Oxford, Mississippi, was named after the British college city of the same name. Like its counterpart, Oxford is a university city, home to the University of Mississippi, commonly known as Ole Miss. Located just east of the Mississippi Delta and less than 100 miles from Memphis, Tennessee, this little city has much to offer residents. The Best 100 Small Towns in America directory lists Ole Miss's hometown among its choices. This is in part due to the low unemployment rate and its highly-ranked school system. You'll also find a variety of entertainment and cultural facilities and events near your neighborhood.
The town was founded in 1837, just 10 years before the founding of the University of Mississippi. Today, the United States Census Bureau estimates the city's population at 20,865. In every neighborhood, you can enjoy the small-town atmosphere with big-city amenities.
As you might expect from the city that inspired much of William Faulkner's work, this Mississippi community offers many historical sites. If you love Faulkner, you might enjoy visiting his home, Rowan Oaks, and his grave. Renting an apartment in Oxford also places you near the historic sites of the Confederate Cemetery and the Civil Rights Monument.
Lovers of literature know Oxford not just as William Faulkner's inspiration but also as the muse of writers including John Grisham, Barry Hannah and Willie Morris. In addition to the Faulkner historical sites and the renowned Square Books, the city hosts two conferences each year, The Oxford Conference for the Book and the equally celebrated Faulkner and Yoknapatawpha Conference.
The city has a vibrant performing arts scene with large events at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts and smaller, more intimate performances at The Powerhouse, a community arts center. Live music is big in this small town with the Lyric Theatre, the annual Double Decker Festival in April, the Mississippi Blues Trail, Sweet Tea Recording Studio and The End of All Music record store, a haven for vinyl lovers.
Though most residents of Oxford drive, the Oxford-University Transit system provides affordable, convenient transportation for residents in this community, and students and faculty at Ole Miss ride for free.
The University of Mississippi is the predominant university in the Oxford community. The University of Mississippi Medical Center is also located here, and Northwest Mississippi Community College is located in the town of Senatobia, less than an hour away.
With one of the highest employment rates in the state, this is a great city to find work. The three largest employers are the University of Mississippi, the North Mississippi Regional Center, and Baptist Memorial Hospital.