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Living in Desoto County, Mississippi

Explore Communities, Homes & Life in North Mississippi

Located just south of Memphis, DeSoto County is one of North Mississippi's most convenient places to call home. The county includes communities such as Olive Branch, Southaven, Hernando, Horn Lake, Walls, and Nesbit—each offering its own character, housing options, and lifestyle.

One of DeSoto County's biggest advantages is variety. You can find established neighborhoods, newer subdivisions, larger homesites, golf-course communities, and more rural settings while remaining within reach of shopping, dining, recreation, major highways, and the greater Memphis area.

Whether you're relocating to North Mississippi or simply deciding which community fits your next move, this guide is a starting point for exploring DeSoto County.

Find Your Place in DeSoto County

From larger cities to smaller communities, explore the different places that make up DeSoto County and discover which area feels most like home.

OLIVE BRANCH

Where Old Towne charm, lakeside parks and growing neighborhoods come together—giving Olive Branch a relaxed feel with plenty happening close to home.

Explore Olive Branch

SOUTHAVEN

DeSoto County’s energetic side—concerts at Snowden Grove, shopping, dining and entertainment, all with Memphis just across the state line.

EXPLORE SOUTHAVEN

HERNANDO

Historic, welcoming and centered around its courthouse square. Downtown where farmers markets, local businesses and community traditions still bring people together.

EXPLORE HERNANDO

HORN LAKE

An established DeSoto County community with a down-to-earth feel, where Latimer Lakes gives residents room for trails, fishing, sports and time outdoors.

EXPLORE HORN LAKE

WALLS

The “Doorway to the Delta,” where DeSoto County meets the Mississippi River—bringing together rural roots, blues history and wide-open river country.

EXPLORE WALLS

NESBIT

DeSoto County at a slower pace—country roads, open land and a more rural setting residential town tucked between the conveniences of Southaven and Hernando. 

EXPLORE NESBIT

Schools & Education in DeSoto County

DeSoto County offers educational options from K–12 through college and career training. Public schools throughout the county are served by DeSoto County Schools, with schools located across communities including Olive Branch, Southaven, Hernando, Horn Lake and Walls. Because school attendance is based on assigned zones, buyers should always verify the school assignment for a specific property directly with the district. 

Families interested in alternatives to public education can also explore private-school options in and around DeSoto County. 

Higher education is available locally as well. Northwest Mississippi Community College's DeSoto Center in Southaven offers academic and career-technical programs, and Northwest also operates career-technical programs in Olive Branch. The DeSoto Center has partnerships with the University of Mississippi that provide pathways for students continuing toward bachelor's degrees.

Public Schools

Desoto County Schools

Private Schools

Northpoint Christian School

Cross Creek Academy

Desoto Christian Academy

 

College & Career Training

Northwest Mississippi Community College - Desoto Campus

University of Mississippi - Oxford

Parks & Outdoors

Walking trails, playgrounds, sports facilities, fishing, green spaces and places to simply enjoy being outside.

Shopping & Dining

From larger shopping areas and familiar favorites to locally owned restaurants and businesses, there's plenty to explore close to home.

Entertainment & Events

Concerts, sporting events, festivals, farmers markets and community celebrations happen throughout the year.

Local Character

Historic squares, Old Towne districts and community gathering places give different parts of DeSoto County their own personality.

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in DeSoto County, MS

What cities and communities are in DeSoto County, Mississippi?
DeSoto County includes Southaven, Olive Branch, Hernando, Horn Lake and several smaller communities and unincorporated areas, including Walls and Nesbit. Each offers a different setting, from more developed suburban areas to quieter, more rural surroundings.
How close is DeSoto County to Memphis?
DeSoto County sits directly south of the Tennessee state line and the Memphis metropolitan area. Travel time varies depending on where you live in the county and where you're headed in Memphis, so it's helpful to compare individual communities when location or commute time is important.
What types of homes can I find in DeSoto County?
Housing varies throughout DeSoto County. Buyers can find established neighborhoods, newer construction, golf-course communities, larger homesites, rural properties and homes in a range of styles and price points. Our individual community guides provide a closer look at housing and real estate in each area.
What school district serves DeSoto County?
Most public schools in the county are operated by DeSoto County Schools. School assignments depend on the property's attendance zone, so buyers should verify the current school assignment directly with the school district when considering a particular home.
Where should I live in DeSoto County?
That depends on what matters most to you, such as location, housing preferences, budget, lot size, access to shopping and recreation, or proximity to work and other destinations. Explore our individual guides to Olive Branch, Southaven, Hernando, Horn Lake, Walls and Nesbit to learn more about each community.
How can I find homes for sale in DeSoto County?
You can search current DeSoto County homes through Sweet Home Realty Group's property search. If you're unsure which community to focus on, Saira & Faheem Khan can help you compare available properties based on the features, location and price range you're looking for.

Saira Khan

Broker | Owner

Get in Touch

  • 28893 Hwy 51ComoMS38619
  • (901) 413-0563
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Saira Khan

Broker | Owner | Saira Khan | Sweet Home Realty Group

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