Starkville City Guide

Food focuses on Southern comfort with BBQ, catfish, and sweet tea. Some international options exist. Vegetarian options are available but limited. Late-night food is mainly fast food and casual diners.

Nightlife is lively around the Cotton District and downtown, driven by the university crowd with bars and live music venues.

Growing coffee scene with local cafes and some third-wave options. Popular spots focus on community and study space.

Tipping is expected in most service industries. 15-20% in restaurants and taxis; similar for other services.

SIM cards can be bought at AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile stores, Walmart, and Best Buy. Major carriers offer good coverage and eSIM support.

Streets and public areas are generally clean with regular waste pickup and recycling services.

Limited 24/7 options. Some pharmacies have extended hours; convenience stores and gas stations usually open all night. Emergency room open 24/7.

Groceries are available at Kroger, Walmart Supercenter, and a seasonal farmers market. International items are limited.

Most businesses, restaurants, and shops accept major credit and debit cards. Cash is rarely needed for daily purchases.

ATMs are common at banks like Cadence, Renasant, and Trustmark, as well as in major stores. Out-of-network ATM fees usually cost between $2.50 to $5.00.

Public schools are managed by Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District. Instruction is in English. No major international schools are present.

Small nomad community. Best for those seeking a quiet, university town vibe rather than an active nomad scene.

Good green spaces including parks and the university campus, with shaded walking paths and lakeside spots.

Running paths on university campus and parks like McKee Park. Generally safe and suitable for daytime running.

Several gyms available including university and public options.

Public and university tennis courts available, mostly hard courts, usually first-come, first-served.

No padel facilities.

Several yoga studios offer various styles with English-speaking instructors and drop-in classes.

Several schools offer Taekwondo, Karate, Judo, and BJJ with English-speaking instructors.

No skiing available.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are possible at Oktibbeha County Lake and local reservoirs, mostly seasonal rentals.

No surfing available as Starkville is inland.

No local diving or snorkeling.

OCH Regional Medical Center is the main hospital with English-speaking staff. Clinics and pharmacies are available, but healthcare can be expensive without insurance.

Tap water meets federal and state safety standards and is safe to drink.

Good facilities for families with parks like McKee and Moncrief Park, family-friendly cafes, and local attractions including the university campus and lake.

Generally accepting, especially on campus, but Mississippi lacks statewide legal protections. Some safe spaces and university groups exist.

Pet-friendly with parks allowing leashed dogs. Some hotels and restaurants welcome pets. Veterinary clinics and pet supply stores are available.