PIKE COUNTY, MS
County Offices
2109 Jesse Hall Memorial Road
Magnolia 601-783-5289
https://www.co.pike.ms.us
Chamber of Commerce
112 N. Railroad Boulevard
McComb 601-684-2291
http://pikeinfo.com
Rich in natural resources, strategically located, and boasting excellent transportation efficiencies, beautiful Pike County is a progressive area poised for continued business and industrial expansion. A vibrant business sector, well-managed communities, helpful civic partnerships, local healthcare facilities, and a local community college are just a few of the advantages. The presence of Interstate 55 and US Highways 51 and 98 adds to commuting convenience throughout the region.
Services
Quality education begins at home in Pike County, where the goal to reach the highest standards is reflected in achievements like McComb High School’s status as one of 100 national model schools. In addition to a progressive public school system, the county offers private school options at Parklane Academy and St. Alphonsus Catholic School. Higher education is available locally at Southwest Mississippi Community College in Summit, which offers transfer, career and technical, online, and workforce training programs. Founded in 1929, the college has earned an excellent reputation and enrolls students from counties across Mississippi and eight states. Unlike many community colleges, SMCC maintains a comprehensive residential campus that includes student housing and intermural competition. Those who want to pursue a four-year degree will find virtually unlimited programs in no less than 10 major colleges and universities within an 80-mile radius from Pike County. Within the boundaries of Mississippi are the University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey University in Hattiesburg, Jackson State University and Millsaps and Belhaven colleges in Jackson, Alcorn State University in Claiborne County, and Mississippi College in Clinton. Nearby Louisiana campuses include Louisiana State University and Southern University in Baton Rouge and Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond.
State-of-the-art healthcare is also available locally, anchored by Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center in McComb, a major regional employer with skilled physicians in more than 25 specialties. The 160-bed acute-care facility offers comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care along with a swing-bed section, 24-hour physician staff emergency care, an ambulatory surgery center, the Emma B. Holmes Women’s Center, and one of only three Level III trauma centers in Mississippi. Southwest Mississippi Regional also maintains a lifeline emergency response system for quick transport or transfer. The community of Magnolia is home to Beacham Memorial Hospital, a short-term primary and acute-care facility that serves residents of Pike, Walthall, Amite, and Lincoln counties. Ninety minutes from home, the renowned University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson provides a diagnostic and treatment referral center for the entire state. In addition to University Hospital, the system encompasses Winfred L. Wiser Hospital for Women and Infants, Batson Children’s Hospital, Wallace Conerly Hospital for Critical Care, and Jackson Medical Mall including the Cancer Institute. The University Health System is the only designated Level I trauma center in the state and provides an exhaustive list of highly specialized services.
Lifestyle
Friendly neighbors, family-oriented communities, and progressive amenities combine with historic charm and a thriving economy to make Pike County a wonderful place to call home. Local schools and churches as well as civic and fraternal organizations and clubs play an active role in daily life and give newcomers a chance to become immediately acquainted and engaged. Natural treasures like Percy Quin State Park and the regional attraction of Bogue Chitto Water Park in Lincoln County offer picturesque landscapes for hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, and river water sports from tubing to canoeing. Developed recreational facilities include lush parks, tennis courts, sports fields, country clubs and golf courses, bowling centers, and swimming pools. Special events fill the calendar with seasonal celebrations and festivals that enhance the closeness of community life and create opportunities for old-fashioned good times with friends and neighbors.
Shoppers can browse through boutiques and antique shops in charming historic downtown districts or visit the mall for major retailers and department stores. Several shopping centers scattered throughout the county add convenient stops for goods and services, while factory outlet stores draw regional visitors to deep discounts on name-brand merchandise. Local dining is a tradition with cuisine that caters to every budget and taste, from Cajun and Creole to Mexican, Chinese, and a New York-style deli. The community also benefits from an active arts council and close proximity to world-class attractions that include the beaches and entertainment centers along the Mississippi Gulf Coast; the capital city of Jackson with its fine museums, zoo and nightlife; and the legendary New Orleans area, home to the Aquarium of the Americas, the French Quarter, and the Superdome for professional sports action. For the best of all words, few locales can rival Pike County for country charm, modern conveniences, and access to the best of the South.
COMMUNITY PROFILES
Magnolia, Osyka
Magnolia City Offices
601-783-5211
Osyka Town Offices
601-542-5041
Chamber of Commerce
601-684-2291
http://pikeinfo.com
Excelling in southern charm, the small City of Magnolia was settled in 1810 and soon became the county seat, named for the beautiful magnolia trees that grace the area. Today, the downtown district is beautified by colorful murals created by the WPA (Works Progress Administration) arts program during the Great Depression. Formerly a resort town for wealthy residents of New Orleans, Magnolia features two elegant historic districts that showcase a variety of architectural styles. The Myrtle Street District is reminiscent of a turn-of-the-century neighborhood, while Southtown Historic District features late 19th century homes including premier Queen Annes and an antebellum Greek Revival cottage. Residents enjoy a quaint small-town setting just off Interstate 55 for easy commutes to regional destinations and expanded amenities. Just 10 miles from Magnolia, the one-square-mile rural community of Osyka provides additional options for residential development.
McComb
City Offices
601-684-4000
https://www.mccomb-ms.gov
Chamber of Commerce
601-684-2291
http://pikeinfo.com
The small community of McComb is large on amenities, home to a regional healthcare system, a nationally recognized school system, and the popular Edgewood Mall. The community also features the recreational treasure of Percy Quin State Park, where loblolly pines, towering magnolia trees, and seasonal blooms cover rolling hills to provide a spectacular backdrop for outdoor activities. The city has another draw for regional and national visitors: The McComb Railroad Museum, ranked among the finest museums of its type south of Chicago. Newcomers will be impressed by the appealing blend of historic preservation with progressive services. The community has been frequently selected as “The Hospitality City” of The Hospitality State, a tribute to the welcoming spirit of its residents. McComb is also a state-designated retirement community, drawing retirees to lovely homes, premier recreational areas, and tax advantages for seniors.
Summit
Town Offices
601-276-9536
http://www.summitms.org
Chamber of Commerce
601-684-2291
http://pikeinfo.com
Another small Pike County community with many advantages, the Town of Summit is home to the sprawling campus for Southwest Mississippi Community College. Financially supported by several counties as a regional asset, the college enrolls students from across Mississippi and from several other states. The full-service campus provides residential options and a rich campus life that is more reflective of a small four-year college. Appropriately named Summit in a county named for Zebulon Pike, the community prides itself in constantly striving for new heights of success. Respected medical professionals and other local services, shopping and dining experiences, and great schools draw many families to the town. Working closely with the Summit Historical Society, civic leaders are dedicated to historic preservation and restoration. Many structures are more than a century old, including an impressive inventory of Reconstruction-era homes. The Historical Society’s new home, the Liberty-White Depot Museum, also serves as a charming community gathering place.
