9 Best Small Towns In Mississippi For Retirees

The Magnolia State, as Mississippi is called, may not be on the lip of every American, but it often makes for an awesome retirement destination. For instance, the fact Mississippi exempts Social Security benefits — and all other forms of retirement income from taxation — is an advantage many states will find hard to beat. If you include its miles of white-sand beaches, lovely Magnolias (hence the state's nickname), and charming Southern greenery, Mississippi is nearly irresistible. In case you are almost sold on the idea, the following are the best Mississippi small towns for retirement.

Ocean Springs 

Leading travel publication Southern Living ranks Ocean Springs as the best small town in the South to retire, especially for seniors looking for affordable home-buying options. Boasting a population of about 18,300, Ocean Springs' income-to-home value ratio stands at 34%. For perspective, the national average is 28%, up to 6 percentage points lower. For clarity, the Income-to-Home-Value Ratio is a measure that represents the fraction of home value that can be paid by annual income. At 34%, it means home values in Ocean Springs amount to slightly less than three years' income. If one includes Ocean Springs' other offerings, including The Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Arts Center, the state's largest art-and-food event (Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival), and the picturesque Live Oaks Bicycle Route, there are no prizes for guessing why Ocean Springs is a top retirement consideration.

Natchez 

For seniors wanting to retire in a small, photogenic river town unfilled with rush and chaos, where the scenes and sights remind you of a checkered past, and the community is hospitable and inviting, Natchez might just be what your doctor will recommend. Reputed to be the oldest town that lies along the Mississippi River, Natchez, with a population of about 13,000, is widely known for its scenic bluffs, delicious array of antebellum homes, and for hosting Longwood, the largest octagonal home in the United States. Spending one's sunset years at Natchez will involve exploring Impressive 19th-century mansions (such as Rosalie Mansion) and reflecting upon the years gone by. Plus, you can make it a routine to spend every weekend at Bluff Park, the best spot in the area for drinking beautiful views — as time slowly glides away.

Diamondhead 

For those who love to spend time and share experiences with fellow seniors, Diamondhead, a Mississippi golf lovers' paradise known for its Hawaiian influences, boasts a demographic where 47% of the population is aged 55 years and above. The fact you can tee away every afternoon — while reminiscing with friends about the good old days — and casting your eyes on some delicious greenery can make everyone feel young again. Boasting a median home value that is approximately 56,000 lower than the national average, Diamondhead is perfect for those who don't want to pour all their savings into buying a retirement home. And since it's about an hour's drive from New Orleans, big-city amenities and services are never out of reach. If you want to lock eyes with alligators once in a while, Honey Island Swamp Tours takes about two hours and is not far from town.

Oxford 

The name "Oxford" often transports the mind to the world-famous European university where academic giants, including Albert Einstein, once schooled. Oxford was named after the English college town, and just as its more honored namesake, plays host to a historic university — the University of Mississippi, fondly called "Ole Miss." This means Oxford makes for a perfect retirement home, especially for seniors wanting to roll with a young crowd. Slightly more than a quarter of the town's population are aged 18-24, while seniors, 55 years and above, make up 19%. Lamar Park and the Bailey Woods Trail provide outdoor adventure options and are beautiful spots for jogging and keeping fit. Art enthusiasts will want to make several return trips to The University Museum, particularly for its impressive collection of art exhibits. Needless to add, Oxford is great for bibliophiles, with Square Books serving as its literary nerve center.

Tupelo 

Because its median home price is about 86,000 lower than the national estimate, Tupelo is among the most budget-friendly retirement venues in the United States. And with seniors comprising about 27% of the town's population, Tupelo's social scene will be anything but dull or off-beat. Boasting an estimated population of about 37,400, Tupelo is always lively and vivacious without ever losing its small-town feel and allure. Seniors will enjoy living in a cradle of music since Tupelo is the birthplace of Elvis Presley, widely referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll." Every June, Tupelo hosts the Elvis Festival, a popular event that honors the town's most famous son. The Elvis Presley Birthplace will be quite a delight to explore, where a life-sized statue of the music legend stands and often serves as a great photo opp. For culinary experiences, including some of the finest handcrafted cocktails, the Tupelo Cocktail Trail features eight downtown locations and is often a hopelessly addictive pastime.

Brandon 

Brandon is a suburb of Jackson, Mississippi — meaning access to big-city amenities, including first-class medical facilities, is within a moment's notice. Since an impressive 83% of the town's residents are homeowners, Brandon's appeal as a choice for permanent settlement is evident. The town's median home value stands at about 222,000 — against the country's 244,000. Seniors comprise about 29% of the town's population, which implies opportunities for meet-ups and fireside chats with like-minded acquaintances are numerous. Brandon is also safe, rarely witnesses heavy traffic, and is peacefully slow-paced. For those who would want to once in a while sit down to a beautiful play, the Black Rose Theatre provides an intimate experience, as the building is relatively small, making it possible to hear the actors clearly. Finally, the McClain Safari is known to offer excellent animal experiences, with animals coming right to the side of the car — and sometimes trying to stick their heads in.

Madison

If you are looking for an upscale Mississippi town that will, however, change your life for the better, your best chance might be Madison. Brimming with educated professionals (30% of residents have a master's degree and higher), safe neighborhoods where kids often play until it's dark, clean streets and sidewalks, Madison is like a rebirth. Then again, the fact Madison is conveniently close to Jackson, and hence to a world of desirable amenities, just adds a feather to its retirement cap. For those seeking some free and playful air amid peaceful, heart-melting sceneries, the 7-acre Strawberry Patch Park, with its shimmering lake, ample playground, and scenic trail, can make for an early morning routine. Besides, Madison's Farmers Market will ensure you are constantly supplied with fresh and healthy farm produce — and is a superb place for the community to gather every week.

Petal

If a flower is the most exquisite representation of beauty, a town called "Petal" should pique the curiosity of every lover of beauty. Often referred to as "The Friendly City," this Mississippi charmer smiles on its approximately 11,000 residents and is sure to set your heart aglow. Petal's retirement appeal is partly because it is budget-friendly. With a median home value of about $141,000, and hence more than $100,000 lower than the national estimate, this Southern gem will see you save lots of cash when buying a retirement home. Seniors comprise about 24% of Petal's population — meaning the social scene is vibrant and lively. Once the largest unincorporated town in the United States, Petal offers impressive outdoor adventure opportunities, particularly at the Petal River Park, where your evenings can be spent biking, strolling, and just wandering through the woods.

Pearl

Pearl is a charming town of about 27,700 residents that lies along the east side of the eponymous river — just about 5 miles from Jackson, the state capital. Retiring here grants one access to several medical facilities, including Mississippi Baptist Medical Center, which US News Health ranks as "High Performing" in Urology. 27% of Pearl's population is aged 55 years and above, meaning about 1 in 4 residents is a senior with whom one can share meaningful experiences. Besides, the town's median home value is $141,000, which is approximately 42% lower than the national median home value. In short, there is a decent chance you will afford a retirement home here without having to deplete your lifetime savings. For those who love baseball, widely regarded as America's National Pastime, Pearl is home to Trustmark Park, a nice place to enjoy a minor league baseball game. For avid shoppers, Outlets of Mississippi features a delightful variety of shops and is a great place to chill.

The Takeaway

For those who will want to spend their sunset years frolicking along the Gulf Coast amid comely magnolias and lush, peaceful greenery, Mississippi deserves serious consideration. Known for its rich and colorful history, this Southern state is start-studded with numerous charming small towns, many of which can make for an amusing retirement escape. Ocean Springs, for example, has been ranked the best small town in the South to retire for home buyers. Other delightful options worth considering include Oxford, Natchez, and Tupelo.