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Best Places To Live in Mississippi

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Best Places To Live in Mississippi

Mississippi is steeped in history, culture and, of course, college football. Here are 7 cities to consider calling home.

By Livability on November 6, 2023

Dunleith, the historic inn in Natchez, Mississippi, is listed as a national historic landmark.
iStock/StevenGaertner
Dunleith, the historic inn in Natchez, Mississippi, is listed as a national historic landmark.

Thinking about moving to Mississippi? This Southern gem holds the record for lowest cost of living in the country, which makes it particularly appealing to anyone hoping to stick to a budget. It doesn’t hurt that living here gives you access to sandy beaches, growing cities and a good deal of Southern comfort food. The temperatures climb pretty high in the summers, often hitting daytime highs between 90 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but the winters are mild and encourage residents to linger outside when other people in other states are forced indoors. Combined with its increasing economic diversity, higher education opportunities and beloved sporting teams, it’s easy enough to see why Mississippi is considered a great place to live. 

Biloxi

The lighthouse and Visitor Center in Biloxi, MS. Biloxi is one of the best places to live in Mississippi.
iStock/Sean Pavone
The lighthouse and visitor center in Biloxi, MS.

Why Biloxi is a great city to live in Mississippi

Southern charm and hospitality rank high among the hallmarks of Biloxi, Mississippi. Throw in the natural beauty of the Gulf, the coastal lifestyle and the affordable housing market with averages coming in about 20% lower than the rest of the nation and you can begin to understand why young families and professionals are eager to give this growing Mississippi city a second look. 

Biloxi offers a unique combination of urban amenities and suburban perks. You can also indulge in a variety of family-friendly activities, ranging from popular highlights like Lynn Meadows Discovery Center to sandy beaches and miniature golfing destinations. Because the area is known for its seafood production, you can also find a fresh-caught meal any day of the week. 

What is Biloxi known for? 

Biloxi, Mississippi, is a beach town known for its casinos. But it also is considered a top travel destination for people looking to enjoy the Gulf Coast. With an abundance of natural beauty and water access, this area is unsurprisingly known as a hub for recreational fishing and seafood production. Sandy beaches, city-owned piers and boat rentals make it easy to spend the day on the water. Paired with world-class resorts, hotels and restaurants all eager to serve up the catch of the day, Biloxi is a no-brainer for anyone who loves nature, seafood or getting out on the water.

Read more about living in Biloxi, MS.

Hattiesburg

The Forest County Courthouse in downtown Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
iStock/csfotoimages
The Forest County Courthouse in downtown Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Why is Hattiesburg a great place to live in Mississippi?

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is often considered a wonderful place to retire. It’s the second largest city in the state and offers a remarkable number of amenities such as quality health care, higher education and modest real estate. The overall affordability of the area makes it a top choice for young families looking to get their foot in the door of homeownership, and the extra money in the budget goes a long way in a state that boasts a nearly 15% lower cost of living than the national average. 

Even though many are attracted to Hattiesburg as a retirement destination, it has something to offer people in all walks of life. The city is home to the University of Southern Mississippi, which naturally results in a wide array of local services, amenities and attractions. You can find all manner of old-fashioned Southern dining, live musical performances, and events such as the annual HUBFEST, an arts and music festival that brings in around 30,000 visitors per year. 

What jobs are available in Hattiesburg?

Locals are quick to share that the unemployment rate in the area is impressively low. The city was actually ranked second in the nation for job growth in 2021, and it shows no signs of slowing down. While you can find positions in many industries throughout the city, some of the major players include hospitality, manufacturing, education and tourism. Research and technology are increasingly influential in the local market as well.

Read more about living in Hattiesburg, MS.

Jackson

A view of the capitol in Jackson, MS. Jackson is a best place to live in Mississippi.
iStock/SeanPavonePhoto
A view of the capitol in Jackson, Mississippi.

Why Jackson is a best place to live in Mississippi

Nestled in the northeastern pocket of Hinds County, Jackson, Mississippi, is the capital of the state and home to the Mississippi Freedom Trail. It’s considered a historic town, thanks to its recognition as a key player in U.S. history and has garnered a good deal of praise for its beautiful historical buildings, such as the Old Capitol building and the 1842 Governor’s Mansion. 

While it’s undoubtedly an attractive place to call home, Jackson is more than its history and architecture. The job market is trending upwards with industries such as manufacturing, health care and information technology, and downtown and its surrounding areas are full of things to do, see and enjoy. A few family-friendly favorite spots include the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum and the Jackson Zoo. You can also find plenty of live music, theatrical performances and Southern comfort food. 

What makes Jackson unique? 

Many historians recognize Jackson, Mississippi, for its involvement in the Civil Rights Movement. The Mississippi Freedom Trail runs throughout the city and includes several historic sites that played a significant role in the campaign to abolish legalized segregation and discrimination. Jackson is also the birthplace of several popular musicians, such as Dorothy Moore, Johnny Carver, and LeAnn Rimes.

Read more about living in Jackson, MS.

Natchez

Dunleith, the historic inn in Natchez, Mississippi, is listed as a national historic landmark.
iStock/StevenGaertner
Dunleith, the historic inn in Natchez, Mississippi, is listed as a national historic landmark.

Why is Natchez a best city to live in Mississippi?

With a reputation for antebellum architecture and spooky ghost stories, Natchez, Mississippi, is one of those places that settles into your bones after a visit or two. Its iconic homes are renowned throughout the state, as well as its residents’ warm and inviting Southern hospitality. You won’t want for arts and entertainment, outdoor recreation or cultural heritage when you move here. Locals may even argue that their hometown has the best food in the whole state. After all, Natchez is known as “The Biscuit Capital of the World.” 

There are certainly a lot of fun things to do here, but you can also bank on finding more affordable housing in Natchez. The cost of living is lower than the national average, and you’re likely to spend less on groceries, utilities and transportation here than you might in other comparable cities. The largest industries in the city include health care and social assistance, retail trade and educational services. You can also find positions in mining, quarrying, agriculture and forestry. 

What are some fun things to do in Natchez?

The natural beauty of Natchez beckons people in, but the history, Southern hospitality and downtown scene inspire them to stay. Many grew up in the town, left for a season and have returned, bringing a slew of ideas and inspiration with them. Consequently, downtown is bursting with new life and energy. If you’re looking for things to do in Natchez, explore Natchez Under-the-Hill, where the first French colonists landed, or explore the eclectic collection of local shops such a Silver Street Gallery & Gifts. Order lunch at The Camp Restaurant, listen to live music at Natchez Brewing Company or take a historic tour of Longwood, the country’s largest octagonal home.

Read more about living in Natchez, MS.

Oxford

Independent bookstore Square Books has occupied a prominent spot in downtown Oxford, Mississippi, for decades.
iStock/Kirkikis
The famous independent bookstore, Square Books, has occupied a prominent spot in downtown Oxford, Mississippi, for decades.

Why Oxford is a great place to live in Mississippi

Oxford, Mississippi, is tucked among the northern hills of the state and is home to the University of Mississippi, more affectionately known as Ole Miss. This beautiful and historic city is one for the record books, and not just because of its iconic sports team. Oxford has a rich literary history that has inspired authors throughout the centuries, including Nobel Prize-winning William Faulkner, and has garnered all manner of attention from publications like Condé Nast Traveler, Southern Living, and Garden and Gun. You’ll also find divine dining in Oxford — including James Beard award-winning chefs cooking up all kinds of delectable creations right here in the heart of Lafayette County. 

The cost of living in Oxford is lower than many comparable cities throughout the United States, but the median is still higher than other parts of Mississippi. Median home values hover around $278,000 and median household incomes are just over $51,000, with property taxes coming in around $1,400. The university is the largest employer in the area but manufacturing, retail, and city services rank high on the list of local industries as well. 

What are the benefits of living in Oxford? 

World famous buildings and architecture, an abundance of green space, and the growing arts and culture scene often top the list of perks associated with living in Oxford, Mississippi. While these are inarguably some of the highlights, there are countless more. The city’s rich history in the Civil War and Civil Rights Movement, its literary heritage, and its reputation as a “Cultural Mecca of the South” are equally valuable to residents and tourists. Coupled with the prestigious Ole Miss University and everything it offers the students, professors and the residents of the community, Oxford is undoubtedly one of the best places to live in Mississippi.

Read more about living in Oxford, MS.

Starkville

Davis Wade Stadium, home of the Mississippi State Bulldogs football team in Starkville, Mississippi. Starkville is a best place to live in Mississippi.
iStock/CRobertson
Davis Wade Stadium, home of the Mississippi State Bulldogs football team, in Starkville, Mississippi.

Why is Starkville a great city to live in Mississippi?

It may be known as a college town thanks to Mississippi State University, but Starkville, Mississippi, does a remarkably good job balancing the needs of its students and greater community. There are several attractive and affordable neighborhoods available for young professionals, families and seniors to put down roots, the business environment is trending upwards, and the innumerable musical performances, sporting events and cultural attractions make Starkville a wonderful place to live in Mississippi.

Starkville won the title of “Mississippi’s Best City to Retire” in 2021. The low cost of living, quality health care and multitude of recreational activities likely played a role in the decision. While it may be a no-brainer for former Bulldogs (or fans of the university), it’s also a great place to build a career. Engineering, nursing and accounting are a few of the top jobs, as well as the numerous opportunities available through Mississippi State.

What is Starkville known for? 

Can you say Mississippi State University? From singles and families to retirees and tourists, the people who love Starkville are known for their deep passion for the Mississippi State University Bulldogs. Thousands of loyal fans flock to the stadium for game weekends, and you can easily spot the Bulldog faithful tailgating in anticipation of kickoff all throughout the season. The city is also known for its charming downtown and beautiful historic homes, although they admittedly tend to play second fiddle when held up alongside the community’s passion for football Saturdays down South. 

Read more about living in Starkville, MS.

Tupelo

An image of City Hall in Tupelo, MS. Tupelo is a great place to live in Mississippi.
iStock/DenisTangneyJr
An image of City Hall in Tupelo, Mississippi.

Why Tupelo is a great city in Mississippi

Are you considering a move to Tupelo, Mississippi? Choosing where you want to put down roots is no small task, but this northeastern Mississippi town makes it a little easier. Tupelo is known for its small-town atmosphere, rich history and culture, affordable cost of living and diverse employment opportunities. It also happens to be the birthplace of Elvis Presley and home to the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum, a popular tourist attraction. While Presley may be the city’s greatest claim to musical fame, it also has a rich heritage in gospel, blues and country music genres. 

Tupelo offers a pleasantly wide range of activities and attractions despite being a small town. You can tour the aforementioned birthplace of the King of Rock ’n’ Roll, visit the Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo, check out the impressive lineup of historic vehicles at the Tupelo Automobile Museum, drive along the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway, or take advantage of the state’s natural beauty on foot, boat or bike.

What is the average cost of living in Tupelo? 

Mississippi is one of the most affordable states in the country, and Tupelo follows suit with a lower cost of living than the national average. The average apartment rental ranges from $700 to $900, while the median house price is about $260,000. Retirees are also drawn here in part because of the lower health care costs and affordable, and diverse, leisure activities.

Read more about living in Tupelo, MS.

Thinking of Moving to Mississippi?

Finding a great place to live in Mississippi doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We’ve got several resources for moving to Mississippi and other best places to live in the Southeast. Regardless of where you want to live, we’re here to help you figure out where to move and discover other best places to live in the U.S.

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