PETAL

Northeast of Hattiesburg, just across the Leaf River lies Petal, Mississippi. First settled by the Choctaw in the 1700’s, this area of the piney woods became a place that settlers of Scotch-Irish decent found ideal for raising cattle and other livestock in the early 1800’s. The community was named in honor of Irvin Polk’s daughter, who died in 1904 before her second birthday. The City of Petal, which incorporated on April 5, 1974, was known as the "largest unincorporated town in the United States" for much of its existence.

Quality of Life
There's room for play in the rolling piney woods of south Mississippi, with mild winters and warm summers which extend many sporting seasons. In fact, most recreational facilities offer year-round events and activities. If you love baseball, football, soccer, basketball or more individual activities such as biking, rollerblading, tennis or waterskiing, you'll find plenty of opportunities.

Known as "The Friendly City," Petal lives up to its name with its friendly business atmosphere and close-knit-community feel. Area sites include the Isaac Carter Cabin, built in 1846, which contains photos, handmade tools and furniture of the era. Petal is also home of the Checker Hall of Fame, which housed the World Checker Championship match in 2002. These unique attractions and various recreational facilities offer a one of a kind experience for both residents and visitors. Petal citizens enjoy a low crime rate, low unemployment and affordable housing. Whether you're looking for a small cottage, a historic and stately home, or a new upwardly mobile dream home, you'll find it all in Petal!

Business Factors
Petal is ideally suited for small businesses and office-type operations, but it also offers plenty of opportunity for manufacturing, with a skilled workforce. With the University of Southern Mississippi's Polymer Science program, Petal is uniquely positioned to take advantage of high-tech industry well into the 21st century.

Petal businesses attract customers from several outlying areas. In fact, a study showed that 85% of all shoppers were from Forrest, Jones and Perry counties. Petal offers these customers an opportunity to purchase goods without that extra drive to neighboring cities.

Education
The Petal School District is one of the few districts awarded the State of Mississippi's highest accreditation. Students are offered academic and technical programs in modern facilities with experienced teachers. With an eye on the future, the curriculum goes well beyond basic reading, writing, and arithmetic. Students are also offered instruction in computer science and polymer science, as well as musical and fine arts. The Petal school district is a place where learning is valued, where parents are actively involved in their children's education, where teachers are honored and respected, and where each student is important. Petal is a place where people come to put down deep roots -- to raise families, to build businesses, and to retire.

Demographics
Petal's population is estimated at 8,000, although there are many in outlying areas which call Petal their home. Most find careers in agriculture, technology, education and government. Entrepreneurship abounds. The average age is 32, and approximately 57% of the population are of working age (18-64.)  It is the perfect place to start and raise a family, as many generations will attest. And it is also a place to find those lifelong friends, the warmhearted kind who smile when you smile and help you along the way.