When considering retirement destinations in Mississippi, several key factors can significantly impact your quality of life. Our comprehensive analysis examines five essential criteria that retirees consistently prioritize: Overall Retirement Score, Walkability, Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities), Vibrant Score, and Transit-Friendly rating. These metrics provide a holistic view of what each community offers to those looking to enjoy their golden years in the Magnolia State.
Every score presented in this ranking is based on extensive real-world data collection and surveys from residents who experience these communities daily. This is not subjective opinion but data-driven analysis of Mississippi’s best towns for retirees. The Overall Retirement Score incorporates numerous factors beyond our five main criteria, providing a comprehensive evaluation of each location’s retirement-friendliness.
Here’s the list.
20. Georgetown Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 93.20
- Walkability: 14.34
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 49.05
- Vibrant Score: 10.70
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Georgetown
Georgetown achieves an excellent retirement score of 93.20. The town excels in providing a tranquil atmosphere with an exceptional quiet index of 95.68, one of the highest on our list. Walkability is relatively good at 14.34, better than most towns ranked. Georgetown stands out with its urban sophistication score of 49.05, the second highest on our list, offering excellent access to cultural amenities for a small town. The vibrant score is moderate at 10.70, balancing activity with tranquility. Public transit options don’t appear to be available. With a median home price of $173,000, slightly below the state average, Georgetown represents excellent value for retirees seeking cultural amenities in a peaceful setting.
19. Hermanville Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 93.37
- Walkability: 3.83
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 5.65
- Vibrant Score: 8.06
- Transit-Friendly: 2.30
About Hermanville
Hermanville scores very well for retirement with a 93.37 rating. The town offers a peaceful environment with a high quiet index of 88.47. Walkability is very limited at 3.83, and urban sophistication is quite low at 5.65, indicating minimal cultural amenities. The vibrant score is moderate at 8.06, suggesting some community activity despite the rural setting. Limited transit options are available with a score of 2.30. With a median home price of $178,000, close to the state average, Hermanville provides good value for retirees prioritizing a quiet, rural lifestyle.
18. Anguilla – Cary Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 93.64
- Walkability: 5.85
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 9.05
- Vibrant Score: 9.96
- Transit-Friendly: 1.94
About Anguilla – Cary
Anguilla – Cary offers an excellent retirement environment with a score of 93.64. The town features a good quiet index of 79.34, providing a peaceful atmosphere. Walkability is limited at 5.85, suggesting car dependency. Urban sophistication is relatively low at 9.05, indicating fewer cultural amenities, and the vibrant score is moderate at 9.96. Limited transit options are available with a score of 1.94. With a median home price of $195,000, slightly above the state average, Anguilla – Cary offers a balanced retirement option for those seeking a calm environment with moderate community activity.
17. Leland Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 93.65
- Walkability: 34.65
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 32.59
- Vibrant Score: 33.91
- Transit-Friendly: 3.53
About Leland
Leland scores very well for retirement with a 93.65 rating. The town stands out dramatically from others on this list with its walkability score of 34.65, the highest by far. Leland also offers good cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 32.59 and features the highest vibrant score on our list at 33.91, indicating a more active community life. The quiet index is moderate at 64.73, reflecting this higher level of activity. Transit options are limited but present with a score of 3.53. With a median home price of $175,000, close to the state average, Leland offers excellent value for retirees seeking a more walkable, vibrant small-town environment.
16. Little Rock Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 93.70
- Walkability: 5.44
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 34.41
- Vibrant Score: 12.45
- Transit-Friendly: 15.65
About Little Rock
Little Rock, Mississippi (not to be confused with the Arkansas capital) offers an excellent retirement environment with a score of 93.70. The town excels in providing a tranquil atmosphere with an exceptional quiet index of 94.68, among the highest on our list. Walkability is limited at 5.44, typical for small Mississippi towns. Little Rock stands out with a good urban sophistication score of 34.41, offering better cultural amenities than many towns ranked. The vibrant score is moderate at 12.45, and the town notably has one of the best transit-friendly scores at 15.65. With an affordable median home price of $154,000, well below the state average, Little Rock represents exceptional value for retirees.
15. Arcola Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 93.82
- Walkability: 4.74
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 23.04
- Vibrant Score: 2.27
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Arcola
Arcola achieves an excellent retirement score of 93.82. The town offers a good quiet index of 80.23, providing a peaceful environment. Walkability is limited at 4.74, suggesting car dependency. With a moderate urban sophistication score of 23.04, Arcola offers some access to cultural amenities. The vibrant score is very low at 2.27, indicating a very calm lifestyle with minimal activity. Public transit options don’t appear to be available. The median home price of $213,000 is above the state average, possibly reflecting other desirable aspects not captured in our metrics, such as property size or quality.
14. Noxapater Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 93.92
- Walkability: 11.39
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 21.59
- Vibrant Score: 6.96
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Noxapater
Noxapater offers an excellent retirement environment with a score of 93.92. The town features a high quiet index of 87.20, providing a peaceful atmosphere. Walkability is modest at 11.39, better than some towns on this list. With a moderate urban sophistication score of 21.59, Noxapater offers some access to cultural amenities. The vibrant score is low at 6.96, suggesting a calm lifestyle. Public transit options don’t appear to be available. A standout feature is the affordable median home price of $148,000, significantly below the state average, making Noxapater one of the best value options for retirees on our list.
13. Ruleville Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 93.94
- Walkability: 5.34
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 9.18
- Vibrant Score: 17.79
- Transit-Friendly: 5.32
About Ruleville
Ruleville scores very well for retirement with a 93.94 rating. The town offers a good quiet index of 82.88, providing a peaceful environment. Walkability is limited at 5.34, typical of many Mississippi towns. Urban sophistication is relatively low at 9.18, indicating fewer cultural amenities. However, Ruleville shows decent community vibrancy at 17.79 and does offer some transit options with a score of 5.32. With a median home price of $171,000, slightly below the state average, Ruleville provides good value for retirees seeking a relatively active community life in a peaceful setting.
12. Pheba Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 93.99
- Walkability: 13.75
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 24.41
- Vibrant Score: 2.60
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Pheba
Pheba achieves an excellent retirement score of 93.99. The town excels in providing a tranquil atmosphere with an exceptional quiet index of 98.14, one of the highest on our list. Walkability is modest at 13.75, better than many towns ranked. With a moderate urban sophistication score of 24.41, Pheba offers some access to cultural amenities. The vibrant score is very low at 2.60, indicating a very peaceful lifestyle with minimal bustle. Public transit options don’t appear to be available. The median home price of $178,000 aligns closely with the state average, offering good value for retirees prioritizing peace and quiet.
11. Flora Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 94.28
- Walkability: 4.92
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 30.75
- Vibrant Score: 17.03
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Flora
Flora offers an excellent retirement environment with a score of 94.28. The town has a moderate quiet index of 63.72, providing a balance between peace and activity. Walkability is limited at 4.92, suggesting car dependency. Flora provides good cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 30.75, and a decent amount of community activity with a vibrant score of 17.03. Public transit options aren’t readily available. With a median home price of $193,000, slightly above the state average, Flora offers good value for retirees seeking a mix of quietude and access to cultural amenities.
10. Holcomb Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 94.53
- Walkability: 4.86
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 34.26
- Vibrant Score: 14.35
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Holcomb
Holcomb scores very well for retirement with a 94.53 rating. The town enjoys a peaceful environment with a quiet index of 84.59. While walkability is limited at 4.86, Holcomb surprises with a relatively good urban sophistication score of 34.26, offering more cultural amenities than many towns on this list. The vibrant score of 14.35 indicates some community activity without compromising its tranquil atmosphere. Public transit options don’t appear to be available. With a median home price of $163,000, Holcomb represents good value for retirees looking for some cultural offerings in a peaceful setting.
9. Isola Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 95.03
- Walkability: 3.37
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 5.17
- Vibrant Score: 0.82
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Isola
Isola achieves an excellent retirement score of 95.03. The town features a good quiet index of 84.25, providing a peaceful environment. Walkability is very limited at 3.37, one of the lowest on our list. Urban sophistication is also quite low at 5.17, indicating minimal cultural amenities. The vibrant score is nearly non-existent at 0.82, suggesting an extremely quiet lifestyle. Public transit doesn’t appear to be available. Despite these limitations, the median home price is somewhat high at $213,000, possibly reflecting other desirable aspects not captured in our metrics, such as natural beauty or housing quality.
8. Lorman Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 95.34
- Walkability: 9.82
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 26.42
- Vibrant Score: 4.12
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Lorman
Lorman offers an excellent retirement environment with a score of 95.34. The town excels in providing a tranquil atmosphere with a high quiet index of 90.23, one of the best on our list. Walkability is limited at 9.82, though slightly better than some other towns ranked. With an urban sophistication score of 26.42, Lorman provides moderate access to cultural amenities. The vibrant score is quite low at 4.12, indicating a very peaceful lifestyle. Public transit options don’t appear to be available. The median home price of $164,000 is below the state average, making Lorman an affordable option for retirees seeking tranquility.
7. Silver City Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 95.74
- Walkability: 4.01
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 7.91
- Vibrant Score: 0.72
- Transit-Friendly: 14.12
About Silver City
Silver City scores very well for retirement with a 95.74 rating. The town offers a relatively peaceful environment with a quiet index of 75.72. Walkability is quite limited at 4.01, and urban sophistication is low at 7.91, indicating fewer cultural amenities. The vibrant score is among the lowest on our list at 0.72, suggesting a very quiet lifestyle. Interestingly, Silver City does offer some transit options with a score of 14.12, one of the better transit scores in our rankings. The median home price is an affordable $156,000, making it a budget-friendly option for retirees who prioritize peace and quiet over amenities and activity.
6. Raymond Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 96.45
- Walkability: 12.63
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 50.70
- Vibrant Score: 24.58
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Raymond
Raymond earns an excellent retirement score of 96.45, placing it high on our list. The town features a good quiet index of 79.25, providing a peaceful atmosphere while still offering some activity. Walkability is modest at 12.63. What makes Raymond stand out is its impressive urban sophistication score of 50.70, one of the highest on our list, indicating good access to cultural amenities. The vibrant score of 24.58 is also relatively high, suggesting more community activity than many other towns. Public transit options aren’t readily available. With a median home price of $165,000, Raymond offers exceptional value given its cultural offerings and retirement-friendly environment.
5. Boyle Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 96.64
- Walkability: 11.50
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 28.24
- Vibrant Score: 23.73
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Boyle
Boyle offers an excellent retirement score of 96.64, making it highly attractive for seniors. The town has a moderate quiet index of 66.37, balancing peace with some activity. While walkability is limited at 11.50, it’s slightly better than many towns on this list. Boyle provides decent cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 28.24 and shows more activity than most with a vibrant score of 23.73, one of the higher ratings on our list. Public transit doesn’t appear to be available. With a median home price of $202,000, Boyle represents a good investment for retirees seeking a bit more liveliness in their community.
4. Bolton Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 97.08
- Walkability: 7.84
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 23.01
- Vibrant Score: 6.07
- Transit-Friendly: 0.38
About Bolton
Bolton scores highly with a 97.08 retirement rating, offering excellent value for retirees. The town enjoys a peaceful setting with a quiet index of 88.38. Walkability is limited at 7.84, typical for small Mississippi communities. The urban sophistication score of 23.01 suggests some access to cultural amenities. With a vibrant score of just 6.07 and minimal transit options (0.38), Bolton caters to those seeking a quieter lifestyle rather than bustling activity. The median home price of $191,000 aligns closely with the state average, offering good value for the retirement amenities available.
3. Lyon Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 99.08
- Walkability: 7.61
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 15.14
- Vibrant Score: 9.84
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Lyon
Lyon achieves an outstanding retirement score of 99.08, placing it third on our list. The town features a good quiet index of 82.10, creating a peaceful environment for retirees. Walkability is limited at 7.61, suggesting that having a vehicle is advisable. The urban sophistication score is relatively low at 15.14, indicating fewer cultural amenities. Its vibrant score of 9.84 suggests a calm, laid-back atmosphere. Public transportation options appear unavailable. With a median home price of $212,000, Lyon offers excellent retirement value despite being slightly above the state average.
2. Schlater Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 99.68
- Walkability: 8.52
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 24.32
- Vibrant Score: 3.97
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Schlater
Schlater scores exceptionally well for retirement with a 99.68 rating, placing it second highest in Mississippi. The town enjoys a peaceful environment with a high quiet index of 87.51. Walkability is limited at 8.52, typical of many small Mississippi towns. Urban sophistication scores moderately at 24.32, offering some cultural amenities. The vibrant score is quite low at 3.97, indicating a very tranquil lifestyle. Public transit does not appear to be available. With a median home price of $167,000, Schlater represents an affordable option for retirees seeking a peaceful setting with minimal hustle and bustle.
1. Artesia Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 99.77
- Walkability: 9.45
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 48.42
- Vibrant Score: 10.02
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Artesia
Artesia boasts the highest retirement score in Mississippi at an impressive 99.77, making it an exceptional choice for retirees. The town offers excellent peacefulness with a quiet index of 98.33, though its walkability score is relatively low at 9.45. Artesia stands out with its urban sophistication score of 48.42, indicating good access to cultural amenities despite its small-town setting. The vibrant score is modest at 10.02, reflecting a calm rather than bustling atmosphere. Transit options appear limited. With a median home price of $201,000, Artesia offers good value considering its outstanding retirement-friendly attributes.
Definition of terms:
- Overall Retirement Score: A comprehensive metric (scale 1-100) that evaluates how suitable a town is for retirees, incorporating factors such as safety, healthcare access, cost of living, recreation opportunities, climate, and community amenities. Higher scores indicate better retirement suitability.
- Walkability: Measures how easily residents can accomplish daily tasks on foot (scale 1-100). This criterion is important for retirees who may prefer to drive less and maintain physical activity through walking. Higher scores indicate better walkability.
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): Assesses the availability of cultural offerings such as museums, theaters, restaurants, and educational opportunities (scale 1-100). This factor is crucial for retirees seeking intellectual stimulation and entertainment options in their community. Higher scores indicate more cultural amenities.
- Vibrant Score: Evaluates the level of activity, energy, and social opportunities in a community (scale 1-100). This criterion helps retirees understand the balance between peaceful living and community engagement. Higher scores indicate more community activity.
- Transit-Friendly: Measures the availability and quality of public transportation options (scale 1-100). This factor is particularly relevant for retirees who may eventually prefer not to drive or who want transportation alternatives. Higher scores indicate better public transit options.
References:
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
- Mississippi Realtors Association Housing Report
- Zillow Mississippi Home Values Index
- Redfin Mississippi Housing Market Data
- National Association of Realtors – Mississippi Market Data
- U.S. Census Bureau Housing Data for Mississippi
