11 Best Mississippi Towns For Retirees
Mississippi might just be the retirement spot you've been seeking. The state enjoys mild weather throughout the year, a low cost of living, and a slow pace of life with trademark Southern hospitality. However, a lot goes into finding the ideal destination, including safety, access to outdoor opportunities, and availability of vital social and health amenities. Luckily, the Magnolia State offers a long list of options that ticks many of the boxes.
From peaceful riverfront communities to vibrant small towns steeped in history, there is something to align perfectly with your desired way of life. Whether drawn to blues music echoing through the downtown streets of Clarksdale or the simple pleasure of a slower pace in Grenada, here are the 11 best Mississippi towns for retirees.
Ackerman
Small-town charm and a pocket-friendly living cost await retirees in this Choctaw County village. Ackerman has rugged natural surroundings, framed by the squeezed woodlands of Tombigbee National Forest. The sprawling wilderness ensures enough recreational activities for all the town's residents, from camping and fishing to hiking and picnicking. More opportunities are available at the Choctaw Lake Recreation Area, including fishing, boating, and paddling.
Ackerman's tiny downtown has lovely neighborhood diners where pensioners chill after a long day. This includes Sonny's Smokehouse, which features a comfortable atmosphere and serves delicious Southern-style barbecues. Residents can rush to Choctaw Regional Medical Center in the event of any emergencies for prompt attention. Ackerman's median home price is $159,500, lower than Mississippi's average of around $250,000.
Byram
Byram is a growing community in Hinds County, about 55 minutes from Vicksburg. This means citizens can easily access any urban conveniences in Jackson at their discretion. The town maintains a laid-back suburban atmosphere with lush natural spaces. One of the best outdoor escapes in the area is the historic Byram Swinging Bridge, which is perfect for relaxing strolls. Senior living communities in Byram come in handy for pensioners who are advanced in age. From Willow Creek Retirement Center to Edgewood Health and Rehab, these provide vital health, social, and moral support services to improve their quality of life. Byram's median home price is about $240,000.
Kosciusko
Kosciusko is an iconic city along the Natchez Trace, famed for being the birthplace of multiple noteworthy figures, including James Meredith and Oprah Winfrey. Frequent interactions among the townspeople at the Central Mississippi Flea Market help to create a family-like atmosphere in the community, culminating in a sense of belonging even for newcomers. New residents can buy things for their new home here.
Those seeking quality time in the open gravitate toward the lush greens of Redbud Springs Golf & Country Club. Meanwhile, Baptist Memorial Hospital provides all the basic medical services retirees may need in the town, while the local median house value is $147,500.
Richland
Richland is an adorable suburban community about 10 minutes south of Jackson, providing a lovely blend of small-town feel and access to city amenities. The Richland Westside Park is the gathering spot for everything outdoor recreation in the town, offering a tranquil atmosphere with lush lawns for family picnics. Salsa's Tacos, Bar, & Grill is one of the several neighborhood diners where residents enjoy sumptuous Mexican cuisine in a pleasant atmosphere.
Patients have ready access to medical care in case of any emergencies, and they can choose between Merit Health Medical Group Primary Care and Rankin Rural Medical Clinic. Additionally, Richland's median housing cost of $232,400 is way lower than the national average of $416,900.
Aberdeen
Aberdeen's location on the banks of the Tombigbee River rewards townsfolk with exquisite views of the waterway while providing serene outdoor opportunities for walkers and joggers. One of the most popular among them is the Aberdeen Lock & Dam Recreation Area, which is renowned for its bass fishing. The Aberdeen Elkin Theatre is where the community converges to watch movies. It is an excellent form of indoor entertainment for seniors who'd like to avoid strenuous activity.
Elsewhere, newcomers can get familiar with various aspects of the community at the Aberdeen Visitors Bureau, while patients access reliable health services from the Monroe Regional Hospital. If you plan to own a home, the average price in Aberdeen is about $150,000.
Ashland
Tucked away in the heart of Benton County, Ashland's charm lies in its verdant outdoor spaces, which invite senior citizens to commune with nature at their own pace. It is about 15 minutes from Holly Springs National Forest, an excellent escape to enjoy scenic drives, hiking, and similar expeditions. Ashland's rich history dates back to the 19th century, and one of the best-preserved structures in the town is the Benton County Courthouse, which serves as the administrative hub.
The Benton Medical Center addresses any medical needs for members of the community, ensuring prompt services when needed. Lastly, a decent real estate property in Ashland will cost you about $239,000.
Union
Union is a tiny village in Newton and Neshoba counties, known for its rural feel and a bubbly dining culture. The town square harbors plenty of welcoming diners that serve as hangout spots for seniors during their free time. Prominent among them is the Union Station Fish House, which lures foodies with Southern-style catfish, frog legs, boiled shrimp, and other delicacies.
The older adults in Union enjoy essential services from multiple assisted living facilities in the area. From J G Alexander Nursing Home to Hilltop Manor Health and Rehabilitation, they can expect enough support when their bodies start failing them. The town is also home to Ochsner Laird Hospital, a 25-bed facility offering critical care services. Finally, it takes an average of around $167,000 to afford a decent home in Union.
Carthage
Carthage strikes a chord of nostalgia with its well-preserved heritage and rustic downtown area. It is home to the Carthage Historic District, which comprises a cluster of old structures, such as the Leake County Courthouse. McMillan Park is one of the several natural spaces that address the citizens' recreational needs. This serene oasis offers a variety of trails for bikers, runners, and hikers, and a lovely fishing pond that freshens the air.
A good restaurant scene in downtown Carthage guarantees no rumbling bellies in the community, and retirees can get their daily supply of tasty pizzas at MA Pizza. Thanks to the Baptist Memorial Hospital-Leake, seniors need not look outside the town to access quality health care. Additionally, Carthage's median housing value is $200,000.
Columbia
Under 100 miles from Biloxi, Columbia is a charming village on the banks of the Pearl River with an adorable population of white squirrels spread out across its serene park spaces. Residents have enough space for their outdoor recreation at areas like the Columbia Water Park, which provides access to boating fun on the Pearl River. The Southern Museum of Natural History is a major attraction in downtown Columbia, offering a unique look into nature and evolution through quirky fossils, skulls, and other specimen exhibits.
Several cultural events are held at the Columbia Exposition Center, allowing townsfolk to constantly come together, resulting in a strong sense of place. Columbia is also home to the Marion General Hospital, which caters to any medical needs in the area. Lastly, the average housing cost here is $173,500.
Ellisville
This small town in Jones County is known for its friendly people and relaxed, rural atmosphere, ideal for anyone crossing into their sunset years. Families constantly meet up at Merchant's Park to enjoy quality time outdoors. The park has various ball fields and playgrounds that help the community stay in shape. Ellisville enables retirees to stay ahead of their physical health at Fitness Depot. Here, they can access the services of professional trainers for customized training sessions.
Several social venues, including the Johnson Community Center, provide an accommodating platform for locals to come together and bond over various recreational and cultural activities. Meanwhile, the Ellisville Medical Clinic provides walk-in services to patients in the area. Ellisville also has a median home price of $232,000, cheaper than the Mississippi average.
McComb
A mix of cultural, natural, and historical attractions qualifies this relaxed village in Pike County as a worthwhile retirement home. The McComb Railroad Museum tells a gripping tale about the region's railroad heritage, with over 800 artifacts showcasing the history of the Illinois Central Railroad. Seniors can celebrate the area's civil rights and African American landmarks and figures at the Black History Gallery. At the same time, those seeking outdoor fulfillment can stray to the 1,000 acres of playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking trails of Percy Quin State Park.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center proves crucial in creating rapport among residents as they connect through different recreational and social programs. McComb further provides multiple assisted living venues, such as Camellia Estates, to advance the well-being of its aging population. Despite its rich amenities, the town maintains an affordable cost of living, with a median home price of $149,000.
Mississippi offers retirees a perfect blend of Southern charm, affordability, and relaxed living in the United States. Whether you crave lakeside breezes in Grenada or the cultural richness of Yazoo City, each of these Mississippi towns for retirees has something special to offer. With low cost of living, warm hospitality, and rich history, retiring in the Magnolia State means embracing comfort and connection, and choosing a town that fits your lifestyle culminates in a fulfilling retirement surrounded by a delightful community.
