The city of Picayune was recently named one of the top 20 towns in Mississippi to raise a family, according to the 2015 Niche Rankings.

Picayune, which came in at number 10, was chosen along with the other Mississippi cities based on crime rates, school ratings, age demographics and affordable housing and childcare, according to the Niche website.

Picayune Mayor Ed Pinero credits the individuals in the community for creating a family-friendly atmosphere.

“One of the things we’ve been working the hardest on is making sure we keep our crime rate low and do everything possible to make the city of Picayune a place with a high quality of life,��� Pinero said.

In terms of education, schools in the Picayune School District have shown recent improvements in testing scores and student attendance, Pinero said.

Greater Picayune Area Chamber of Commerce Director April Lovelace attributes the number 10 spot to Picayune’s southern hospitality and strong business community.

“Picayune offers many smiles and arms wide open,” Lovelace said. “Our merchants cater to the community’s needs and provide people with everything for easy living.”

Picayune’s small-town vibe creates a close-knit community perfect for raising families, Picayune Main Street Manager Reba Beebe said.

“Citizens respect each other here and show courtesy in many ways. Picayune is a safe community and offers a variety of opportunities for families from all walks of life,” Beebe said.

Pinero said preserving the quality of life in Picayune is essential for the city’s growth. He also said annual community events such as Relay for Life and street festivals help achieve that.

“As these events grow they attract people to our wonderful city,” Pinero said. “Once we get people to visit Picayune, we believe they will always come back.”