Taylor, MS

Located in Lafayette County about ten miles south of Oxford, Taylor is a quiet village of around 350 people. It covers roughly four square miles of rolling countryside, making it an easy spot for anyone who wants rural peace while staying close to the University of Mississippi and nearby Water Valley. The town grew around an early mill built in the 1830s and later became a stop on the Mississippi Central Railroad. It also holds a neat piece of literary trivia: it is the only real-world town name William Faulkner kept in his Yoknapatawpha County novels.

ATTRFredlyfish4 / CC BY-SA 4.0

Like many railroad stops across north Mississippi, Taylor weathered its share of hardships over the years, including town center fires and the decline of the cotton trade. In the 1970s, after the local population dwindled, a wave of painters, sculptors, and writers began moving into old Victorian homes and breathing fresh energy into the area. That influx turned Taylor into a recognized creative community where local artists and longtime farming families share a relaxed, neighborly pace of life.

ATTRFredlyfish4 / CC BY-SA 4.0

Today, Taylor is best known for its welcoming community spots, art studios, and exceptional food. Taylor Grocery draws diners from across the region for plates of fried catfish, and local galleries feature the work of resident potters and painters. Recent development around the Plein Air neighborhood has added classic Southern homes and small commercial spaces without losing the village's easygoing charm. Served by the Lafayette County School District, Taylor is a great fit for anyone looking for quiet country living within quick reach of Oxford.