9 Best Places To Live In Mississippi In 2025
When it comes to living the good life in Mississippi, you don’t have to look too hard. With some of the lowest living costs in the nation, the Magnolia State is full of charm, soul, and natural beauty, offering something for just about everyone. Maybe you're drawn to moss-draped oak trees and quiet streets where neighbors still wave from their porches, or perhaps you prefer the energy of a vibrant college town with arts, culture, and big ideas. Whatever your lifestyle, Mississippi has a place to match it.
Beyond its Southern hospitality, Mississippi offers a solid mix of economic opportunity, affordable housing, strong schools, and access to quality healthcare. Add in easy access to nature—from coastal escapes to shade-filled forests, you’ve got all the ingredients for a life well-lived. These nine standout towns and cities are some of the best places to call home in the Magnolia State.
Oxford
Oxford isn’t just a college town—it’s a community with heart, history, and a surprisingly cosmopolitan edge. Home to the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), Oxford thrives on education, innovation, and the arts. You’ll find indie bookstores, live music venues, a celebrated food scene, and a town square that feels like a movie set. Over the last decade, the town has become a culinary haven, with James Beard-nominated Chef John Currence managing four exquisite restaurants.
The job market is on the rise, thanks to a mix of exciting trends that are fueling steady economic growth. A booming real estate market, expanding job opportunities, and the city’s high quality of life make Oxford an increasingly attractive place to live and work. The University of Mississippi continues to be a significant economic driver, not only through education and research but also by attracting professionals and businesses to the area. Add to that the growing popularity of remote work and Oxford’s appeal to everyone from young professionals to families and retirees, and you’ve got a thriving community with a bright future.
The cost of living is reasonable for such a vibrant town. While housing prices have crept up in recent years, they’re still more affordable than similar college towns across the country. Additionally, the U.S. Baptist North Mississippi anchors healthcare with a 217-bed acute care facility, serving the northern part of the state.
If all of that wasn't enough, Oxford also offers nearby escapes like Sardis Lake and Holly Springs National Forest, which are perfect for boating, hiking, or just having a quiet picnic. Oxford might be the place you’re looking for if you want affordability, quality education, and a college vibe that rivals anywhere in the country.
Ocean Springs
Ocean Springs is your dream town if you want coastal beauty without the crowds. As part of Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, it’s a laid-back community with an artsy flair and serious beach-town vibes. The downtown area is filled with boutiques, great restaurants, galleries, and a sense of local pride that is downright infectious. Several casinos are just across the bay in Biloxi, helping provide access to concerts and gaming opportunities.
While tourism plays a significant role in the local economy, Ocean Springs has diversified with healthcare, education, and small business development. The job market is vibrant, with growth expectations over the next few years. While the cost of living might be slightly higher than in other parts of the state, it is still 9% less than the national average. The community is also one of the safest cities on the Coast, making it a desirable option for families and retirees.
Singing River Health Systems provides medical services, and the town is just a short drive from larger hospitals in Biloxi and Gulfport. The Ocean Springs School District public schools have earned high marks for academic performance and extracurricular opportunities.
One of the best reasons to settle in Ocean Springs is the natural landscape: Ocean Springs is right next to the Gulf Islands National Seashore, offering miles of unspoiled beaches, bayous, and maritime forests. Whether kayaking through the marshes, soaking up the sun's rays on a white-sand beach, or sipping coffee at a downtown café, life here moves at just the right pace.
Madison
Madison, just north of Jackson, is a clean, safe, and family-friendly city that often tops the list of best places to live in the state. It’s a bit more suburban, with tree-lined streets, manicured parks, and neighborhoods that balance luxury and affordability. The public school system, Madison County Schools, is one of Mississippi’s best, and families flock here for academics and the quality of life. If you move here, you will quickly discover the pride in the local schools, so much so that Madison has the reputation of being the most educated city in the state.
The city boasts a relatively low crime rate, and its economic base is growing steadily thanks to professional services, retail, and healthcare. Housing prices are higher than in some parts of Mississippi, but you get what you pay for—well-kept homes, excellent infrastructure, and an overall sense of pride in the community. Madison also benefits from proximity to top-notch medical care through the University of Mississippi Medical Center, St. Dominics, and Baptist Healthcare in nearby Jackson. All three employers have expanded into Madison with a significant presence of clinics and specialists.
Nature lovers will appreciate the nearby Natchez Trace Parkway's hiking, biking, and scenic drives. Several small lakes and green spaces make weekend recreation a breeze. Madison is the kind of place where everything runs smoothly, and that makes life pretty sweet.
Hattiesburg
Hattiesburg is among Mississippi’s most well-rounded cities, often called “The Hub City” for its central location and connectivity. With the University of Southern Mississippi at its heart, Hattiesburg is a vibrant blend of academics, arts, and Southern hospitality. The city’s cost of living is comfortably below the national average, and housing remains affordable whether renting or buying.
Employment opportunities span healthcare, education, manufacturing, and the military (thanks to nearby Camp Shelby). Forrest General Hospital is a central medical hub with a broad range of specialties and emergency services. The city’s public and private schools give families good options, and Southern Miss offers continuing education and cultural events for all ages.
Hattiesburg also excels in green space, with the Longleaf Trace—a 44-mile biking and walking trail—cutting through town and offering access to nature. Parks, art galleries, breweries, and friendly neighbors make this town feel exciting and easygoing. Whether you like browsing through Lucky Rabbit (one of the best quirky nostalgia stores anywhere) or devouring a cheddar jalapeno biscuit smothered in maple sausage gravy at Vicious Biscuit, Hattiesburg hits the sweet spot between urban convenience and small-town charm. As a bonus, the town sits less than an hour from the white sand beaches of the Gulf Coast, so if you need a seaside escape, it isn't far away.
Cleveland
Cleveland might not be the biggest name on this list, but don’t let its size fool you; this small town in the heart of the Mississippi Delta is bursting with soul, character, and a strong sense of community. Anchored by Delta State University, Cleveland has a vibrant, youthful energy that blends beautifully with its classic Southern charm. A stroll through its walkable downtown reveals an inviting mix of locally owned boutiques, cozy cafes, and intimate music venues. The streets come alive throughout the year with festivals celebrating everything from food and art to the region’s legendary music roots.
A standout gem is the Grammy Museum Mississippi. This engaging and interactive museum honors the Delta’s rich musical legacy as the birthplace of the blues while showcasing American music's broader impact worldwide. It’s a must-visit that adds cultural depth and pride to a remarkable town.
The cost of living here is refreshingly low, nearly 20% less than the national average, according to the Economic Research Institute, with the median list price for a home at an affordable $171,300 (Realtor.com). Healthcare needs are well-served by Bolivar Medical Center, a full-service hospital that offers personalized care and shorter wait times thanks to its small-town setting. Education is a standout feature in Cleveland. The local public schools are well-regarded, and the presence of Delta State University adds layers of opportunity, from community programs and cultural events to continuing education and youth outreach. For families, it’s an environment where kids can thrive and adults can keep learning and growing.
Nature lovers will find Cleveland’s surroundings just as inviting. The town has expansive fields that stretch toward the horizon, with some of the most stunning sunsets you’ll ever see. Outdoor recreation is plentiful, whether exploring the scenic Great River Road, casting a line in nearby lakes, or heading out for a day of hunting or birdwatching in the countryside. While Cleveland might be a well-known secret for the time being, its strong sense of belonging and growing dynamic make this community perfect for those seeking a small-town place to live.
Laurel
Laurel has charmed viewers across the country thanks to the HGTV series Home Town, but this southeast Mississippi gem has been quietly stealing hearts long before it became a TV darling. Nestled among towering pines and known for its oak-lined streets and beautifully restored early 20th-century homes, Laurel feels like a place pulled from a storybook. Its historic downtown has undergone a genuine revival in recent years. Thanks to its locally owned boutiques, cozy coffee shops, bakeries, bookstores, and art galleries that showcase local and regional talent, it is now buzzing with life.
Beyond its good looks, Laurel’s got economic traction, too. The city has a solid foundation in manufacturing and timber—industries that have long sustained the area but it’s also seeing steady growth in healthcare, education, and tourism. South Central Regional Medical Center anchors the community’s healthcare network, providing a full range of services and specialties with a care level you’d expect from a much larger city. For education, the city has both public and private schools, and nearby Jones College offers affordable and quality options for vocational training and continuing education.
Affordability is another big key to this town's popularity. The median home listing price hovers around $247,000, and everyday expenses like groceries, gas, and utilities are comfortably below the national average. Laurel is an excellent place for families, first-time homebuyers, or retirees who want to stretch their dollars without sacrificing their quality of life.
Tupelo
Tupelo may be best known as the birthplace of Elvis Presley, but this northeast Mississippi gem has grown into much more than a stop on the King of Rock 'n' Roll’s legacy tour. Today, Tupelo is a thriving regional center that blends history, innovation, and a strong sense of community pride. It's a city that’s quietly made a name for itself in healthcare, manufacturing, and retail, without losing its small-town friendliness.
One of Tupelo’s best assets is the North Mississippi Medical Center, a nationally recognized facility and one of the largest non-metropolitan hospitals in the United States. It’s a major employer and a vital lifeline for healthcare in the region, offering specialized services and advanced medical care. In addition, companies like Toyota Motor Corporation have invested heavily in the region with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and a nearly 15,000-square-foot training facility that opened in 2022.
The cost of living in Tupelo is refreshingly manageable, at nearly 16% lower than the national average. The housing market is diverse, with options ranging from affordable starter homes to beautifully maintained historic properties near the city's heart. The downtown district is walkable in parts and easy to navigate, offering a laid-back lifestyle with modern conveniences.
Outdoor lovers will appreciate the Natchez Trace Parkway, which runs through town and offers miles of scenic trails, cycling routes, and picnic areas. The Elvis Presley Birthplace Museum is both a local point of pride and a draw for tourists, hosting events and festivals that bring a buzz of energy throughout the year. Local parks, sports leagues, and community centers help round out the city’s active lifestyle offerings. At its core, Tupelo is a city that celebrates its roots while keeping an eye on the future, making it hard to resist.
New Albany
While New Albany has a population of just under 8,000, it offers the kind of neighborly warmth and scenic beauty that make it easy to call home, whether you’re raising a family, starting fresh, or looking for a peaceful place to slow down. Housing in New Albany is notably affordable, with a cost of living approximately 19% below the national average. The community has a decided rural town feel and has dedicated itself to a growing revitalization effort to boost tourism and economic opportunities in recent years.
Residents can access quality healthcare through Baptist Memorial Hospital-Union County, which offers comprehensive services and advanced diagnostic technologies. Education is a community focus, with public schools supported by dedicated staff and health services. The presence of nearby institutions like Northeast Mississippi Community College offers opportunities for continuing education and workforce development.
Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to love in New Albany. The Tanglefoot Trail, Mississippi’s longest Rails-to-Trails conversion, stretches 43.6 miles through the surrounding fields and forests. Its affordable cost of living, quality healthcare, commitment to education, and abundant natural beauty make it ideal for those seeking a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
Olive Branch
A short drive from Memphis, Olive Branch, Mississippi, offers a harmonious blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience. This vibrant city of 47,000 residents is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, excellent schools, quality healthcare, and abundant recreational opportunities, making it an ideal place to call home.
Olive Branch boasts a cost of living approximately 13% lower than the national average. With its proximity to Memphis (roughly a half-hour commute), this community has abundant employment opportunities for job seekers. The city is served by the DeSoto County School District, the largest in Mississippi, which is known for its commitment to academic excellence. Top-rated schools such as Lewisburg High School, Olive Branch High School, and Center Hill High School offer robust curricula and extracurricular programs.
Methodist Olive Branch Hospital provides comprehensive medical care, including emergency and specialized treatments. Several major medical centers are nearby and offer a wide range of healthcare options.
The 135-acre Olive Branch City Park features walking trails, sports fields, playgrounds, and fishing lakes, providing a natural oasis for residents. The historic Old Towne district offers a charming array of antique shops, local eateries, and the Arts in the Alley exhibit, celebrating the city's artistic spirit. Whether you're seeking a community with excellent schools, quality healthcare, affordable living, or abundant recreational opportunities, Olive Branch, Mississippi, delivers on all fronts.
Mississippi might surprise you with its variety of livable towns and cities. Whether you’re looking for coastal charm, college-town energy, or a peaceful place with Southern roots, there’s a place here for you. The best part? The cost of living stays low, and the community spirit runs deep. Each of these nine places offers something a little different, but they all share one thing: they make it easy to feel at home. So go ahead—take a drive, grab some sweet tea, and see why Mississippi’s best places to live might be some of the South’s best-kept secrets.
