Olive Branch

About Olive Branch

Located in DeSoto County just south of the Mississippi-Tennessee border, Olive Branch is about 22 miles from Downtown Memphis and the Mississippi River. Around 40,000 residents take pride in Olive Branch’s great schools and parks, thriving business environment, low cost-of-living, and proximity to big-city amenities.

Olive Branch is a desirable place to call home whether you are raising a family or retiring. The town has been steadily growing, with new homes and a modern mixed-use development under construction, a steady flow of business licenses being issued, and Olive Branch Airport now one of the busiest in Mississippi. Despite the rapid growth, Olive Branch is dedicated to maintaining its small-town charm and friendly warmth.

History of Olive Branch

The Chickasaw Native Americans were the earliest inhabitants of what is now Olive Branch. In 1836, a Chickasaw chief named Lush-Pun-Tubby sold acreage to town founders Stephen Finn and Milton Blocker. Those figures and other highlights of Olive Branch’s origins are depicted on a large mural in Old Towne, including a cotton gin wagon, the depot, and the pharmacy where the painting is now located.

Living and Working in Olive Branch

This tightknit community has a strong spirit, fueled by an abundance of service organizations working for the betterment of all residents and the annual Olive Branch Serve Day. Newcomers can get acquainted with their neighbors by volunteering or shopping at the long-standing small businesses and boutiques of Old Towne, including the Olive Branch Farmers Market. Housing prices run below the national average, while rentals are a bit above. Most residents own their own homes.

The Olive Branch Airport is adjacent to growing industrial parks and distribution centers, where new businesses are moving in or established enterprises are expanding. Nearby Memphis is the world headquarters for FedEx and such Fortune 500 companies as International Paper, allowing residents to work locally or pursue careers by commuting/telecommuting to jobs in such fields as transportation, logistics, and warehousing; education; manufacturing; healthcare; retail; and food and beverage.

Things to do in Olive Branch

Gather on the lawn of Wesson House, home of the first mayor and the oldest structure in town, for outdoor film screenings and concerts. City Park is the hub for big gatherings, games, relaxation, fishing, biking, and strolling. Join a youth or adult sports league organized by Parks and Recreation. Avid golfers have four exceptional courses to play right in town. Learn to ice skate, play hockey, or join a curling league at Mid-South Ice House.

Retirees have ample opportunities to socialize and exercise at the Senior Center. Check out the tiny trees and maybe take up a new hobby at Brussel’s Bonsai, one of the largest bonsai nurseries in the country. Head up to Memphis to see the Grizzlies take on their NBA opponents, listen to some music on Beale Street, or explore one of Memphis’ many museums. Take in the shows and try your luck at the casinos of nearby Tunica, Mississippi.

Olive Branch Transportation

Major arteries serving Olive Branch include U.S. 78 which runs through town, as do MS 302 and MS 304. The Olive Branch Airport is the busiest in the state and Memphis International Airport is only 12 miles away. So, it’s no wonder Olive Branch is considered a transportation hub and so attractive for new businesses.

Olive Branch Schools

DeSoto County School District provides exceptional K-12 public education for Olive Branch students, with wide-ranging extra-curricular activities in academics, sports, and the arts.

Resources for Moving to Olive Branch

Olive Branch Public Works provides all utilities with one bill, including water and sewer, curbside pickup of rubbish and recycling, gas, and electric service. For telephone, internet, and cable, check out AT&T, Comcast, and Century Link.

Olive Branch boasts safe neighborhoods, great schools and recreation, a thriving business community, and convenient access to Memphis, making it a great fit for young professionals, growing families, and retirees.