9 Best Places To Retire In Mississippi

Mississippi is becoming a hotbed for retirees. Not only are the winters mild, but the affordability of Mississippi has become an incredible draw to the great Magnolia State. Whether you are looking for a vibrant community like Starkville and Oxford with great collegiate sporting events or just looking to enjoy the tranquil southern hospitality of Natchez, Mississippi has what you are looking for. Mississippi offers everything a retiree could want, including warm weather, an active lifestyle, affordability, and great tax exemptions for people over the age of 65. In fact, there is no state income tax on any retirement income and home costs are approximately 14% lower than the national average. Explore what Mississippi has in store for your retirement with our list of the nine best places to retire in Mississippi.

Starkville

Home of Mississippi State University, Starkville provides a combination of a vibrant college atmosphere with the quiet serenity of southern comfort. Starkville was ranked as Mississippi’s Best City to Retire by Insurify in 2021. While Starkville is a college town, the population remains at only 24,000, which means things stay relatively quiet for its residents. The cost of living in Starkville is much lower than the national average, and median home prices are in the $300,000s. Starkville also gives an impressive amount of tax exemptions for those over the age of 65. The best part about being close to Mississippi State is that retirees will never run out of things to do! If sports interest you, you can see some of the highest quality college events year-round including basketball, football, baseball, and softball! Starkville also boasts a great healthcare facility in Oktibbeha County Hospital (OCH) Regional Medical Center. OCH offers specialized care, cardiac rehabilitation, physical rehabilitation, and programs tailored to seniors.

Oxford

Another college town that is very accommodating for retirees is Oxford. The University of Mississippi , also known as Ole Miss, is located in Oxford, which gives seniors a plethora of activities to attend, such as college athletic events, or strolling through one of the city's parks. For bicyclists, the entire town of Oxford is becoming more bicycle friendly with accommodating paths that take you across town. Housing costs are well below the national average and Social Security benefits tax exempt, so you are sure not to break the bank. The town is also rich in historical architecture with many antebellum style buildings, including the beautiful Lafayette County Courthouse which dates back to the 1870s. There are over 28 historical houses, some of which are open for tours in the town, so the area is great for history lovers. Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi can also be found in Oxford; it's a highly rated hospital with great services for physical rehabilitation.

Hattiesburg

Selected as one of the “100 Best Retirement Towns in America” by Where to Retire magazine, Hattiesburg’s reputation as a great place to retire is self-evident. Located in southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg offers the comfortable atmosphere of a quaint town with all the necessary amenities. Housing costs, like the rest of Mississippi, are exceptional; the median home price is about $300,000. Residents above the age of 65 are also property tax exempt up to $75,000 on the true value of their homes. Hattiesburg has a great nightlife with the local Saenger Theater providing fantastic original productions. If you are a fan of the orchestra, the nearby William Carey University provides rousing symphony performances. If you are looking to stay active, Long Leaf Trace contains a 44-mile running, biking, and equestrian trail that is open to the public. The city boasts great healthcare facilities, including Forrest General Hospital and Merit Health Wesley.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen is ranked as one of the “10 Great Small Towns for Retirement” by Travel 50 & Beyond Magazine. Aberdeen can be found on the banks of the Tombigbee River, which allows for great fishing and boating opportunities for residents. Aberdeen nurtures a great sense of community with their year-round festivals and events like their famous Southern Heritage Pilgrimage which showcases the history of Aberdeen as well as exhibiting some traditional Southern fare. Explore what makes this southern community tick by sampling some local produce at their Farmers Market, which is held May through August. If you are looking to appreciate southern architecture, then look no further than the Magnolias which was a home built in the 1850s that offers a great example of antebellum architecture. With crime significantly lower than the national average, Aberdeen gives its residents a comfortable southern getaway.

Cleveland

Known as the “Birthplace of the Blues,” Cleveland harbors great historical and cultural aspects that comprise a quintessential American town. Learn about nearby Dockery Farms, where blues superstars such as Howling Wolf gained inspiration for their legendary music. Take a hike at one of Cleveland’s parks, such as nearby Great River Road Park, or enjoy some of the wildlife species at Dahomey National Wildlife Refuge. Whether it is nature or culture, Cleveland has plenty for its residents. Interested in more athletic activities? Join the luxurious Cleveland Country Club, which hosts a beautiful 18-hole golf course as well as pickleball tournaments year-round. No need to drive far for great medical care when you have the local Bolivar Medical Center, which is an award-winning hospital that provides inpatient, outpatient, and emergency services.

Madison

Madison finds itself at a great location, only being a few hours away from the Gulf Coast, New Orleans, and Mobile. The location provides great access to fishing on the Gulf Coast, exploring the Cajun lifestyle in New Orleans, or shopping in Mobile. Madison itself hosts a great environment for those who love the outdoors. The Ross Barnett Reservoir is just east of Madison and is great for fishermen as they can angle the plentiful bass that are found there. You can also take a stroll on the walking trails at Strawberry Patch Park, a seven-acre park filled with beautiful scenery and oak trees. Madison has also been named the safest city in Mississippi in past years, so you are sure to feel comfortable. Madison has a booming healthcare community that offers specialized care such as Mississippi Vein Institute, Mississippi Premier Plastic Surgery, dental and optical clinics, chiropractic clinics and physical therapy clinics.

Vicksburg

Vicksburg, with its population right around 21,000, provides a great number of amenities while still remaining small enough to avoid the hustle and bustle of city life. The property costs are definitely not like they are in major cities. The median home price is only $200,000. Vicksburg is located right on the Mississippi River, so the town offers picturesque views of the historic waterway. While you are on the riverfront, you can exhibit the art scene of Vicksburg by browsing the collection of riverside murals on designated walking paths. Looking to keep up an active lifestyle? Vicksburg has an array of opportunities such as pickleball courts, walking trails, and a newly refurbished YMCA. The historic downtown Vicksburg has a great number of historical sites such as the Vicksburg National Military Park and the USS Cairo Museum.

Natchez

Located a little farther downstream is the friendly town of Natchez. Natchez hosts a laid-back lifestyle with great healthcare opportunities for seniors and a vibrant senior community. About 29% of the population in Natchez is over the age of 60, so you are sure to be surrounded by like-minded individuals. Enjoy the same benefits of living near the Mississippi River such as fishing, kayaking, and boating opportunities while also being close to a renowned cardiology specialist health center at Merit Health Natchez. Natchez is famous for their year-round festivals. With weather as nice as it is in Natchez, you are able to host events all year. Enjoy the spring and summer events, such as the Natchez Pilgrimage Tours, which showcases some of the cultural history of Natchez. During the fall, you can attend the Balloon Festival and ride in a hot air balloon.

Pearl

Known as “The Jewel of the Crossroads”, Pearl finds itself near the convergence of interstates 55 and 20 as well as highways 80 and 49. Pearl is extremely accessible with Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport located right in their backyard. With median home prices right in the upper $200,000s, Pearl offers an affordable and accessible city to retire. Pearl has a multitude of activities, as well, such as Dorris Berry’s Farmers Market and the Outlets of Mississippi. At both of these places you can find a great selection of local and international fare that is sure to satisfy any retiree. For baseball fans, the town hosts the Mississippi Braves, which is a Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Stop by Trustmark Park to see the future major leaguers face off, and you just might catch a foul ball.

Conclusion

If you are looking for an affordable and safe environment, Mississippi has what you are looking for. Whether you are looking to appreciate antebellum culture in cities such as Aberdeen, or if you are wanting the more active lifestyle of living in a college town like Starkville, you are sure that you are not being cheated on affordability. In any Mississippi city, you are also never far away from great medical professionals that offer specialized care for seniors. If you combine these aspects with exceptional tax benefits for seniors, Mississippi shines as one of the best places in America, especially when you're considering one of the nine best places to retire in Mississippi.