6 Budget-Friendly Towns in Mississippi for Retirees

There is so much to consider when planning retirement. Proximity to family, hobbies, and activities to keep one busy, as well as the weather, are important. However, perhaps the most important thing is choosing a budget-friendly town in which to retire.

Well, Mississippi just may be the low-cost state you were looking for. These six towns offer a smaller population, less than 50,000, while also offering mild winters, quality healthcare, and a great cost of living for housing and amenities. Discover these six affordable small towns in Mississippi and find a new place to call home for your golden years.

Oxford

This stellar destination town offers a charming appeal to seniors. Often, seniors are looking for a small-town feel but want to ensure that all of the modern-day amenities one relies on are still accessible, and Oxford features both.

This town is home to the ever-famous Ole Miss, the University of Mississippi. This university helps to bring a youthful vibrance to the town, offering many attractions that keep the students busy during the year. Outside of football activities from Ole Miss, you can enjoy discount tickets at the University of Mississippi Museum. There are ancient artifacts, state history, and various art exhibits here.

Many natural landmarks, such as Lamar Park and Holly Springs National Forest, will help keep you busy. You can also help keep your fitness levels active by taking a hike, walking, or simply getting the fresh air your body needs.

We would be remiss if we didn't mention Oxford's low crime rates. According to Forbes, Oxford has a low serious crime rate, making it ideal for seniors to put down roots without feeling unsafe.

Hattiesburg

As the fifth-most populous city in Mississippi, Hattiesburg has about 48,173 residents, making it a growing economic town where you should consider putting down roots.

Hattiesburg offers a quaint downtown area known for its hub of entertainment and activities. Enjoy streets with diverse shopping experiences, from charming boutiques to modern-day coffee shops.

Seniors can enjoy the beauty of the natural surroundings of trails such as Longleaf Trace or Paul B. Johnson State Park. Here, retirees can enjoy the serenity of the lake, rent a bike to ride through the trails or spot wildlife with their significant others.

Retirees can feel comfortable knowing that affordability is a high priority in this town's housing market. The Hattiesburg Housing Authority gleams with pride in its ability to especially provide low-income housing for families and elderly people.

Starkville

If the community is vital to your retirement, you will love to hear more about Starkville. Numerous annual community events, from farmer’s markets to city-wide holiday celebrations, will help you mingle. In addition, you can also join local book clubs or even volunteer at the local dog shelter to help animals in need.

Take your friends to events at Mississippi State University to enjoy everything from live theatrical productions and musical concerts to educational seminars and cultural events. Also, explore the museums and galleries in Starkville, such as the Cullis & Gladys Wade Clock Museum, where you can see unique clocks throughout history from different countries worldwide as a budget-friendly outing option.

In addition to housing affordability, there are other amenities to consider, like groceries and other incidentals that need to be purchased weekly. According to Best Places, Starkville's groceries are about 12% cheaper than the national average. Making this a plus in the win column for choosing this town to retire in.

Gulfport

This scenic coastal town enjoys the waterfront of the Gulf of Mexico. With restaurants and shopping boutiques along the water, there is plenty to keep you busy in the fresh air. You can also enjoy fishing, fun, and, above all else, quality healthcare.

Gulfport understands that relying on consistent medical care is vital for retirees' livelihood. There are many state-of-the-art medical facilities such as Memorial Hospital at Gulfport and Garden Park Medical Center. There you can enjoy cardiac, neurology, emergent, cancer, and many other services provided. There is even a VA Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System that helps to look after military personnel that is retired, and on a conscious budget.

Being worried about safety as a senior is probably one of your top five concerns when relocating for retirement. Well, Gulfport is known to be a very safe environment, with a crime rate of about 1 in 242 people. Put your worries to rest in this town.

Clinton

Clinton is a growing town with a population of around 25,000, making it the 10th largest city in Mississippi in terms of population. Clinton provides a full fleet of housing options that cater to everyone's budget, no matter how thin or large that might be.

Large historic homes offer character and a glimpse into the past. If you’re not one for upkeeping your home in your senior years, there are plenty of apartments and condos to consider. For those who need a closer-knit community feel, there are retirement communities that are ideal for those looking to retire on a budget. Brookdale Senior Living offers 24/7 care, spacious outdoors, luxurious rooms, and activities to stay active.

Depending on your budget, you can either rent or own in Clinton, when you choose to retire. Best Places shares that median home values start at a shocking $137,000. So, if you've been saving, put some of that into a home you can own and use the rest to splurge on yourself a little when you move.

Laurel

Laurel has deep roots dating back to 1882, when it was first established as a lumber town. To get a peek at the 19th century, discover the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art. Here, you will find a collection of American and European art, such as drawings, sketches, and still-life photography.

If you are looking for religious connections, visit the historic Scotland Baptist Church, built in the late 19th century. This is one of the oldest churches in this great town of Mississippi.

Keep yourself active by visiting parks such as Daphne Park and Mason Park, which offer plenty to do if the grandkids come and visit. With playgrounds, picnic areas, ponds, sports areas, and much more, these parks are a perfect place for fresh air.

If you're a single adult relocating on your own, then Laurel is one of the perfect places for you if you are budget-conscious. According to 24/7 Wall Street, the total cost of living, including housing, transportation, health, taxes, and other amenities, totals $33,059 per year, which is several thousand lower than the national average.

With your budget in mind, Mississippi offers superb options with these six above-mentioned towns. Being conscious about affordable living, a sense of community, diverse cultural interests, vibrant art scenes, and, of course, the quality of healthcare make these towns very attractive for your final move. So, with these budget-friendly options in mind, we urge you to consider moving to Mississippi as your retirement spot.