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Evan moving

Is Starkville worth moving to in 2026?

Hi all, Rent is about $875/month for a decent place. With a population of 25,611, Starkville is a smaller city. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
26 upvotes

2 Replies

Greyson Scott
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Oak Park for 10 years. Moved from Boston for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.

**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Oak Park schools are excellent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.

**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Property taxes are high. And safety can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Isabella Walker
couldn't agree more
33 upvotes
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