Ridgeland
Ridgeland, Mississippi, is the southernmost city of Madison County. The city, which was incorporated in 1899, has experienced dramatic growth and economic development during the past 25 years. In 1980, the city’s population was 5,000. Today, Ridgeland has more than four times that number of citizens.
It’s easy to see why Ridgeland has become so popular. The city is directly north of Jackson, with two Interstate 55 interchanges offering short commutes to downtown workers. A wide range of housing options are available from affordable single-family homes to high-end mansions located in some of the county’s most prestigious developments. The Ross Barnett Reservoir meanders along the city’s eastern border and the Natchez Trace passes directly through the heart of the city. And the city has paved more than 13 miles of trails for bikers and pedestrians.
The city has attracted significant commercial development in recent years, with many of the state’s best-known companies, finest restaurants, and premier shopping destinations locating within its borders. This growth has been fueled by unique projects such as Renaissance at Colony Park, an Old-World styled “lifestyle center” that is home to Fortune 500 companies, locally owned restaurants, and national retailers, such as The Apple Store—many of which have no other Mississippi location.
City leaders take a deliberate approach to urban planning and have recently completed a comprehensive Master Plan document, which lays out the city’s vision for future growth, sustainable development, and enhancement of key corridors, gateways, and public spaces.
Ridgeland has accumulated many honors in recent years: It was named one of the “100 Best Places to Live” in the August 2007 issue of Money Magazine. It was named the Best City in Mississippi for Start-ups, in 2009, by BusinessWeek.com. It was designated as a Tree City USA community in 2009 by the Arbor Day Foundation. And, in 2010, Ridgeland was honored as a Bike Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists.
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