DESOTO COUNTY, MS
County Offices
365 Losher Street
Hernando, MS 662-429-8000
http://desotocountyms.gov
Chamber of Commerce
2465 Highway 51 South
Hernando, MS 662-429-9055
www.hernandoms.org
Bordered by the state of Tennessee to the north, DeSoto County is located at the “Top of Mississippi.” Across the county’s western border stretches the mighty river and surrounding rich delta farmland. Arkabutla Lake and the Coldwater River grace the landscape of the southern part of the county, providing premier recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. Throughout the region, rapidly expanding communities are welcoming phenomenal economic and residential development. Civic leaders are dedicated to preserving the area’s rich heritage, hometown hospitality, and warm spirit in the face of record-breaking growth. Home to some of the most popular suburbs within the Memphis Metropolitan area, the county is quickly maturing as a commercial and industrial center in its own right.
Services
Newcomers to DeSoto County will discover state-of-the-art services and modern facilities that are constantly being expanded to meet the growing population. Support for education is strong, evidenced by the overwhelming passing of a $115 million bond issue to construct 10 new schools and renovate a number of existing schools. Private schools expand the options for alternative learning environments in both parochial and independent schools. While a number of public and private colleges and universities are available in Metropolitan Memphis and Tennessee, DeSoto County is home to a branch campus for one of Mississippi’s largest community colleges. Northwest Mississippi Community College (NWCC) features more than 60 courses of study in seven academic divisions. The DeSoto Center in Southaven provides many of the courses available on the main Senatobia campus, which is only 20 miles south.
The DeSoto Center also serves as an extension for the University of Mississippi, where select courses on the junior, senior, and graduate levels are offered in the evening hours for working adults. The unique partnership with the University of Mississippi and NWCC at the DeSoto Center makes it possible for DeSoto County residents to obtain some four-year degrees and even graduate degrees without ever leaving the county. The “two plus two” program that begins with two years at NWCC and completes with university coursework has been utilized by many DeSoto County residents.
Comprehensive healthcare facilities and services are available locally, anchored by a centrally located regional hospital near Interstate 55 in Southaven. The 180-acre campus for Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto serves a five-county area that has seen rapid growth since its opening in 1988. The hospital began a sweeping $175 million expansion in 2004 that adds 400,000 square feet and brings the licensed bed count to 339. Upgrades and improvements include all private rooms, a new emergency department, and additional surgical suites. Advanced services offered by the hospital include dedicated units like the Baptist DeSoto Outpatient Diagnostic Center, the Women’s Center, a critical care unit, and a radiation/oncology center. Residents of DeSoto County who are working and uninsured have the advantage of the DeSoto Health & Wellness Center for affordable, quality primary healthcare. Nearby Memphis is home to famous research and treatment centers like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and LeBonheur Children’s Medical Center.
Lifestyle
The appeal of DeSoto County’s friendly and charming cities has swept this region into the spotlight as the one of the fastest growing suburbs within the Memphis Metropolitan Area. The grandeur of well-preserved architecture, vibrant new residential construction, and a new regional shopping center are just a few of the expanding list of amenities that ensure a high quality of life. The multi-purpose DeSoto County Civic Center was built in 2000, providing meeting and event space as well as a 10,000-seat arena and a community theater hosting nationally recognized productions. The MemphisKings hockey team and the Memphis Xplorers arena football team draw avid fans to home games. An active arts council encourages and promotes the visual and performing arts, which includes the Desoto Family Theatre.
DeSoto County also offers championship golf courses, youth sports leagues, spectacular fishing and sailing at Arkabutla Lake, antique shopping in historic districts, and one of the nation’s premier youth sports complexes. Drawing newcomers to postcard-perfect town squares, charming historic districts, and hometown pleasures, DeSoto County communities are sandwiched between the glittering shows and casinos in Tunica and the world-famous music and museums in Memphis. The DeSoto County Museum in Hernando proudly displays the heritage and history of the region in artifacts and exhibits. Hernando also features the Historic DeSoto County Square, uniquely designed on the Spanish square with eight access roads. The stately courthouse anchors the square, adding to Hernando’s status as the nationally recognized wedding capital of America until the 1960s. Each one of the county’s picturesque cities is experiencing exponential growth, striving to balance a close community spirit with the finest of suburban advantages.
Hernando
Municipal Offices
662-429-9092
www.cityofhernando.org
Chamber of Commerce
662-429-9055
www.hernandoms.org
The county seat of government is also a welcoming community of quiet tree-shaded neighborhoods lined by lovely homes. Hernando’s booming growth pattern has expanded the housing selection to a wide variety of new custom homes and vibrant contemporary subdivisions that harmonize with the historic charm in the heart of the city. The courthouse square serves as an exceptionally striking landmark, complemented by wonderful antique shops that delight residents and visitors alike. Recreation and entertainment are headlined by a country club with an 18-hole golf course and internationally acclaimed community theatre. Boating, camping, fishing, and hunting are all popular activities in the natural beauty of nearby recreational areas. Just 12 miles from Memphis, Hernando is striving to preserve its rural ambiance in the face of brisk commercial, industrial, and residential growth. Each fall, the Hernando Music & Heritage Festival each draws thousands to the city for a three-day extravaganza.
Horn Lake
Municipal Offices
662-393-6178
http://www.hornlake.org
Chamber of Commerce
662-393-9897
www.hornlakechamber.com
Like all of the communities in DeSoto County, Horn Lake is dedicated to a fine balance between growth and development and the undeniable appeal of a small-town flavor. Located in the northwestern section of the county, Horn Lake covers nearly 17 square miles to offer “room to grow.” Commercial activity is on the rise, adding restaurants, shops, and services to a growing list of local businesses. Excellent schools, a well-stock library with many special programs, numerous parks, and well-managed sports and recreation programs add to the family-oriented atmosphere that prevails in Horn Lake. The city is home to celebrated teachers, award-winning schools, and Mississippi’s “number one” high school in technology. Commuters have the advantage of Interstate 55, which offers connections to Interstates 20 and 40. The city is close to a regional hospital, championship golf courses, and the recreational paradise of Arkabutla Lake.
Olive Branch
Municipal Offices
662-892-9200
http://www.obms.us
Chamber of Commerce
662-895-2600
http://www.olivebranchms.com
Newcomers in ever increasing numbers are discovering the charms of Olive Branch, a community with small-town friendliness and a major metropolis next door. In just a few short years, Olive Branch has transformed from a sleepy small town into a vibrant metropolitan suburb. First-rate DeSoto County Schools, wonderful city parks, supervised sports and recreation programs, and convenient shopping create a family friendly atmosphere. Championship golf courses dot the city with lush green space and opportunities to perfect your backswing. Collectors will appreciate the quality antique shops in Old Towne, which joins City Park as a picturesque backdrop for colorful festivals and seasonal celebrations throughout the year. Outdoor concerts, arts and crafts shows, and a fireworks and musical celebration on the Fourth of July are just a few of the events that bring friends and neighbors together.
Southhaven
Municipal Offices
662-393-6939
www.southaven.org
Chamber of Commerce
662-342-6114
www.southavenchamber.com
The lovely city of Southaven provides an array of regional amenities and attractions, including Delta Technical College, Baptist Memorial Hospital DeSoto, a charming historic downtown district, and the vibrant Southaven Town Centre for expanded shopping. Southhaven was listed among the nation’s “Top 100 Small Cities” and received recognition as “Community of the Year” by the Mississippi National Guard. Schools are among the finest in the state and neighborhoods are exceptionally attractive—many featuring beautiful new all-brick homes and meticulously landscaped yards. Southaven has a reputation for “the most helpful people in any city,” and proudly claims the friendliness and cooperative attitude of its residents as a major asset. Southaven enjoys such close proximity to Memphis that it has developed into a seamless bedroom community.
