Nestled just north of Jackson, the capital city, the City of Ridgeland – with a population of 24,483 (2016 U.S. census) – is a safe haven for individuals and families seeking convenient access to the vibrant economy and rich cultural tapestry of Mississippi’s largest metropolitan area.
By and large, Ridgeland residents prosper in a community that offers the best of both worlds. A robust economy combines with a small-town way of life to make Ridgeland perfect for business and for family.
Named by MONEY magazine as one of the country’s “100 Best Places to Live,” Ridgeland ranks high in the categories of jobs/economy, housing affordability, ease of living, leisure/arts, education, safety and diversity.
Ridgeland offers a variety of well-maintained residential neighborhoods at several price points. All Ridgeland properties enjoy the lowest tax rate of any neighboring city while receiving city services that are second to none in law enforcement, fire protection and infrastructure.
One of the most decorated cities in the state, Ridgeland has an award-winning Master Plan that is being used to guide the community’s development efforts, incorporating green spaces and smarter developments.
Visitors feel a uniquely warm welcome when doing business, shopping, dining or relaxing in a very special community that blends big city energy and small-town charm.
Whether you are training for a marathon, having a family outing or enjoying a classic dining experience, Ridgeland has it all.
Recognized as a Tree City USA, and a Bicycle Friendly Community, Ridgeland is known throughout the South for its fine shopping and delicious dining. Community events, vibrant entertainment and festival fun are part of the Ridgeland experience. An enthusiasm for art and culture, history and heritage, and fitness and sports is evident throughout Ridgeland.
Ridgeland is home to three major shopping malls, Northpark, Renaissance at Colony Park and The Township at Colony Park. Numerous retail clusters as well, such as the Jackson Street area in the historic center of Ridgeland, boast a number of specialty boutiques and stores.
Families will find plenty to do with one of the most successful children’s activity centers in the country located in Ridgeland. The city also features well-maintained city parks, an exceptional recreation and parks program of sports for all ages, an extensive community walking and biking trail system, the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway, the beautiful 33,000-acre Ross Barnett Reservoir and holiday festivities for residents and visitors of all ages.
Dining opportunities abound from fine dining cuisine to casual family dining, international fare and fast food restaurants.
Ridgeland is home to the William Lowe “Bill” Waller, Sr. Craft Center which draws artists and craftsmen not only from Mississippi but from surrounding states.
The high quality of life in Ridgeland comes from the city’s energetic city government and actively involved citizens. Together, we have created an attractive, healthy living environment that we can all be proud of.
OUR HERITAGE
The area now known as Ridgeland was purchased in 1853 by James B. Yellowly of North Carolina. For a brief time, the area was called Jessamine and later in 1865 renamed Yellowly’s Crossing by railroad men of the Illinois Central.
In 1896, Nichols and Treakle, two real estate agents from Chicago, purchased the land from the Yellowly family as well as other parcels of land in Madison County.
They formed the Highland Colony Company and began to advertise their development in northern newspapers. One of the town sites they developed became known as Ridgeland because the land was situated on one of the highest ridges in central Mississippi.
Lots sold for $35 an acre and the first family to settle in the new village arrived Aug. 14, 1896. By the time incorporation papers were filed in 1899, the village boasted a population of 150.
Ridgeland was once the center of the fruit and vegetable market of the lower Mississippi Valley, as crops of peaches and pecans were loaded onto the Illinois Central Railroad, which steamed straight through town.
In 1947, Ridgeland became a town, and in 1970, with a population of 1,650, Ridgeland became a city. In 1999, a grand celebration marked Ridgeland’s 100th birthday.