Mississippi 's 7 Best Retirement Towns Ranked
Boasting an inviting climate ideal for retirement, the Magnolia State is also where you’ll find some of the American South’s friendliest small towns, each of them an ideal place to lay down roots, no matter at what stage of life you may be at.
Mississippi’s smaller communities are also becoming increasingly popular for their more affordable living costs, comparatively low crime rates, and abundant opportunities to stay active. Read on to learn more about the seven best picks for an awesome Mississippi retirement.
Oxford
In North Mississippi, the town of Oxford is known for its literary heritage and the presence of the University of Mississippi. Dubbed the “Cultural Mecca of the South,” Oxford boasts a rich culture. Notable spots like Rowan Oak, Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner's former home, top the list.
For retirees interested in the arts, the Oxford Film Festival in March is a fun event that’s also great to volunteer at. Speaking of giving back to the community, groups such as the Oxford Animal Resource Center welcome retirees willing to lend a helping hand. If socializing is important, Oxford Seniors hosts arts-and-crafts workshops, exercise classes, and even day trips to nearby attractions like Sardis Lake.
On a practical note, Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi, a state-of-the-art facility recognized for its cardiology and oncology departments, meets Oxford's healthcare needs. Crime rates here are lower than average, especially around neighborhoods with top-notch retirement communities like The Magnolia at Oxford Common and The Pinnacle of Oxford (both also offer assisted living and memory care services). Housing is moderately priced in Oxford, with a median home in February 2025 costing $342,900, according to Realtor.com.
Ocean Springs
Ocean Springs (population 18,997) is an excellent choice for retirees looking for a place to live on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Recognized for its creative side, Ocean Springs is forever connected to Walter Inglis Anderson, a famous painter and muralist who spent much of his life here. In addition to volunteering at related attractions like the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, events like the Spring Arts Festival bring together painters, sculptors, and artisans from across the region and can always use an extra pair of hands.
Downtown Ocean Springs is the perfect backdrop for fun living. Lined with live oaks, it’s neat to wander and connects to the scenic pathways along Front Beach, an ideal spot for sunset strolls. Ocean Springs is also great for foodies wanting to enjoy tasty local dishes. Favorites like charbroiled oysters can be enjoyed at McElroy’s Harbor House, while Gulf Coast shrimp po’boys can be had at Aunt Jenny’s Catfish Restaurant. For seniors seeking to hang out with their peers, Ocean Springs Senior Center organizes weekly happenings, including bridge tournaments and group trips to places like the Gulf Islands National Seashore.
If access to reliable healthcare services is a deciding factor, Ocean Springs has you covered. Singing River Health System - Ocean Springs Hospital is equipped with emergency and geriatric care services. Median home prices here are around $260,000, reflecting a mix of coastal condos and single-family residences. Notable retirement communities, including Truewood by Merrill Ocean Springs, cater to varying levels of care with additional on-site amenities available if needed. The town’s low crime rate is another important factor to consider, too, and reflects a strong sense of community safety.
Natchez
Natchez has everything you’ll ever need in a great retirement town. Set overlooking the mighty Mississippi River and one of the state’s oldest towns, its 14,000 residents live amongst some of the South’s most stunning antebellum architecture. These include Longwood, the largest octagonal house in the United States, and Stanton Hall, an impressive Greek Revival mansion. Both are part of the Natchez Pilgrimage Tours program each spring when they and several private old homes open up to the public.
Despite its historic grandeur, Natchez remains attainable for retirees looking for a nice place to call home. Average home prices tend to hover around the $115,000 mark, the best of which are located in neighborhoods with low crime rates. And heaven forbid the time comes when extra care is needed, places like Glen Burney Nursing Home provide long-term skilled nursing and rehabilitation programs.
Seeking an active social scene? Check out the Natchez Senior Citizen Center where bingo nights and painting workshops encourage new friendships. Healthcare services in the area center around Merit Health Natchez, a top-notch hospital featuring a senior-friendly inpatient rehabilitation facility and a respected cardiac care program.
Vicksburg
Well-known for its strategic role in the Civil War, Vicksburg (population 20,192) overlooks a scenic bend of the Mississippi River and is an ideal place to retire. Notable attractions that also offer volunteer opportunities include Vicksburg National Military Park with its battlefield monuments and preserved trenches. The downtown waterfront is equally interesting, with highlights including the Vicksburg Riverfront Murals serving as an excellent backdrop for a stroll along the Mississippi. Springtime sees the arrival of the Vicksburg RiverFest, bringing with it live music, crafts, Southern food stands, and a great excuse to get involved by helping out.
With good homes averaging only $120,000, Vicksburg is undoubtedly one of the more affordable options for those seeking to live independently in Mississippi. Local retirement housing like the new Aeolian Senior Apartments provide excellent options for those wanting to live alone yet within shouting distance of their peers (round-the-clock assistance is available if needed). As for healthcare needs, Merit Health River Region medical center provides comprehensive services including cardiology and oncology.
Laurel
Its location 90 minutes drive southeast of Jackson, the state capital, is certainly a plus in Laurel’s favor as a retirement destination. So, too, is the attention this town of 17,000 has garnered from the hit TV show, Home Town. A former lumber town, many spectacular homes from the early 1900s can be seen in the Laurel Historic District, a delightful area to visit whether you’re passing through or (better still!) live in town.
For those choosing to call Laurel home, there’s no shortage of things to do in the historic downtown. The Lauren Rogers Museum of Art is famous for its Hudson River School paintings and British silver collection, while street fairs and events like the Loblolly Festival in October celebrate the region’s lumber heritage with live music and entertainment.
But enough of the fun stuff. Laurel also features a reliable healthcare network, with the South Central Regional Medical Center at its core. In addition to providing emergency services, it’s recognized for its cardiac unit and elder care services. As for the cost of housing, expect to pay below the national average, with a median price of around $136,000 making independent living in your own home a viable option. Retirement communities like Cottonwood Manor are safe and secure alternatives for those wanting assisted living units with access to green spaces and group outings. While crime rates in Laurel have improved, it’s still prudent to research specific neighborhoods.
Starkville
Home to 25,444 residents, Starkville is where you’ll find Mississippi State University, one of the region’s top centers of learning. In addition to catering to a large student body, Starkville also looks after its retirees. Cultural activities are plentiful, with places like the Starkville Community Theatre and the university’s Lyceum Series offering a range of exciting performances from musicals to symphony orchestras (they’re also great places to volunteer). In September, the Bulldog Bash brings free concerts and street parties to the downtown area and is as much fun to volunteer at as it is to participate in (you can always do both).
Concerned about the serious side of life in Starkville? Well, with facilities like OCH Regional Medical Center providing comprehensive medical services, including a renowned orthopedic unit, you’re all good on the health side of things. Housing is affordable too, with median home prices of around $260,000 in a good neighborhood. Retirement communities like Montgomery Gardens are also an option and offer independent and assisted living apartments with communal dining and social programs. And thanks to an additional layer of law enforcement through the university police force, Starkville typically reports lower-than-average crime rates.
Tupelo
Best known as the birthplace of Elvis Presley, Tupelo is home to close to 38,000 people and is ideal as a place to retire to. Situated along the I-22 in northeastern Mississippi between Birmingham, AL, and Memphis, TN, fans of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll will appreciate being close to the Elvis Presley Birthplace Museum, a spot that’s as much fun to volunteer at as it is to visit. So, too, is June’s Tupelo Elvis Festival, a heady mix of tribute performances, film screenings, and memorabilia auctions that pay homage to the late, great rocker.
Tupelo also does a great job of taking care of the needs of its older adult population. Healthcare options include the North Mississippi Medical Center, a hospital that’s highly regarded for its cardiac care and neurology, as well as other services needed by an aging population. Home prices are also conducive to a sound retirement, with the cost of a decent detached home setting you back around $200,000. For retirees needing ongoing care, the Mitchell Center at Traceway provides assisted living and memory support, along with a shared courtyard for community gatherings in a safe part of town.
Choosing where to retire is one of life’s most important decisions, and Mississippi’s smaller towns certainly make compelling cases for their consideration. Whether you’re looking for excuses to stay involved in your community through volunteer work or simply enjoy being a participant in fun events, each of these Magnolia State destinations will provide a great quality of life for those in their retirement years.
