Bo Diddley -- a pioneer of blues and rock music -- hailed from McComb, Mississippi. Indeed, this town, which is an integral part of the Mississippi Blues Trail, is one of the most fitting spots to feel the music in your soul and sing the blues.
Great music is to be expected here
Bo Diddley -- a pioneer of blues and rock music -- hailed from McComb, Mississippi. Indeed, this town, which is an integral part of the Mississippi Blues Trail, is one of the most fitting spots to feel the music in your soul and sing the blues.
Great music is to be expected here. McComb also has a buzzing downtown district, streets named after states, and quality parks. Home to 12,790 folks and just 110 miles north of New Orleans, McComb does everything a small city in Pike County should -- soothes your ears with melodic tunes, pleases your tastes with niche shopping and fills you up with good food. The town's history, which is intrinsically connected to railroads, is also of note. Welcome to Bo Diddley country. Welcome to the land of trains. Have some great barbecue. Welcome to McComb!
All Aboard McComb Express!
As a renter, the market is in your favor. Firstly, the percentage of homes being rented is much higher here than Mississippi's average. Secondly, many available listings indicate the home shopping process isn't like finding a needle in a haystack; it's more like choosing among a whole list of dishes at The Caboose in downtown McComb. Okay, maybe the houses aren't as succulent as prime rib or sauteed mushrooms, but you get the idea. You get variety and quantity. Everything from apartment homes and rental houses to mobile homes is available.
Booking Your Ticket
Anytime is fine to arrive here, and you should only need a week or two to tour pads in McComb and decide on a home. This time frame assumes you do a little research and contact folks beforehand. Note that summers get scorching hot, too; if you can, avoid moving during that season.
Quality Check Before Take-Off
In McComb, 27 percent of living units were erected before 1950, and while most boast an aged charm, some have lost the battle with time (and for a few it's hard to tell). Make sure the home you rent is actually in move-in shape, even for pads within an apartment complex in McComb. Or else a toilet that's constantly clogged will have you singing the blues... and calling your landlord!
Get the Train Moving
In order to move in, one month's rent will need to be given to the landlord or management. Complexes in McComb usually do credit checks and want to see proof of income, while landlords may or may not request such. A deposit, like everywhere else, is required, so don't do wild experiments in the home.
Before you even begin to find an apartment in McComb, you should study up on the neighborhoods and complexes. After all, you could live in an area near many stores and restaurants, or you could live in an area where you can have huge bonfires without anyone noticing. What's it going to be?
Downtown McComb: Alive and bumping to blues music, the downtown area with specialty shops and eateries thrives on and around Main Street. You can find apartments and condos for rent as well as larger homes. The area is mostly car-dependent with the exception of going out to eat and niche shopping. The McComb Amtrak station is in this area.
Edgewood: This north neighborhood is highlighted by Edgewood Mall, Double E Barbecue and Edgewood Park. It's close to a grocery store and some entertainment, which makes it somewhat walkable, although a vehicle is advised.
Presley: This south area has a good deal of restaurants and stores along Presley Boulevard, and that means the neighborhood is slightly more walkable than others in town. Featuring a variety of homes, this is the spot for anything from studio apartments for rent to three-bedroom houses for lease.
Little Tangipahoa River: On the west side, this neighborhood is scattered and is the least walkable part of town. The area is great for bike exercise. You'll get space here.
Many blues legends -- King Solomon Hill, Bo Diddley, and Little Freddie King -- were born in McComb, and that's vital to remember. There are myriad ways to get to the heart of the town. A meal at The Dinner Bell, a beer at The Ice House, and cup of coffee at PJ's Coffee can give a little insight. A visit to the McComb Railroad Museum, an excursion to Bogue Chitto Water Park, and a hike through Percy Quin State Park can provide a little more. The Space Tag Entertainment Center shows McComb's playful side, while the McComb Flea Market and Antique Mall illustrates the town's unique retail side. However, if you truly want to see the town at its core, drive along Main Street, turn up Bo Diddley's I'm a Man, and let McComb come to you.
