9 Safest Towns In Mississippi For Senior Living
Retirees seeking friendly neighbors, affordable living, and a slower pace often find Mississippi to be the perfect place to enjoy their golden years. This historic state is home to some of the most livable cities in the U.S., offering safe communities, quality healthcare, low taxes, and plenty of things to do. The weather is another major perk, with mild winters and warm, sunny summers. But perhaps the biggest draw for golden agers is peace of mind. Mississippi’s small towns are known for their low crime rates, making them ideal for stress-free senior living. Here are the 9 safest towns in Mississippi for senior living.
Bay St. Louis
With a population of 9,971, Bay St. Louis is worth considering for retirees looking for a relatively peaceful place to live. This Gulf Coast town offers a relaxed atmosphere, historic charm, and a growing arts community. It is very safe, not overpopulated, and has fewer college students and renters, all of whom can be noisy at times. Most residents own their homes with a median listing home price of $184,500, according to realtor.com. The public schools in Bay St. Louis are highly rated, and healthcare services are available through Memorial Hospital at Gulfport, just a short drive away.
Madison
Madison is one of the safest places in Mississippi, with crime rates around 59% lower than the Mississippi average. This quiet suburb is perfect for retirees looking to live in warm weather all year round. It is home to beautiful parks, walking trails, clean streets, and peaceful neighborhoods. Another great thing is healthcare, with St. Dominic-Jackson Memorial Hospital a short drive away, offering great rehab programs and services for seniors. For those looking for resort-style retirement living, St. Catherine’s Village is a premier retirement community that provides independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing, all within a faith-based environment. It’s a great option for seniors who want a supportive and active lifestyle in one of Mississippi’s most desirable towns.
Clinton
Clinton is a quiet suburb of Jackson with a lovely small-town feel, affordable cost of living, low taxes, access to quality medical care, cultural opportunities, and a strong sense of community. It is an underappreciated Mississippi town and has one of the lowest crime rates in the Jackson area, making it a safer place for seniors to settle in. Healthcare access is convenient, with several clinics in town, including primary care clinics, the Baptist Healthplex, and Brookdale, and quick routes to top hospitals like Baptist Medical Center and St. Dominic Hospital in nearby Jackson. The city also offers several senior services, including wellness programs and transportation options.
Gautier
Located on the Gulf Coast, Gautier is one of Mississippi's most charming towns and offers beautiful waterfront views, quiet neighborhoods, and easy access to nature. Its cost of living is 16.5% lower than the U.S. average, and median home prices of $158,200 make it a budget-friendly choice for retirees. Nestled along the Mississippi Sound and the scenic Pascagoula River, it is ideal for retirees who enjoy fishing, kayaking, or peaceful strolls by the water. Nature lovers will also enjoy the nearby Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge, a serene preserve home to rare birds and scenic walking trails. Gautier maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to other coastal towns, which gives seniors peace of mind. It’s close to Singing River Health System, a well-rated medical network that provides comprehensive care, including senior wellness programs.
Ridgeland
Ridgeland is home to lovely walking trails along the Natchez Trace Parkway and offers plenty of shopping and dining options for retirees. Recognized as one of MONEY® magazine's "100 Best Places to Live," Ridgeland boasts a high quality of life with its well-planned neighborhoods, excellent schools, and a strong sense of community. Ridgeland maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national figures. For medical care, Mississippi Baptist Medical Center in nearby Jackson is a top choice. It’s known for specialized services like cardiology, orthopedics, and rehabilitation programs, offering seniors reliable care close to home.
Starkville
Starkville is an excellent retirement destination, offering a blend of affordability, cultural richness, and community engagement. Thanks to its low cost of living, 14% lower than the national average, and housing prices that are 4% lower than the US average, retirees can stretch their retirement funds further. The city has low crime rates, contributing to a safer environment, and provides high-quality healthcare through facilities like OCH Regional Medical Center. As Mississippi's College Town, Starkville offers a vibrant cultural scene, including SEC sporting events, art galleries, and museums, providing retirees with a variety of engaging activities.
Oxford
Set in the hills of North Mississippi, Oxford is one of the prettiest college towns in America. With a population of around 27,000, it is a unique cultural Mecca of the South, home to a beautiful climate, a historical architecture, a bustling town square, restaurants, galleries, and museums. Oxford’s crime rates are super low, and being a university town, it feels very safe. The town's cultural offerings are abundant for retirees, with attractions such as the University of Mississippi Museum and the annual Double Decker Arts Festival celebrating local art and music. For healthcare, Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi is a trusted name in the area. They provide advanced care options like cardiology, oncology, and orthopedic services, along with rehabilitation programs to keep you active and healthy.
Ocean Springs
Ocean Springs is the friendliest small town in Mississippi, known for its rich arts scene, coastal charm, and appealing lifestyle for retirees seeking both relaxation and engagement. This Gulf Coast town has an excellent livability score of 84/100 and low crime rates, making it an attractive option for those seeking a safe and friendly lifestyle. The town's coastal location provides ample opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and boating, allowing retirees to stay active while enjoying the scenic beauty of the Gulf Coast. For those seeking wellness and social engagement, the Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA offers tailored fitness classes and group activities.
Long Beach
Long Beach is a serene coastal town with access to beautiful beaches, local parks, and community events. Long Beach's crime rates are roughly 40% lower than the Mississippi average, which makes it an attractive option for retirees. The cost of living is lower than the U.S. average, making it a budget-friendly choice for those on a fixed income. The median home value is around $259,927, offering affordable housing options near the Gulf Coast. Its proximity to larger cities like Gulfport provides healthcare facilities, shopping, and entertainment options, ensuring retirees have access to necessary services while enjoying a peaceful community.
Mississippi offers a variety of safe and welcoming towns that cater to the needs of retirees seeking a peaceful and fulfilling lifestyle. These destinations stand out for their low crime rates, affordable living, and access to quality healthcare, making them ideal destinations for senior living. Whether you're drawn to the historic charm of Oxford, the coastal serenity of Ocean Springs, or the suburban tranquility of Madison, Mississippi's towns offer diverse options to suit various retirement preferences.
