Jackson Free Press

OK, I promised. Here is the next user-generated list in our quest to educate ourselves about why people leave/stay. Please add your reasons (or reasons you've heard people give whether you agree with them or not) to the list below and pass it around. (Remember to add reasons to this one, too: Why do people leave Jackson?

I'll start:

1. Jacksonians, as a rule, care so much about their city.
2. Our history has helped create a place where it is easy to make a difference in other people's lives.
3. I love that Jackson has so many of the advantages of a larger city, as well as a smaller town.
4. Incredible diversity; it's nice not to live in a place dominated by the kinds of people who ran the state when I was growing up.
5. It's close to family, but still is a city with city advantages.
6. I don't have to commute anywhere. Much of my daily life revolve about a couple square miles.
7. I live among people who don't agree on everything, but who tend to be progressive minded regardless of party.
8. Most people I meet in Jackson are compassionate progressives of faith.

OK, I could go on, but I'll stop and let y'all take it from here. Pass it on.

Previous Comments

ID

162822

Comment

13. Much more job opportunities than in other areas of the state 14. A strong cultural tradition with the symphony, opera, museums, etc.

Author

JDLW

Date

2011-03-28T11:20:37-06:00

ID

162823

Comment

15. The opportunities for individuals to make sustainable change is endless. 16. Our community offers an amazing amount of support for individuals to start bands, nonprofits, businesses, zines & art. 17. You can be a big fish in a small pond. 18. Young people are often afforded the opportunity to attain higher level of jobs than they might have in bigger cities. 19. Opportunities to be connected with a strong "community" (many people who visit seem to mention this as a huge point in Jackson) 20. Networking opportunities a'plenty. 21. Personal contacts with the local media can be easily attained. 22. "anything we do is progress"

Author

judah

Date

2011-03-28T11:43:15-06:00

ID

162824

Comment

23. Cost of living. According to a friend, "In Jackson, you can make the wages of a pauper and live like a king"

Author

judah

Date

2011-03-28T11:47:27-06:00

ID

162826

Comment

24. Feel much safer, considering the high safety risks of commuting (especially in a texting/cell phone world). 25. "Fondren" (tweet by Lisa Roby)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2011-03-28T12:09:27-06:00

ID

162829

Comment

26. for some people, Jackson is an introduction to a better life ... Especially for ppl like me, from the country and delta!!! (tweet by JCannon601) 27. "Because it is home!" (via Facebook)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2011-03-28T12:22:04-06:00

ID

162834

Comment

29. The women!

Author

golden eagle

Date

2011-03-28T14:36:06-06:00

ID

162836

Comment

30. Authentic local music scene... compared to MANY cities in the country, you've got a much higher percentage chance of hearing a good band when you're walk into any given club or restaurant in Jackson. I think we're on an upswing, too, with creative stuff, new genres, etc.

Author

Todd Stauffer

Date

2011-03-28T14:54:25-06:00

ID

162839

Comment

Here are Katie McClendon's; she's having trouble logging in, as are others. We're troubleshooting! (Katie isn't from here; is a young pharmacy prof at UMC, so impressions are that of a "newcomer": 31. Fondren and Belhaven were livable neighborhoods with pretty houses. 3‎2. Lori Gregory's valentine's issue column in the JFP told me a single gal could live well in Jackson. The rest of JFP was also a big part. 3‎3. Food. I ate very well that weekend, at Julep and Char. If only I had known how much the food options would expand over the next 5 years. 3‎4. casual bars like Fenians made me feel like a regular the first time I came in. 35. Good independent boutique shopping at Chane's and Treehouse were better than in St. Louis 36. I knew that my salary would be about the same here as a bigger city, but I'd be able to afford a more comfortable life here. 3‎7. People were friendly when I interviewed. Also, people in the south understand my love for college football

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2011-03-28T15:50:27-06:00

ID

162840

Comment

38. Michael Mathews: "It's where i live and make my living. It's where God put me!" 39. Dawn Vance: "I know this is free spirited, but before I moved to Jackson, I pulled out a map of this area, closed my eyes, picked a random spot, and where I pointed happened to be (in in Fondren). I drove there and there was a "for rent" sign in the yard! I have lived in Fondren 7 of the almost 8 years so far and absolutely love it! For whatever reason, I'm supposed to be here. : )" 40. Me (Donna): I go to the most diverse (and friendly) events I've ever attended anywhere I've lived, including in NYC. I seldom go to parties or events where everyone looks alike. That's a remarkable plus for me. 41, anyone?

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2011-03-28T15:55:19-06:00

ID

162841

Comment

41. Emma Wynters: "Emma Wynters Moved from Clinton to NE Jackson because it made me closer to all the cool spots I play music at and closer to work and closer to all the music and art events I love to attend! I love living in Jackson!"

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2011-03-28T15:56:14-06:00

ID

162842

Comment

(BTW, if anyone has trouble logging in, please shoot Todd and e-mail and tell him what browser, etc., you're using so he can fix it: [email protected]. And you can e-mail me your reasons to stay/leave JXN if you want, and I'll post. Thanks, all!)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2011-03-28T15:58:57-06:00

ID

162847

Comment

44. If you don't have family in Jackson, you'll find one.

Author

msgrits

Date

2011-03-28T16:43:46-06:00

ID

162852

Comment

So many good ones here so far, all, but I want to second No. 42 and this especially: I want to be a part of its future success. I'm going to turn that into No. 45: 45. Jackson inspires people who really want to work with others to make the world a better place. I see this every day in a way I have never seen anywhere. I feel sorry for people who lob missiles from a distance, but have no real idea the bond that so many Jacksonians have for our city and her residents.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2011-03-28T17:05:38-06:00

ID

162857

Comment

46. From Kathy Clem: "Because I really believe that it starts with ME!" 47. And this one from me: "Because of everything Malcolm White has done for the city over the years. Just sayin'." (And Chane, who believed when few did, and started opening businesses in Fondren.) 48. Because it's very cheap to live here, compared to most cities.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2011-03-28T19:09:27-06:00

ID

162859

Comment

Did my comment not come through? :(

Author

andi

Date

2011-03-28T21:51:10-06:00

ID

162861

Comment

52. Because musicians here will offer to collaborate with you, invite you to do shows and treat you like a brother or sister. Other places it can be very cold and competitive. 53. Because I can always find a parking spot when I need to get a loaf of bread. 54. Because after 3 years of LAX, I want to literally kiss the Jackson airport every time I go in or out of it. 55. Because southerners have a certain sense of humor that I really love. 56. Because my family has history here and I want to be close to that. 57. Because my family had slaves long ago and I want to be part of healing from that. 58. The mix of urban amenities and low-density population appeals to me

Author

Izzy

Date

2011-03-29T08:19:02-06:00

ID

162862

Comment

59. and I could afford to buy a home here, something I could not have done in California, ever!

Author

Izzy

Date

2011-03-29T08:19:55-06:00

ID

162863

Comment

60. Magnus Eklund, from Facebook: "because it's not as cold as living in Sweden! and the Mississippi blues of course. ;)"

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2011-03-29T08:31:17-06:00

ID

162864

Comment

Langston, Willow Potts is actually a miniature horse, not a pony. The distinction matters to her. ;-) (I talk to her on my most of my morning walks.) And Andi, I don't see your comment anywhere. How did you post? Browser? FB? We're trying to troubleshoot why some folks are having problems, others aren't. Sorry about the hassle.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2011-03-29T08:33:23-06:00

ID

162865

Comment

I posted from my phone yesterday. Let me try to come up with what I said: I was born in Jackson and lived here for the first 3 years of my life until my parents whisked us away to a small town (Crystal Springs) where I grew up. I never got used to small town/country life, and got out of there as soon as I could. I wasn't sure I'd end up back in Jackson, but I did, and now I don't want to be anywhere else. (61) My family has history here, (62) and as someone else said, Jackson has a history that goes back further than any suburb. (63) I love city life, (64) the convenience of being so close to all the things I like to do. (65) All my friends are here and my family isn't far away. 66. And I love how easy it is to get plugged in here. There are so many opportunities to volunteer and use your time/talents for the greater good. It's the fastest, best way for newcomers to get to know Jackson and her people.

Author

andi

Date

2011-03-29T08:41:21-06:00

ID

162866

Comment

67. Renee Shakespeare (from Facebook): " Because unlike many people I know who have spent their lives moving from place to place looking for somewhere that touches their soul; I am already just where I was meant to be.....Jackson, Mississippi!"

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2011-03-29T09:06:57-06:00

ID

162869

Comment

68. I would like to move back because I'm sick of all the noisy kids leaving bikes in my driveway in the "kid friendly" suburbs...

Author

Rico

Date

2011-03-29T09:28:14-06:00

ID

162872

Comment

69. I recently had someone who lives near the reservoir tell me that the police there hassle people driving home from restaurants, even stopping them next to their own driveways to make sure they haven't been drinking. And, of course, there is the issue of having to commute home late after going out in the city and the dangers of drunk drivers. (I've said it already: due to driving issues alone, I feel *much* safer in the city.)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2011-03-29T09:45:12-06:00

ID

162873

Comment

70. Ginger Williams (from Facebook): I chose to move back to Jackson after graduating from college because I felt a creative pulse in Jackson. That was in 2004. Jackson and the Fondren community helped me become an artist. (71) Jacksonians are an unstoppable force. We are great conversationalists, we are smart, we are incredibly sarcastic, we love good food, our friends are family, we want to put our city on the map, we can talk bad about our state but will quickly snap back with reasons why we love it, we love our city and just that alone is making a difference every day.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2011-03-29T09:47:39-06:00

ID

162875

Comment

(Still having some log-in issues; if you can't post e-mail to me at: [email protected], and I'll do it for you. These are great, all. We're going to use them to help jumpstart a bigger project. Please talk among yourselves about the reasons to stay and to go, and let's get them *all* down on paper. Then we'll roll up our sleeves.)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2011-03-29T09:49:21-06:00

ID

162876

Comment

72. From Twitter @beanfruitcoffee: "Jackson is honest & if you are too 'normal' there your just plain weird. I love it."

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2011-03-29T09:58:58-06:00

ID

162878

Comment

73. Why should you move to Jackson? To make it even better than what it is. Welcome Home, We Need You!

Author

833WMaple

Date

2011-03-29T10:14:04-06:00

ID

162881

Comment

74. @MsSouthernBelle1 on Twitter: "I moved here for "peace & quiet"" (She does make a good point. I live in Fondren, 9/10 of a mile from the office, and when I do yoga in my boudoir in the a.m., my soundtrack is chirping birds.)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2011-03-29T10:15:54-06:00

ID

162885

Comment

75. This is from a black female friend who e-mailed it, but didn't want name attached. "My #1 reason why people stay in Jackson? They get weighed down by life and miss the exit. Top reason to move to Jackson? If from out of state, their company wanted them to be the sacrificial offering that desegregated the place. If they moved from a smaller MS town, they thought this was better. If they came back from out of state, they thought it was a good idea at the time. For many, it wasn't."

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2011-03-29T12:24:41-06:00

ID

162887

Comment

76. Because my eight year old car only has about 65,000 miles on it - not bad considering it has served as taxi for 4 kids and has taken numerous "Griswold" trips as far as the Rockies. I imagine the increased gas expense to ferry my crowd from suburbia would far exceed any car tag savings - not to mention the extra time needed and the extra wear and tear on my sanity.

Author

ksb

Date

2011-03-29T12:36:35-06:00

ID

162911

Comment

3‎2. Lori Gregory's valentine's issue column in the JFP told me a single gal could live well in Jackson. Can this one be mine? Because it made me totally tear up. Here are my four answers: 78) I originally came here from the Delta becaues this was a big ole city compared to anything else around here. And, my Mama had done moved here. 79) I stayed because I found a creative community that urged me to write. Something I hadn't had since my 11-year-old self would hide her poems and short stories in her closet and then make sure to throw at least two feet of dirty clothes over the top of them. The Planet Weekly let me drag them out. Donna taught me what a column actually was. 80) I continue to stay because I see the anger in the eyes of the kids that I work with and know that it only takes ONE adult-just ONE to change a kid's life. I don't assume that will be me, but my job is to make sure that kid meets that one person. 81) I continue to stay, EVEN LONGER, because I fell in love. And I don't do it that often. I fell in love with Fondren--make it as cheesy as you want. But, I've never felt at home in a community as I do in this community. This Community of Deliciously Eccentric and Broken Toys. And, if you don't get that, its because you don't live here. ;) My mother--who lives out in Madison County--loves Fondren. When she comes to visit she speaks wistfully of a time when she remembers having a real "neighborhood" where people knew one another and were involved. It makes my heart sing that my kid will have that in her life.

Author

Lori G

Date

2011-03-29T21:30:53-06:00

ID

162982

Comment

82. Irene Jones from Facebook: ""If you are from Jackson: There is no place like home." and " "If you are not from Jackson: There is no place that makes a better home."

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2011-04-04T13:17:06-06:00

ID

162983

Comment

All, we've decided to publish this fabulous list (as well as use the "reasons people leave Jackson list" as the basis for community discussions). So please add yours to both lists; nothing too large or small. For instance, someone posted on Facebook: 83. Arts, Eats & Beats I will add: 84. Rainbow Whole Foods, since I think no one else said it already 85. Friday Forum at Koinonia 86. Horse Trailer (and the wonderful people in the group) So add yours! We need your help. (Or e-mail to: [email protected]) Thank you much!

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2011-04-04T13:19:43-06:00

ID

162995

Comment

87. At every turn, I meet progressive, passionate people who really love and embrace their city. It's genuine people like this that only make Jackson stronger. 88. The neighborhoods. Sure, you can see pop-up subdivisions in the burbs all the time, but you can't change oak lined streets with historic charm.

Author

Sophie

Date

2011-04-04T16:39:01-06:00

ID

162996

Comment

89. Cannolis. Campbell's Cannolis.

Author

Lori G

Date

2011-04-04T19:17:05-06:00