Our Area
Workforce
Development
Career training and advancement is easily available to the Natchez area and residents of the region.
Copiah-Lincoln Community College (Co-Lin) has a Workforce Development Center that provides workforce development support for new, existing, and expanding businesses and industries in the state. The Center offers programs and services designed to assist individuals and companies in meeting the challenges of a changing workplace. These services include on-site customized training, industry or firm-related pre-employment training, and basic skills classes
Education
Public Schools
Two public school districts are present in the Natchez/Vidalia region.
Both districts operate elementary schools, one middle school, one high school for the county/parish.
Private Schools
Three private or parochial schools are also located in the Natchez/Vidalia area that covers pre-school through twelfth grade.
Secondary Education
Secondary vocational-technical education is available through the public school district at the Natchez-Adams County Vocational Center. The district offers vocational-technical programs to high school students planning immediate employment or advanced vocational study.
Higher Education
Higher education is available in Natchez through Alcorn State University and a branch of Copiah-Lincoln Community College.
The Alcorn State University MBA program is housed in modern state of the art facilities here in Natchez. Also located here is Alcorn’s Division of Nursing which comprises two departments, the Associate Degree and the Baccalaureate Nursing Department.
The Copiah-Lincoln Community College Natchez campus offers Associate of Arts and Associate of Applied Science degrees, as well as a variety of career and technical programs, and continuing education classes. Comprehensive post-secondary vocational-technical education and training is also available at Copiah-Lincoln Community College.
Quality of Life
We’ve been waiting for you to visit. Reminders of the area’s colorful history abound in architecture preserved with loving care and honored across generations. Rich in heritage, Natchez and Adams County, Mississippi are places where the strength of tradition mingles with the excitement of the present. Accompanying the beauty and southern charm of the community are quality recreation programs, historic sightseeing, and antique shopping.
Low Cost of Living
The cost of living index is below average according to America’s Most Livable Towns and Villages. On average a typical home in Natchez costs about $100,000 compared to the national average of $214,800, making Natchez a most desirable place in which to live.
Strong Law Enforcement
The crimes reported in Natchez have been declining at a rate of 3% to 4% per year for the last eight years. The Natchez Police Department employs 50 sworn officers and sponsors a very successful Neighborhood Watch program as a crime deterrent. The Adams County Sheriff’s Office provides protection to the rural areas of Adams County. Their headquarters is located in downtown Natchez, and they employ 39 full-time deputies.
Quality Healthcare
Heath care is state-of-the-art. The physicians keep up-to-date in the latest medical research and pride themselves in quality patient care.
Adams County is served by Merit Health Natchez, a 179 bed facility. The county is also served by numerous nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
Approximately 400 licensed healthcare professionals work in the area, including specialists in orthopedics, radiology, dermatology, urology, gastroenterology, anesthesiology, ophthalmology, family practice, dentistry, internal medicine, pediatrics, pulmonary medicine, oncology, pathology, general surgery, obstetrics/gynecology and ear/nose/throat.
Arts, Culture, & Preservation
From the Festival of Music to The Natchez Balloon Festival, Natchez certainly has its share of culture and festivities. The people here have always had a knack for thinking outside the box. They’ve looked for new opportunities to utilize their natural resources and geographical prominence. The variety, quality and number of arts and culture events here contribute to the whole community’s vibrancy in many ways. Our cultural heritage is enhanced in the artisitic community which provides venues for new and established talents, generating artistic works and ideas.
To learn more, please check out the following link. An updated schedule of events can be found at VisitNatchez.org.
Ideal Retirement Destination
“Natchez – a least expensive city to retire to.”
Natchez has been awarded membership in the American Association of Retirement Communities. Kiplinger Personal Finance Report magazine lists the state of Mississippi fourth in the nation as having the least overall tax impact on retiree income. These low tax impacts include sales tax, property tax and state income tax.
There is a wide variety of housing choices, from modern to historic, in a range of neighborhoods around the city and county. Newcomers will find a variety of homes, diverse in cost, style and location. Those preferring newer homes will find moderately priced subdivisions offering wooded lots, convenient shopping and easy access to the downtown business district. Historical Antebellum and Victorian homes are also available, either for renovation or already complete with modern amenities priced far below replacement cost. Those preferring a custom-built home on a championship golf course will also find their dream home. Several condominium developments in the downtown area have been developed, both new construction and in existing historic properties.
There is no state income tax on retirement benefits and pensions. After the age of 65, property taxes that are already very low, become lower yet. No matter your background, choosing to retire to Natchez is an excellent way to be able to use your retirement benefits wisely according to several economists across the country.
We offer the perfect destination for retirees. For more information, please email retirenatchez@natchezinc.com.
Shopping
Adams County serves as a regional hub for shopping and retail of the Natchez area and surrounding counties and parishes in Louisiana. Many locally owned shops fill downtown Natchez with more along our transportation corridors. From antiques, handmade items, vintage and clothing boutiques, Natchez has something for everyone.
Abundant Recreation
With at least ten (10) months of weather each year and a combination of resources – including lakes, woodlands, and wildlife – make outdoor recreation a favorable element in Natchez’ quality of life! Hunting and fishing are excellent, as are golfing, paddling, bicycling, jogging, swimming, tennis, baseball, disc golf, soccer and other sports.
Much of these activities take place in the Natchez parks, including the city-owned parks, such as 200-acre Duncan Park. Other parks include Bluff Park along the river, Memorial Park on Main Street, Natchez National Historical Park, Natchez State Park and the Natchez Trace Parkway.
The Natchez Recreation Department is dedicated to responding to the community’s needs by enriching lives through life-long leisure enjoyment. They provide quality recreational programs and opportunities for personal development.
Staff & Press Info
Natchez, Inc. is Natchez and Adams County’s lead economic and community development agency. Our staff is engaged in providing services to businesses, communities, and the workforce in the region. Our mission is to serve existing and new businesses and industries – all with the goal of improving the quality of life and economic well-being of area residents
Chandler Russ
Executive Director
cruss@natchezinc.com
Aimee Guido
Project Manager
aguido@natchezinc.com