Jonesboro, LA

Tucked into the rolling pine hills of northern Louisiana, Jonesboro is a quiet community that serves as the heart of Jackson Parish. With around 4,000 residents, it has the relaxed feel of a classic southern county seat centered around its historic downtown courthouse. Sitting right along Highway 167, the town gives newcomers an easy commute north to Ruston for university events, bigger retail spots, and medical centers while keeping everyday life calm and unhurried.

ATTRBilly Hathorn / CC BY-SA 3.0

Local industry is rooted in the surrounding timberlands, complemented by a branch of Louisiana Delta Community College offering hands-on vocational programs right in town. Jonesboro also shares a deep connection to country music history through former Louisiana governor Jimmie Davis, who popularized "You Are My Sunshine." Community spirit peaks during the holidays with the annual Christmas Wonderland in the Pines, when thousands of lights transform downtown into a festive destination for families across the region.