9 Best Small Towns To Retire In Mississippi In 2024
When it comes to finding a suitable destination to retire in the U.S., Mississippi, with its southern charm, affordability, mild climate, and a plethora of outdoor activities, frequently makes the list. It's no wonder why 15% of the population in Mississippi is made up of retirees. With 169 towns, 19 villages, and 110 cities, choosing the right place in Mississippi to retire can be confusing. To help make the choice easier, let’s take a look at the nine best small towns to retire in Mississippi in 2024, keeping in mind housing and accommodation, safety, and important amenities.
Oxford
Renowned for being the ‘muse town’ of many a great writer, such as William Faulkner, Willie Morris, and John Grisham, there’s something in the Oxford air that inspires people, retirees included. The town has been mentioned in 75+ publications as a place with an exceedingly high quality of life and as one of the best places to retire. This is in no small way because of the 1993 Reitree’s Attraction Program, which has made retiring in Oxford both affordable and attractive.
Retirees in Oxford qualify for several tax exemptions, such as the homestead exemption. Social Security benefits and income earned from qualified retirement are both tax-exempt. Additionally, healthcare services and prescription drugs are sales-tax exempt. Lastly, there is no inheritance or estate tax in Oxford.
While homes in Oxford cost an average of $137,900, property tax in the area is low. Furthermore, crime rates in the town are far lower than in other Mississippi towns and cities. Oxford is a bicycle-friendly town and has many parks where retirees can walk, picnic, or play tennis. Some great parks in the area include - Garden Terrace Park, River’s Hill Park, and Price Hill Park. Another great form of exercise is to enjoy a swim at the Oxford City Pool.
Bay St. Louis
If you love life on the water, Bay St. Louis is a quiet beach town that welcomes people with open arms. The town is further surrounded by meandering rivers, estuaries, and marshes that give the town a quaint, picturesque feel. The town is community-oriented, offering residents plenty of opportunities to contribute to local activities.
Bay St. Louis is a tax-friendly town, making it ideal for retirees. Roughly 40% of the population is over the age of 45 and the cost of living is four percent lower than the national average. Furthermore, the median cost of a home in this small, safe town is $375,000. While purchasing or renting a home may cost more in Bay St. Louis, the overall cost of living here is 18% lower than the U.S. average. Therefore, groceries and utilities cost less.
Downtown Bay St. Louis is dotted with adorable cottages that are centuries old. Each cottage is home to either a bookstore, shop, or restaurant such as the Mockingbird Cafe. Every second Saturday of the month, downtown comes alive with a music session held in the early evening. A few other places frequented by residents include the Mardi Gras Museum, and the Alice Moseley Folk Art and Antique Museum and Gallery 220.
Ocean Springs
With a population of 18,417 people, Ocean Springs is considered to be one of the best places to live in Mississippi, according to Southern Living. The cost of a home here is, on average, $213,400, and 70% of the residents own their homes. Rent here is similar to the national average of $1,223. Not only does Mississippi have lower-than-average taxes, but Ocean Springs is known for its affordable housing and higher-than-average household income. The cost of living in Ocean Springs, i.e., food, utilities, healthcare, and transportation, is 16.5% lower than the Mississippi average.
In terms of safety, the town scores 13.1 in violent crimes, which is lower than the average in the U.S. of 22.7. There are also fewer property crimes in the region, making the town relatively safe. In addition to this, Ocean Springs is a lively town with a suburban feel. It is famous for the annual Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival and the Walter Anderson Museum of Art. The town is walk-friendly and is home to over 200 restaurants, shops, and galleries. Water sports, white sand beaches, and amazing seafood are a few other attractions.
Natchez
Natchez is the perfect place to retire for people seeking a quiet, slow-paced lifestyle. It is a historic small town with beautiful homes situated along the Mississippi River. As it is located along the water, fishing, river cruises, and watching the sunset are a few favorite activities for residents. The town offers a multitude of benefits for retirees such as a low cost of living (it is 14% lower than the U.S. average), high quality of life, and low income tax rates. Furthermore, social security is untaxed and the median cost of a home is far lower at $108,624.
Natchez is semi-tropical, meaning it is warm most of the year. The town offers simple living but is not without its fair share of annual festivals. Hiking, golf, tennis, and biking are year-round activities, and the crime rate is quite low. Natchez is very welcoming to retirees and offers excellent healthcare through Merit Health-Natchez. Additionally, the community offers several nursing home facilities, assisted living, and in-home healthcare services.
Starkville
Rated the Best City to Retire in 2021 by Insurify, Starkville has a low population and is a welcoming community. Like Natchez, the cost of living in Starkville is 14% lower than the national average. The average home costs less than $200,000 and there are several tax exemptions for residents over 65 in addition to already low property taxes. Starkville is bikeable and walkable, has a low crime rate, short winters, and an active senior community.
Most residents head to OCH Regional Medical Center for healthcare services. However, there are many other high-quality and affordable options in the area. Residents occupy their time with annual events such as Music on Main, a live jam session in downtown Starkville. Other fun things to do include golf at the Chadwick Lake Disc Golf Course, a day at Cullis Wade Depot Art Gallery, or a walk through the Charles H. Templeton Sr. Music Museum.
Corinth
Corinth is a peaceful town with friendly residents. It is located in Alcorn County and has a population of 14,520. The town offers a mix of rural and suburban, and many retirees call it home. The cost of a home in Corinth is far lower than the national average at $153,700. Residents who own or rent their homes are evenly split at 50% each. Rent in this small town is also lower than the U.S. average at $641.The town is steeped in railroad and Civil War history and has an abundance of trails and parks, a bustling downtown, and a host of activities for residents. Not only are property prices low in Corinth, but property tax is also low and there is diversity in terms of age and race.
The weather in this small town is great, with a higher number of comfortable days and excellent air quality. Additionally, Corinth is only a 20-minute drive from Pickwick Lake, which offers many recreational activities and has 90+ miles of shoreline.
Senatobia
The cost of living in Senatobia is 6.1% lower than the Mississippi average and 16.5% lower than the national average, meaning housing, food, transportation, taxes, healthcare, etc., are far more affordable here than in other parts of the country. For retirees looking to rent, the average cost in Senatobia is $750. Homes cost an average of $176,200 and roughly 55% of residents are homeowners. Furthermore, crime in this small town is significantly lower than in the rest of the country.
With 212 sunny days a year and mild winters, Senatobia is a great place to live in terms of climate. The town’s 8,315 residents have easy access to quality healthcare. There are a variety of healthcare facilities offering general as well as specialized care at a reduced cost. Additionally, the town has a Health Cost Index of 95.5, which is good (the lower the better).
Senatobia is home to many local businesses such as North MS Family Medicine Clinic and outdoor activities are plentiful. People who choose to retire in Senatobia can fish at Wilson Lake, golf at Woodland Hills Golf Club, watch a basketball game at Northwest Community College, or hike the Three Rivers Trail System.
Hernando
When you retire in Mississippi, you get access to sales and property tax advantages as well as income tax exemptions that are not available in other states. Additionally, Hernando, which is located in Desoto County, Mississippi, offers residents some of the lowest tax rates. Retirees are also eligible for homestead property tax exemptions.
While Hernando is a historic city it has a mix of historical neighborhoods as well as new developments. Nearly 80% of residents own their homes and the median cost of a house is $268,900. There are approximately 17,000 residents, but the town has a deep sense of community. The town hosts several annual community events, such as Hernando’s Farmer Market, hosted every Sunday from April through October, and Senior Fun Day with free activities for residents 55 and over.
Also known as “Mississippi’s Front Porch,” Hernando is a town that makes safety a priority. Therefore, those responsible for safety around town are given every resource needed to do the job well. Additionally, residents have access to high-quality healthcare services. The town has built itself up to be walk and bike-friendly. There are dedicated bike lanes, and most shops are within walking distance.
Greenville
Once home to the creator of the Muppets, Jim Henson, Greenville is a mid-sized town with immense history. Around 15.5% of the residents in Greenville are over the age of 65. The town has a population of 29,495 people, and there are at least four hospitals within a mile of the city.
Greenville has some of the lowest housing costs in Mississippi, with the average home costing roughly $95,800. Rent is also cheaper here at $814 on average. With a cost of living that is 30% lower than the national average, many retirees find Greenville an ideal place to move to. There are plenty of activities to keep retired individuals busy, such as camping, fishing, or boating at Ferguson Lake.
The community is very welcoming, with the town slogan being - “more than meets the eye,” and is famous for its delicious Southern barbecue. Some of the town’s best sites include the Greenville History Museum and the 1972 Flood Museum. For the nature-loving retiree, Greenville Cyprus Preserve is a short drive away. The 16-acre park offers Greenville residents a place to walk, enjoy the view, and spend the day in the lap of nature.
When choosing a place to retire, you are starting a new chapter of your life. Therefore, picking the perfect place is paramount to an enjoyable and happy retirement. Factors like safety, comfort, affordable housing, peace, outdoor activities, and convenience should all be examined and considered.
If Mississippi is on your list of retirement options, all of the towns listed above, from Oxford to Greenville, would be ideal for retirees. They are equally comfortable, beautiful, calm, affordable, and safe and offer great tax benefits for retired individuals. So, make sure you explore these top nine towns to retire in Mississippi in 2024.
