3. Students Have a Smart Start
The Jackson area features several colleges and universities. Choices for students include Bethel University- Jackson, Lane College, Tennessee College of Applied Technology at Jackson, Union University, Jackson State Community College, UT Martin and the University of Memphis Lambuth. Career training opportunities include engineering, computer science, business, education, physical therapy, tool and die building and repair, nursing, pharmacy, and more.
4. Feast on Favorite Foods
It’s easy to find good food at independent restaurants in Jackson, with many top choices. Local favorites include Rock’n Dough Pizza & Brewery, The Blacksmith and Old Town Spaghetti Store. However, when it comes to something sweet, try Two Sisters Bakery, located in the Hamilton Hills Shopping Center. Several other eateries represent a variety of ethnic backgrounds, including Jamaican & African Cuisine, Picasso Bistro & Pizzeria, Asahi Japanese Steakhouse and Tulum Fresh Mexican Grill.
5. Residents are in Good Health
Jackson offers a bounty of recreational opportunities. Residents who like a challenge can run or walk the Andrew Jackson Marathon and/or the Gold’s Gym/Fleet Feet Turkey Day 5K, while mountain bikers can attack the new Rockabilly Ridge at Pugh Bourne Park, which features 4.5 miles of single-track trail through the woods.
The region is blanketed by top-notch health providers, including the 642-bed Jackson-Madison County General Hospital as well as Le Bonheur Children’s Outpatient Center-Jackson. In addition, North Hospital has an extensive roster of services, and West Tennessee Healthcare Rehabilitation Hospital offers personalized physical, occupational and speech therapy.
If you’d like to learn more about the Jackson area, check out the latest edition of Livability Jackson, TN.
