Meridian MS

Meridian, MS – The Queen City of the East, where Southern charm meets rich history and small-town warmth. Known for its musical heritage and friendly spirit, Meridian is a place where front porch conversations, live music, and a love for the arts bring the community together. Whether you're exploring historic landmarks, enjoying local eats, or catching a show at the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience, Meridian offers visitors a slice of classic Southern life with a welcoming twist.

• Population: ~34,000
• Weather: Mild winters and hot, humid summers (40-90°F); occasional spring showers
• Places To Visit: Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience, Dentzel Carousel, Merrehope Historic Home, Bonita Lakes Park, MSU Riley Center
• Top Activities: Walking downtown murals, picnicking at Bonita Lakes, enjoying live music, touring historic homes, visiting local museums
• Famous Food: Southern fried catfish, BBQ ribs, homemade biscuits, Mississippi mud pie, and sweet tea

Meridian, Mississippi, is a city with a rich railroad history and a growing presence in healthcare, education, and manufacturing. With major employers like Rush Health Systems, Peavey Electronics, and local school districts, the job market in Meridian is stable and diverse. Below are five popular and essential careers in the area.

Top 5 Jobs in Meridian, MS

Meridian, MS, offers some fantastic spots for students to unwind, enjoy some leisure time, and have fun. Whether you're looking for a quiet place to relax or an exciting spot to socialize, this city has something for everyone.

Bonita Lakes Park – This peaceful oasis is perfect for a relaxing day outdoors. Take a hike on the scenic trails, have a picnic by the lake, or just lay back and enjoy the natural beauty around you.

MSU Riley Center – Catch a live performance or concert at this vibrant cultural hub. With a variety of shows ranging from theater to music, it's a great spot to immerse yourself in the arts.

Highland Park – A classic spot for students to hang out. Enjoy the open spaces for sports or chill under the shade of old oak trees. It's a great place for both activity and relaxation.

Amore Italian Ristorante – Grab a bite with friends at this local favorite. Known for its delicious Italian dishes and cozy atmosphere, it's a perfect spot for a casual hangout.

Brickhaus Brewtique – For students who are 21 and over, this brewpub offers a laid-back vibe with a great selection of local brews. It's a fun place to socialize and take a break from the books.

The Dentzel Carousel – Step back in time and enjoy a ride on this historic carousel. Located in Highland Park, it's a unique and fun experience for all ages.

Meridian, Mississippi is known for its strong foundation in education and career training, particularly in healthcare, technical trades, and the arts. As a regional hub, Meridian is home to several respected public and private institutions that prepare students for success in the workforce and further academic pursuits.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Meridian

Meridian Community College (MCC) – MCC is one of Mississippi’s top community colleges, offering associate degrees and certificates in fields such as nursing, radiologic technology, business, and the performing arts. The school is known for its high-quality instruction and workforce development programs.

Mississippi State University - Meridian Campus – A branch of Mississippi State University offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education, business, and social work. This campus provides a seamless path for community college graduates to continue their studies in a supportive environment.

Ross Collins Career and Technical Center – While primarily serving high school students, this public institution partners with local colleges and employers to offer technical training programs in welding, health science, and information technology, contributing to the local talent pipeline.

EMCC Golden Triangle Campus (within reach of Meridian) – Though headquartered outside of the city, East Mississippi Community College offers many accessible programs for Meridian students through online and outreach centers. It's known for strong training in industrial maintenance, cybersecurity, and allied health professions.

Lauderdale County Adult Education Program – Operated under the Mississippi Community College Board, this program assists adults in earning their high school equivalency diploma and preparing for college and career training, helping hundreds of local residents gain new skills each year.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Meridian

Blue Cliff College – Meridian Campus – A private career college specializing in healthcare education. Programs in medical assisting, dental assisting, and practical nursing are popular choices for students seeking quick entry into the healthcare field.

Antonelli College (closed, formerly in Meridian) – While no longer in operation, Antonelli College played a vital role in career education in Meridian for many years. It offered programs in business, health, and graphic design, helping many local residents start their careers.

Virginia College – Meridian Campus (closed) – This career-focused college provided training in healthcare, business, and information technology before its closure. It contributed significantly to the workforce development of the Meridian area.

Miller-Motte College – Gulfport (online options for Meridian students) – Though its physical campus is located on the Gulf Coast, many Meridian-area students take advantage of its online programs in business administration, medical billing, and criminal justice.

Phoenix University (online options for Meridian students) – A nationally recognized private university offering flexible online degree programs in education, human services, and information systems. It serves adult learners in Meridian seeking to advance their careers or change fields.

Meridian, MS offers a variety of high schools that focus on academic achievement, career readiness, and personal development. Both public and private institutions in the area strive to provide students with the tools needed to succeed in college and beyond.

Top Public High Schools in Meridian, MS

• Meridian High School – As the flagship school in the Meridian Public School District, Meridian High offers a broad range of academic programs, dual enrollment opportunities, and strong athletics.
• Northeast Lauderdale High School – Part of the Lauderdale County School District, this school is known for its dedicated teachers and focus on student growth both academically and socially.
• West Lauderdale High School – With a history of high test scores and a strong academic record, West Lauderdale is praised for its supportive environment and successful student outcomes.
• Southeast Lauderdale High School – Offers a solid curriculum and career-technical programs, helping students who are college-bound or looking to enter the workforce.
• Clarkdale High School – A smaller high school that provides personalized learning experiences and access to extracurricular activities that encourage leadership and responsibility.

Top Private High Schools in Meridian, MS

• Lamar School – A premier prep school known for its rigorous academic curriculum, Advanced Placement courses, and strong emphasis on college readiness.
• Russell Christian Academy – Offers a faith-based education with an emphasis on academic excellence, athletics, and spiritual growth from elementary through high school.
• Community Christian School – Provides a Bible-integrated curriculum in a small, nurturing setting, helping students grow intellectually and spiritually.
• Marion Academy – A private institution offering a structured environment with a focus on academic discipline and Christian values.
• Central Christian School – Encourages well-rounded education with strong academics, athletics, and a commitment to developing students' faith and character.

Meridian, Mississippi, does not have any major league professional sports teams like those found in larger metropolitan areas. However, the city takes great pride in its local teams, as well as strong support for regional and college-level athletics. Mississippi sports fans in Meridian often follow professional teams from nearby cities and heavily engage in college sports.

🏈 Football – College Football and Regional Favorites

• Ole Miss Rebels and Mississippi State Bulldogs – While not based in Meridian, these two college teams are incredibly popular throughout the area. The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) and Mississippi State University compete in the SEC (Southeastern Conference), one of the most competitive conferences in college football. Their annual rivalry game, the Egg Bowl, is a major event for fans across the state.
• New Orleans Saints (NFL) – Located about three hours south in Louisiana, the Saints are the closest NFL team to Meridian. Many locals are passionate fans who support the team during football season. The Saints won their first Super Bowl title in 2009.

⚾ Baseball – Minor League and Nearby Teams

• Mississippi Braves – Based in Pearl, just over 90 miles from Meridian, the Braves are a Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. They play in the Southern League and are a popular choice for minor league baseball fans in the region.
• Atlanta Braves – As the closest Major League Baseball (MLB) team, the Atlanta Braves have a large fan base in Meridian. They have won multiple World Series titles, including their most recent championship in 2021.

🏀 Basketball – College Basketball and NBA Viewership

• Mississippi State Bulldogs and Ole Miss Rebels – In addition to football, both schools have competitive basketball programs. Their games draw a lot of attention from Meridian sports fans.
• Memphis Grizzlies (NBA) – Memphis, Tennessee is within driving distance from Meridian and is home to the Grizzlies, the state’s only NBA team. Meridian residents often follow the Grizzlies, who have grown in popularity thanks to dynamic players like Ja Morant.

⚽ Soccer – Growing Interest Locally

• College and Youth Soccer – Soccer continues to grow in popularity in Meridian, especially at the youth and high school levels. Though the area does not have a professional soccer team, city residents show growing interest in Major League Soccer (MLS).
• Atlanta United FC (MLS) – With Atlanta just a few hours away, many soccer fans in Meridian support Atlanta United, which won the MLS Cup in 2018.

🏒 Hockey – Limited Local Presence

• Nashville Predators (NHL) – While hockey is not a major sport in Mississippi, fans who follow the NHL often support the Predators, Tennessee’s professional hockey team. The Predators reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2017 and have built a loyal fan base throughout the Southeast.

Meridian, Mississippi is a city filled with Southern charm, rich history, and hidden gems that make it truly special. From its musical roots to unique landmarks, here are ten fun facts about Meridian that may surprise you:

1. Birthplace of Jimmie Rodgers – Known as the “Father of Country Music,” Jimmie Rodgers was born in Meridian in 1897.
2. Historic Trains – Meridian was once one of the most important railroad hubs in the South, with over 44 trains passing through daily during its peak.
3. Home to the MSU Riley Center – This stunning performing arts center was built in 1889 and beautifully restored in 2006, bringing life back to downtown.
4. Meridian’s Dentzel Carousel – This national historic landmark was built in 1896 and is one of the oldest still-operating carousels in the U.S.
5. City of Museums – Meridian houses several fascinating museums, including the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (The MAX).
6. Faith Hill Connection – Country music superstar Faith Hill was born and raised just outside Meridian in nearby Star, Mississippi.
7. Bonita Lakes Park – This large city park features 8,300 acres of trails, lakes, and wildlife, making it a favorite spot for locals to relax and explore.
8. First Carnegie Library in MS – Meridian opened Mississippi’s first Carnegie Library in 1913, funded by Andrew Carnegie himself.
9. Vibrant Arts Scene – From local galleries to historic theaters, Meridian hosts year-round festivals and art events that spotlight Southern creativity.
10. Riley Foundation Legacy – The impact of the Riley Foundation has helped revitalize the city, supporting education, the arts, and downtown development.