Welcome to Ridgeland, Mississippi, where the spirit of community and innovation converge just north of Jackson. With nearly 25,000 residents, Ridgeland offers a vibrant blend of modern amenities and Southern charm. This dynamic city has become a beacon of growth and opportunity, recognized for its robust economy and cutting-edge technology in both homes and businesses.
Ridgeland takes pride in its commitment to quality living, as reflected in its esteemed recognition as Mississippi's healthiest hometown. The city's outdoor paradise includes miles of bike trails ideal for cycling enthusiasts and the stunning natural beauty of the Natchez Trace Parkway and Ross Barnett Reservoir. From serene nature escapes to exhilarating outdoor activities, Ridgeland invites residents and visitors alike to embrace an active lifestyle.
The city's dedication to greenery and sustainability is evident as a Tree City USA, proudly reflecting its vibrant landscapes. Additionally, as a Google eCity, Ridgeland stands out as a digital innovator, fostering a tech-savvy community ready for the future.
With award-winning education, diverse shopping experiences, and delectable dining options, Ridgeland is a place where families and individuals can ...
Discover the Charms of Ridgeland,
4 | HelloRidgeland, Mississippi • Winter Issue
Discover the Charms of Ridgeland, Mississippi: A Place to Thrive
Welcome to Ridgeland, Mississippi, where the spirit of community and innovation converge just north of Jackson. With nearly 25,000 residents, Ridgeland offers a vibrant blend of modern amenities and Southern charm. This dynamic city has become a beacon of growth and opportunity, recognized for its robust economy and cutting-edge technology in both homes and businesses.
Ridgeland takes pride in its commitment to quality living, as reflected in its esteemed recognition as Mississippi's healthiest hometown. The city's outdoor paradise includes miles of bike trails ideal for cycling enthusiasts and the stunning natural beauty of the Natchez Trace Parkway and Ross Barnett Reservoir. From serene nature escapes to exhilarating outdoor activities, Ridgeland invites residents and visitors alike to embrace an active lifestyle.
The city's dedication to greenery and sustainability is evident as a Tree City USA, proudly reflecting its vibrant landscapes. Additionally, as a Google eCity, Ridgeland stands out as a digital innovator, fostering a tech-savvy community ready for the future.
With award-winning education, diverse shopping experiences, and delectable dining options, Ridgeland is a place where families and individuals can truly flourish. Whether you're exploring the city for the first time or considering making it your home, Ridgeland greets you with open arms and endless possibilities. Come see why this Southern gem is a prime destination for living and thriving.
Hello Ridgeland, Mississippi • Winter Issue |5
Discover the Charms of Ridgeland,
FEATURED STORY
How BBB Mississippi Builds Marketplace Trust Statewide with CEO John O’Hara
by HelloNation Staff
John O’Hara leads the Better Business Bureau Serving Mississippi, and his message is consistent. The BBB gives people public information about businesses, a fair process when something goes wrong, and plain tips that help them avoid scams. In a state where many transactions still begin with a call or a handshake, that combination is practical and easy to use.O’Hara has been president and CEO since 2012, and the structure has remained the same. Consumers can look up Business Profiles to see complaint patterns and company responses in context, not as
6 | HelloRidgeland, Mississippi • Winter Issue
HelloNation Staff
ABOUT THE AUTHOR HelloNation is a national magazine dedicated to practical consumer education. We translate real marketplace issues into plain steps that help people set fair expectations, compare options, and resolve problems. Our editorial mission closely aligns with the Better Business Bureau’s emphasis on public education and transparent practices, while remaining independent and not affiliated.
isolated comments. Businesses can point to those same records to show how they handle problems. This shared visibility encourages better conduct before anyone signs a contract, which is when most issues can still be prevented.Mississippi sees its share of fraud attempts, and O’Hara’s outreach focuses on habits that work across many schemes. He reminds people to type official web addresses into a browser, to treat unexpected links and attachments with caution, and to be skeptical of payment requests by gift card or wire. He also notes that a careful screenshot, a saved email, and a
Hello Ridgeland, Mississippi • Winter Issue |7
How BBB Mississippi Builds Marketplace Trust Statewide with CEO John O’Hara
John O’Hara leads the Better Business Bureau Serving Mississippi, and his message is consistent. The BBB gives people public information about businesses, a fair process when something goes wrong, and plain tips that help them avoid scams. In a state where many transactions still begin with a call or a handshake, that combination is practical and easy to use. O’Hara has been president and CEO since 2012, and the structure has remained the same. Consumers can look up Business Profiles to see complaint patterns and company responses in context, not as isolated comments. Businesses can point to those same records to show how they handle problems. This shared visibility encourages better conduct before anyone signs a contract, which is when most issues can still be prevented. Mississippi sees its share of fraud attempts, and O’Hara’s outreach focuses on habits that work across many schemes. He reminds people to type official web addresses into a browser, to treat unexpected links and attachments with caution, and to be skeptical of payment requests by gift card or wire. He also notes that a careful screenshot, a saved email, and a dated receipt can make all the difference if a dispute arises later. These are small steps that fit busy lives, and they work whether the pitch shows up as a text, a social message, or a call. His public talks keep the tone steady. When he meets with business owners or students, he frames trust as a set of repeatable behaviors. Post refund and cancellation policies where customers can read them. Train frontline staff to respond with specifics rather than arguments. Confirm promises in writing with names and dates. These actions lower complaint volume, and if a complaint is filed, they make a clearer outcome more likely. Media appearances extend that same approach to a wider audience. Local outlets invite O’Hara to explain current scam trends and the warning signs that cut across tactics. Viewers and listeners hear the same plain guidance, slow down, verify independently, and report what you see so patterns emerge. The aim is not to memorize every new script, it is to build simple habits that make bad pitches easier to spot. Inside the bureau, the complaint process is deliberately transparent. A complaint that meets acceptance rules is forwarded to the business with a set timeline for a response. Staff ask both sides for documents and dates that support their accounts. Many matters close with a written plan the parties can follow, and that result appears on the profile. The point is not to pick winners, it is to make the facts easier to see so future buyers can make informed choices. Education runs alongside dispute work. In shopping seasons, the office emphasizes online purchase basics and charity research. After heavy weather, reminders focus on written estimates, staged payments, and verifying licenses and insurance for contractors. The office also speaks to civic groups and classrooms across the state. Over time, these routine messages add up to a shared language that both consumers and businesses understand. O’Hara’s background equips him to bridge conversations between households and companies. Years in operations and management taught him to focus on process, clarity, and follow through. That perspective fits the BBB’s mission, which relies on everyday actions rather than slogans. A clear return policy that staff can explain will prevent more disputes than any single campaign. A faster, specific reply to a complaint can save a relationship that might otherwise be lost. Mississippi’s geography shapes the daily work too. The bureau serves 76 counties from its Flowood office, which means audiences range from metro neighborhoods to small towns. The same core tools work everywhere. A buyer checks a profile before hiring, a seller posts terms in plain language, and a well-documented exchange keeps expectations aligned. When information is public and steps are simple, most problems become smaller and faster to resolve. Public trust also grows when people see consistent behavior. When a business replies on time with dates, receipts, and next steps, the record shows it. When an issue is fixed, that outcome remains visible for the next person. The bureau is not a court, but it is a reliable forum that rewards documentation and good faith. Over time, those routine cases create a living picture of how companies act when things do not go perfectly. O’Hara’s community talks come back to the same idea. Consumers and businesses share the marketplace, so they also share the habits that keep it healthy. When both sides use clear information, written terms, and a calm process, trust becomes the default. That is the promise the BBB has offered for decades, and it is the one his office continues to deliver across Mississippi
When both sidesuse clear information, writtenterms, and a calmprocess, trust becomes thedefault.
dated receipt can make all the difference if a dispute arises later. These are small steps that fit busy lives, and they work whether the pitch shows up as a text, a social message, or a call.His public talks keep the tone steady. When he meets with business owners or students, he frames trust as a set of repeatable behaviors. Post refund and cancellation policies where customers can read them. Train frontline staff to respond with specifics rather than arguments. Confirm promises i...
Buying a Home in Madison County in 2026, What Buyers Should Know
Homebuyers across Madison County are preparing for a market that feels both familiar and new. Many buyers in Ridgeland and Madison want to understand how 2026 conditions may shape their choices, especially after several years of rapid change. The pace of sales has started to level out, and inventory is
improving in small but steady steps. At the same time, interest rate forecasts remain uncertain, so buyers are learning how to balance opportunity with patience.Local trends show that homes in Ridgeland and Madison continue to draw steady interest due to schools, neighborhood stability, and access
8 | HelloRidgeland, Mississippi • Winter Issue
Buying a Home in Madison County in 2026, What Buyers Should Know
Homebuyers across Madison County are preparing for a market that feels both familiar and new. Many buyers in Ridgeland and Madison want to understand how 2026 conditions may shape their choices, especially after several years of rapid change. The pace of sales has started to level out, and inventory is improving in small but steady steps. At the same time, interest rate forecasts remain uncertain, so buyers are learning how to balance opportunity with patience.
Local trends show that homes in Ridgeland and Madison continue to draw steady interest due to schools, neighborhood stability, and access to major employers. These factors support long term value even when broader economic signals shift. Prices have not dropped dramatically, but they have cooled enough to give buyers room to negotiate. Realtors who study the Madison County, MS housing market trends for 2025 expect 2026 to bring a mix of moderate growth and brief periods of competition.
Buyers often ask if now is a good time to purchase or if waiting might offer better affordability. The answer depends on a buyer’s goals, financial comfort, and timeline. Some households prefer to buy when inventory is rising because it gives them more choices and reduces pressure. Others feel more secure locking in a home while competition remains manageable. The most important step is understanding how local supply, interest rate expectations, and neighborhood demand work together to shape real opportunity.
A buyer looking in Ridgeland may find slightly more new construction than in previous years, especially in developing pockets near major corridors. This can help stabilize pricing, since builders often adjust to current demand. In Madison, established neighborhoods tend to hold value more tightly, so even small shifts in demand can change how quickly homes sell. Buyers who track these patterns over several months usually feel more prepared to make an offer.
Interest rates remain a central concern. Forecasts suggest potential movement in 2026, but experts caution that rates rarely fall in a straight line. A modest improvement can open doors for many buyers, yet a temporary uptick can create hesitation. This is where the buy vs. wait real estate question in Mississippi becomes practical. If a buyer finds a home that meets long-term needs and falls within budget, the decision to move forward may outweigh the uncertainty of future rate drops.
Local professionals also encourage buyers to consider how lifestyle factors matter as much as financial ones. Commuting distance, school preferences, community amenities, and future growth plans often determine satisfaction more than small price differences. A buyer who focuses on these priorities tends to make clearer decisions when comparing neighborhoods.
Looking ahead to 2026, steady demand is expected across Madison County, though not at the intense levels seen earlier. This creates a more predictable environment for buyers who want to take their time evaluating options. Sellers are also adapting to the shift by pricing more realistically, which helps reduce abrupt bidding spikes.
For anyone exploring a home purchase in Ridgeland or Madison, the next year offers a balanced landscape. It is neither a heavy buyer’s market nor a strong seller’s market, which means informed decisions carry more weight than timing alone. Buyers who understand local trends, monitor interest rate patterns, and stay focused on their goals are more likely to find a home that fits their plans for the future.
Steve O Houck
to major employers. These factors support long term value even when broader economic signals shift. Prices have not dropped dramatically, but they have cooled enough to give buyers room to negotiate. Realtors who study the Madison County, MS housing market trends for 2025 expect 2026 to bring a mix of moderate growth
and brief periods of competition.Buyers often ask if now is a good time to purchase or if waiting might offer better affordability. The answer depends on a buyer’s goals, financial comfort, and timeline. Some households prefer to buy when inventory is rising because it gives them more choices and reduces pressure. Others feel more secure locking in a home while competition remains manageable. The most important step is understanding how local supply, interest rate expectations, and neighborhood demand work together to shape real opportunity.A buyer looking in Ridgeland may find slightly more new construction than in previous...
The most important step is understanding how local supply, interest rate expectations, and neighborhood demand work together to shap...
About the Author
Steve O. Houck, broker and owner of Real Estate Partners, is dedicated to guiding clients through every real estate step. He provides expert advice, personalized service, and deep local knowledge to help buyers and sellers achieve their goals. Steve’s professionalism and commitment ensure a smooth, rewarding real estate experience.
