Hello, my name is Austin Duncan and I’m going to tell you about my experience with Jackson, Tennessee. First, I’ll give a little bit of background information on myself. I was born in Jackson and lived here until I was about thirteen years old, then moved to a small town called Medina which is right next to Jackson. Now I go to college in Knoxville and intern at the Chamber of Commerce in downtown Jackson.
Jackson has been a place where I have spent a lot of time ever since I was young and it has grown into a vibrant and attractive place for all ages, especially for people who are looking for a place to plant roots and create a place to call home. A home is much different than a house, you can have many houses but only one home. A place where you feel welcomed, safe, and comfortable because of the characteristics and memories that make up that home. Jackson offers all of these characteristics that are necessary to create a happy home. It is a place where you can feel welcomed and you are part of something bigger than you, a community where the people know your name, and you can rely on friendly faces that you’ve made relationships with.
With the amazing food choices that Jackson has to offer, I could eat at a different restaurant every day. Having the ability to go out with your friends to a great restaurant and enjoy a nice meal and delicious drinks is a blast. After you leave the restaurant, you can head over to one of the many bars and breweries with live music offered in Jackson.
I have always thought that the most important thing about a home is the people that are a part of your community. That is something Jackson has always offered me, a sense of community. Almost every place that I go, I get to see a familiar face or meet someone who knows someone else from my community. These kind of interactions are unique to a community because it gives you a true sense of belonging. The people in this community are supportive of one another and will be able to help you when you need it. I’ve made some truly amazing and lifelong friendships by being in Jackson. I have always enjoyed my countless hours at the Sportsplex, the football fields, and basketball courts watching friends and family playing the game they love. After getting to know the other spectators, you discover that almost everyone you meet knows someone you know. This sense of community is always comforting while in Jackson, whether it’s to go out to eat, go bowling, see a movie, or just go on an adventure with your friends.
I can remember times when my friends and I would be bored in Medina and we needed something to do. We would all agree on going to Jackson for the day to find something fun to do. Whether that means going out to the new movie theater or going to a see a Jackson Generals baseball game.
At the end of the day Jackson truly is an enjoyable place and they have many options for you to feel safe and at home. You can go to places where you’re able to walk around, shop, eat, and feel that strong sense of community that is rare to find at other places. Jackson never seems to lack activities, from live music, a farmer’s market, or local sporting events to keep you and your loved ones entertained. It’s an easy place to make new friends and you can truly immerse yourself into a loving community that is filled with strong core values, but also has the excitement and opportunities of a larger city. Jackson is a wonderful place to visit and an even better place to call home.