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Are you ready to say #iliveinlaurel? Buy a home in Laurel, MS!

Have you wondered what it would be like to live in Laurel? The quintessential southern small-town life, coupled with an active art community, fun local events and tons of great spots for the littles – and it could all be yours!

And of course – buying a house in Laurel could be your first step to being cast on HGTV’s Home Town, which is filmed right here in Laurel! Click here to learn more about the Home Town casting process and how you could be on the show.

Just to get you on your way – we took a little drive around our beautiful, historic homes district and have compiled a few of the currently available homes for sale in Laurel. But this isn’t all! Check out Zillow and Realtor.com for tons of great listings!

(Click photos for listing information.)

1008 Euclid Avenue

This adorable home on one of Laurel’s most beautiful streets was built in 1940 and was recently completely remodeled. We’ve watched the renovations happening here and love what they’ve accomplished! This house also has two apartments, which would be great for AirBNB!

1020 Euclid Avenue

Can you believe this house has 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms? Also located on Euclid Avenue, it is within easy walking distance of Downtown Laurel!

539 W 13th Street

You might recognize this beautiful home from Home Town on HGTV! It has a brand new roof, new paint and more! Located on 13th Street at the end of 6th Avenue and a very short distance from Laurel’s largest public park, this house is perfectly located for those who want a quiet property with easy access to downtown activities.

836 N 6th Avenue

6th Avenue is home to some of the most beautiful, historic homes in Laurel – and this property fits right in!

1107 N 6th Avenue

This 4 bed, 3 bath house is huge – perfect for a large family. Located on 6th Avenue, you’ll be right in the middle of the historic district and close to downtown!

522 N 6th Avenue

This beautiful historic home was built in 1870 and has been very well taken care of. And it has a pool!

Still deciding? Here are a few more great reasons to buy a home in Laurel!

  • Laurel has one of the lowest costs of living in the country.
  • We have one of the largest intact historic districts in the state of Mississippi.
  • Laurel has a stable and growing variety of major employers and industries.
  • We have a 285-bed regional hospital, airport, sports complex, great public schools, and two private schools.
  • Laurel is great for entrepreneurs with available local grants, a supportive local government, inexpensive office space (and a creative coworking space) and fiber internet in downtown!
  • Laurel is located on a major interstate (I59) as well as 4 US highways and 2 state highways – and just a few miles from Jones County Junior College and The University of Southern Mississippi, and just 2 hours from New Orleans.

Click below to get email updates and to find out more about what it means to say #iliveinlaurel!

*Disclaimer: The owners of this website are not licensed real estate agents and have no financial or personal connection to the homes listed above. :)

Why Moving Home to Laurel After College Was the Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me

Laurel is a vibrant, growing city, where small businesses and groups of regular people, who love to dream, have bonded together in the spirit of community and are dedicated to restoring Laurel to her original glory. But around five years ago, our Home Town was a lot different.

If you would’ve asked me what I wanted to be when I graduated from high school or college, I would have said, “Anything! Just don’t make me move back to Laurel.”

I yearned for the bright, crowded streets of New York, bursting with opportunity for young talent; the willow-lined paths of Charleston, full of sweet tea and social charm or any city with a Chili’s and a Super Target. “Get me out of this hometown box of torture” is probably something I’d be caught saying in the Sonic parking lot on a Friday night.

A little dramatic, you think? Absolutely.

It’s a belief that infests teenagers and college students. That if you don’t run away as fast as you can from your hometown, you’ll never leave it or be successful.

There is some truth to the stigma that small towns don’t offer many opportunities for creatives or fast-paced millennials that hold infinite information at their fingertips. Everyone has experienced or knows someone with a negative connotation of small-town life, no matter where your roots may lie. But we have the ability to change that.

In Laurel’s case, the main obstacle was showing other people how much she had to offer instead of focusing on how much she lacked. As Erin Napier says, “Laurel’s like the pretty girl who doesn’t know she’s pretty.”

I’m here to confess to the world that moving back to my home town after college was the best thing that has ever happened to me and here’s why.

1. I’ve had the chance to recreate what #iliveinlaurel means to me.

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Hidden gems on the ride home 🌈 #iliveinlaurel #HappySunday

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2. It all begins with perspective …

And finding the beauty in what it’s front of you. No matter where you are – big city or small town.

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Sprang #iliveinlaurel

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3. It’s affordable to live here as a young adult, which is super important.

I can live in a comfortable house and enjoy dining out with my friends on a regular basis.

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on this season of New Girl

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finally, a shop with my name on it :)

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4. There are creatives and inspiration at every turn.

5. It’s not hard to build a side-hustle.

Stores across downtown offer young and experienced artists a place to showcase their work and locals are beyond supportive of the arts in Laurel.

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Every morning is a chance to bloom again #HappyThursday 💕

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6. There are a plethora of professional and personal mentors that genuinely care about your well-being and growth.

Community is a really important thing here.

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WE REALLY LOVE #SCARVES #ladieswholunch #interns

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7. Most importantly, my hometown is open-minded.

She stands with open arms for the opportunity to grow from its people’s ideas and values.

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keep Laurel kind 💛 #iliveinlaurel #prettycity

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My favorite piece of advice came from one of my friends, Kaypounyers Maye at the University of Mississippi days before graduation. He told me, “The best part about leaving the place you love, is being able to come back and share everything you’ve learned while you were away.”

While I had moved away from Laurel for a couple of years, learned so much about myself and felt growth like I’d never known before… Laurel did too.

Every time I came home, a new business had popped up, or a mural had been painted.
People would talk about it and become excited. Then HGTV Home Town happened, and the rest is history.

Although this didn’t start with me, I’m choosing to dive in deep now. I want to disprove the stereotype about those who come home because they couldn’t make it in the real world.

I came home because my hometown offered me the entire world and something even better – a place to grow and try new things. I’m working every day to live a life and create the reality I’ve always dreamed of in the place that raised me. I’m choosing to give back to the city and its people that have given me so much.

Don’t get me wrong, I still wish Laurel had a Super Target. Except now I know it’s not the size of the town that makes a place home or fertile with opportunity. It’s the people that help her grow strong and the life they bring back to her once they leave.

Laurel isn’t done growing and thankfully, neither am I.

Casting for HGTV Home Town

Do you want to be on HGTV’s Home Town?

Casting HGTV Home TownAre you thinking about moving to Laurel? You could be cast on Home Town, get to know Ben & Erin, and – most importantly – get to call our sweet small-town home!

Just for you, we reached out to our friends at HGTV and RTR Media to give you all of the inside info about what it takes to be on the show! Here’s what they had to say:

How to apply to be cast on HGTV’s Home Town

“When it comes to applying to be on Home Town, be prepared to sell yourself! We’re looking for outgoing characters who love to tell a good story and are passionate about wanting to live in Laurel.

The process is pretty simple if you’re interested in being on the show – just send an email to hometowncasting@rtrmedia.com. That’s it! Well… not really, but it’s a darn good start.”

What HGTV needs to know about you:

“In the email, we’d love to know a little about yourself, your family and why you’re moving to Laurel. We’d also like to know if you’ve recently bought a house, or have your eye on one or don’t know where to start and need some help. We are looking for homes of all types, shapes, and sizes in Laurel and require that you have a renovation budget that fits the needs of your new home. Let us know what you’re looking for in your new home!”

The Home Town casting process:

“If your story sounds like a good fit, we’ll have you fill out an application form, and that’s when the excitement really begins. Since every situation is different, it could be the casting process takes 6 weeks or it could be 6 months. The amount of time depends on many factors and we’ll work those out together. For that reason, we encourage everyone to reach out and let us know the who, what and whens of their move to Laurel.”

Apply to be on Home Town today!

Send an email right now to hometowncasting@rtrmedia.com to see if you might be a good fit for Home Town!

Be sure to include:

  1. Your story – tell them all about yourselves!
  2. Why are you moving to Laurel?
  3. Are you looking for a Laurel home, or recently purchased one?
  4. Do you have a budget for the renovations your home needs/may need?

Want to find out more about what it’s like to say “I Live in Laurel?” Click here to see some of our favorite parts of our very own hometown!

Laurel Mercantile Co.

A tour of Laurel Mercantile & our favorite home town finds!

Laurel Mercantile Co. owned by Ben and Erin Napier and their four closest friends, AKA “framily,” is the tourism hot spot in Downtown Laurel.

Whether it’s the first place you stop or the high point of your trip, we know that the “Merc” is sure to be on your list of places to visit.

Join us for a video tour of their store and a few of the locals’ favorite finds! Click below to watch now and be sure to sign up for updates!

A few our our Laurel Mercantile favorites!

Follow Laurel Mercantile Co.

Visit Laurel Mercantile Co.

Heirloom wares and durable goods for home and life curated and owned by the cast of HGTV’s Home Town.

Hours:

Monday-Saturday: 10:00-6:00pm
Sunday: 12:30-3:00pm

Location

414 Front Street
Laurel, MS 39440

Skip the Hotels: The Most Charming Places to Stay in Laurel, MS

There’s lots of things for us Laurelites to be proud of, and hospitality and charm are at the top of the list. What’s the best way to be hospitable? To host guests, of course! Most visitors will choose to stay in hotels, but we have a better idea.

Make Your Laurel Experience Unique

Why stay in a hotel, when you could stay in a one-of-a-kind BnB?

There’s many perks to this, including saving money.

Not only can you save money and walk right to all of your favorite Downtown Laurel destinations, but also make some long-lasting memories living like a local.

Frank & Flora: The Laurel Cottages

These sweet little cottages are in the heart of the historic district, and are decorated perfectly for a comfy, cozy stay.

They have all the amenities you need, and are just minutes from Downtown! We recommend taking a walk around the neighborhood while you’re here. The historic homes are a must see!

I mean, have you ever seen any hotels that look like this?

Local Tip: These cottages are owned and decorated by Mallorie Rasberry. She’s the brains behind the great store design and product procurement at Laurel Mercantile Co.! 

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#fresh

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Let that sink in 😌

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Wisteria Bed & Breakfast

Wisteria is Laurel’s oldest BnB, and has been a staple of the Historic District for years. We love this place for its history and its amazing location on 5th Ave.

Stay here with Peggy, the owner, and have some great breakfast and conversation!

Sweet Somethings Bed & Breakfast

This BnB is above a bakery, and that means that you’re just steps away from all kinds of delicious desserts and ice cream. Bad idea or good idea?

This BnB is located on Central Ave. right in the Downtown area, and very close to several restaurants and shops.

Local Tip: Grab breakfast first thing downstairs in the bakery while it’s still hot. The cinnamon rolls and sticky buns are famous around here.

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The Laurel Cottage

Looking for some good company? This airbnb is perfect for you!

Miss Bonnie is known for her great chats, vegetable and blueberry picking in season, a huge two-person hammock, yoga mats, and a great backyard area with a deck and swing-set.

There are many other local BnB’s to stay at in town. These are just a few of our favorites!

Check out the others, and enjoy your stay locally in Laurel!

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Laurel’s Best Nightlife Destinations

Spending the weekend in Laurel? Maybe you’ve got your day plans already mapped out, but here’s your nighttime itinerary. 

Dinner & Dessert

Man oh man does Downtown Laurel have some great food! (And sweets.)

A lot of us know what eateries are open during the day, but what about on weekends? And for dinner?

The Loft on Central Ave. has a beautiful, string-lit patio and deck that’s perfect for intimate dinner dates. Or for a group! Lots of business people enjoy coming here for a drink after work.

Local Tip: Try the steak bites!

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Guess where? #mimmos #downtownlaurel #sogood

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Mimmo’s Ristorante and Pizzeria is one of Downtown Laurel’s newest editions for dinner! Their ambience, food, and cannolis are to die for.

Local Tip: Mimmo’s food is authentic Italian! Mimmo makes his bread, pasta, and signature dressing from scratch daily.

Looking for some comfort food? The Pearl Diner is open on Saturdays for lunch, and Friday nights for dinner.

Local Tip: Miss Pearl’s Banana Pudding is the dessert you need. You’ll be talking about it for days to come. Trust us!

Friday Night Fun

In case you didn’t know, Laurel is a hub for great entertainment. From live music to theatre productions, we got it!

Lee’s Coffee & Tea has brand new extended hours, and has welcomed some great new things to the café! Enjoy Lee’s until 9 PM on the weekends, and sometimes later on Open Mic Night.

The first Friday of every month, Lee’s hosts Laurel’s many local musicians for Open Mic Night. Come grab a coffee, craft beer, or a hummus plate and sit back and watch the show!

The second Friday is board game night and the third Friday of the month is Vinyl Night! Bring your favorite record and put in the queue.

Did you know Laurel has a brewery? Well, now you do!

Slowboat Brewing Co. is fun, family friendly, and the place to go for the best live music.

They brew their own in-house craft beer, host food trucks, and have life-size Jenga.

Local Tip: Slowboat is dog friendly. Don’t leave your furry friends at home!

 

Laurel Little Theatre hosts seasonal productions and events all throughout the year.

Many of our favorite plays have been performed in this historic theatre. Be sure to check out their schedule!

Laurel’s Sip & Stroll Ordinance

The City Beautiful is now home to a “to-go cup” friendly leisure and recreation district.

Get your favorite drinks to-go from our local restaurants and bars, and Sip & Stroll under the lights in Downtown Laurel!

Love these tips? Sign up in the blue box to get email updates and follow our Instagram for more Laurel fun!

 

Our Downtown Laurel merchants are rolling out the welcome mat for you with beautiful decor, charming shops and big smiles. Stop by and say hey y'all!

Why #iliveinlaurel: A Local’s Perspective

If you spend any amount of time in Laurel, you’ll quickly see the allure of our affectionally called, “City Beautiful”. There are many reasons why #iliveinlaurel, and hopefully–I can convince you to do the same.

Laurel’s History & Beauty

If you browse the #iliveinlaurel tag on Instagram, you’ll find many photos of our parks, beautiful sunsets and sunrises, blooming gardens, porch gatherings, and walks through the Historic District.

Because we have such rich history built by innovators, artisans, and entrepreneurs, our buildings and homes are awe-inspiring to look at. (And live in!)

I’m lucky enough to live in the Historic District in a very old home with tall ceilings and windows, a huge wrap-around porch, and plenty to look at right outside my door. And when I’m wanting to get out, everything is in walking distance. I’ve got a tennis court across the street, and can walk to work and Downtown in less than 10 minutes!

  • Historic Buildings

    The Arabian, now Laurel Little Theatre is celebrating their 57th season this year. Their building is one of my favorites. I recommend you try to catch them on a good day to go look inside!

  • Historic District

    Laurel’s historic district is incredibly beautiful. Long walks in any season are to be cherished. You might even see some homes you recognize!

  • Laurel in Bloom

    Laurel’s Springtime is the best for flower finds! We’ve got several types of azaleas, Japanese magnolias, and plenty more to enjoy.

Food & Fun

One of the best parts of Laurel is the culture. Our city is a central hub for creatives, musicians, artists, and foodies of all kinds.

We have great events like Open Mic Night at Lee’s Coffee & Tea, weekends at Slowboat Brewing Co., and festivals sponsored by Laurel Main Street.

And one thing you can’t miss in Laurel is the food. 

We’ve got authentic Italian, home-style cooking, a steakhouse, a coffee shop, and more!

Need refreshing after a long walk through Downtown? Stop at one of our local restaurants or coffee shops for delicious treats!

Need refreshing after a long walk through Downtown? Stop at one of our local restaurants or coffee shops for delicious treats!

Downtown Laurel during Loblolly Festival in the Fall. We have several great festivals worth getting Downtown for!

A Tight-Knit Community Who Are Proud to Say: #iliveinlaurel

Trust me when I say that I’m not the only one who loves living in Laurel! One of my absolute favorite things about my city are my friends and neighbors.

The people who live here are huge cheerleaders of each other and for our Downtown. We collaborate, we meet for lunch, and we know everyone by name.

And most of all: we are proud to say #iliveinlaurel.

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Sprang #iliveinlaurel

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These blue skies + Laurel 😍😍😍

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I hope that after reading this, you’ll consider becoming a Laurelite or at the least just paying us a visit! There’s just too much here to enjoy to keep it all to ourselves.

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