I’ve researched 25 of the best towns to retire to in the great state of Mississippi.
I thoroughly analyzed locations across the Magnolia State using seven criteria: Cost of Buying a Home, Healthcare Access, Weather, Cultural Activities, Outdoor Activities, Crime Rate, and Airport Proximity. These elements collectively determine how well a town can serve my retirement needs.
The grades I’ve assigned (A+ to D-) represent my subjective assessment based on comprehensive research. I’ve presented towns in alphabetical order for easy navigation. I kept in mind that these grades compare towns only within Mississippi, not against national standards. Every location offers its own unique southern charm and potential considerations, so I’m prioritizing what matters most for my retirement vision.
Here’s the list.
1. Bay St. Louis
- Cost of Buying a Home: B-
- Healthcare Access: B
- Weather: A-
- Cultural Activities: B+
- Outdoor Activities: A
- Crime Rate: B+
- Airport Proximity: B
Bay St. Louis captivates retirees with its picturesque coastal setting and vibrant arts community. The median home price of approximately $219,000 represents good value for Gulf Coast living, though homebuyers should consider potential hurricane insurance costs when budgeting for this charming waterfront community.
This coastal gem offers a walkable Old Town district with galleries and shops, while outdoor enthusiasts enjoy beaches, fishing, and the nearby Buccaneer State Park. Hancock Medical Center provides healthcare services within the community, and Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport is approximately 35 minutes away, offering convenient regional connections.
Three main activities:
- Exploring the charming shops and galleries of Old Town
- Enjoying water recreation on the Gulf or Bay of St. Louis
- Attending the monthly Second Saturday Artwalk
2. Biloxi
- Cost of Buying a Home: B
- Healthcare Access: A-
- Weather: A-
- Cultural Activities: A-
- Outdoor Activities: A
- Crime Rate: C
- Airport Proximity: A
Biloxi offers retirees a resort-like atmosphere with exceptional affordability compared to other coastal retirement destinations. With median home prices around $200,000, the city provides excellent mortgage affordability while delivering Gulf Coast views, casino entertainment, and rich historical experiences.
The cultural scene features the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art and historic Beauvoir, while outdoor enthusiasts enjoy white sand beaches and charter fishing. Merit Health Biloxi and Keesler Medical Center provide strong healthcare options, and Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport is just 20 minutes away, making travel convenient for visiting family.
Three main activities:
- Relaxing on the white sand beaches along Beach Boulevard
- Exploring maritime history at the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum
- Trying your luck at one of the waterfront casino resorts
3. Brandon
- Cost of Buying a Home: B-
- Healthcare Access: A-
- Weather: B+
- Cultural Activities: B
- Outdoor Activities: A-
- Crime Rate: A-
- Airport Proximity: A
Brandon attracts retirees with its suburban comfort and proximity to Jackson’s amenities without big-city concerns. The median home price of approximately $225,000 represents good value for this family-friendly community that balances quiet residential areas with convenient access to shopping and services.
The town offers community arts programs and festivals, while outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the Reservoir and nearby state parks for fishing and hiking. Merit Health Rankin provides healthcare within the community, with more specialized care available in nearby Jackson, and Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport is just 25 minutes away.
Three main activities:
- Fishing or boating on the 33,000-acre Ross Barnett Reservoir
- Attending performances at Brandon Amphitheater
- Exploring nature at Shiloh Park or LeFleur’s Bluff State Park
4. Cleveland
- Cost of Buying a Home: A-
- Healthcare Access: B+
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: A-
- Outdoor Activities: B
- Crime Rate: B
- Airport Proximity: C
Cleveland welcomes retirees with its vibrant university atmosphere and authentic Delta culture. The median home price of approximately $165,000 provides excellent home loan opportunities for retirees seeking a culturally rich community with significant affordability advantages.
The town boasts the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi and Delta State University’s cultural offerings, while outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the Delta’s unique landscape and nearby wildlife management areas. Bolivar Medical Center provides healthcare services locally, with Memphis International Airport about 2 hours away for those needing commercial flights.
Three main activities:
- Exploring the interactive exhibits at the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi
- Attending performances and events at Delta State University
- Experiencing authentic Delta blues at local venues
5. Clinton
- Cost of Buying a Home: B
- Healthcare Access: A-
- Weather: B+
- Cultural Activities: B+
- Outdoor Activities: B+
- Crime Rate: A-
- Airport Proximity: A
Clinton offers retirees a college-town atmosphere with exceptional safety and convenience. The median home price of approximately $192,000 delivers solid mortgage affordability in a community that balances small-town comfort with proximity to Jackson’s amenities.
The presence of Mississippi College provides cultural enrichment through performances and lectures, while outdoor enthusiasts enjoy Traceway Park and the Clinton Nature Center. Baptist Medical Center provides excellent healthcare just minutes away in Jackson, and Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport is only 15 minutes east for convenient travel.
Three main activities:
- Attending Mississippi College sporting events and cultural performances
- Exploring the walking trails at Clinton Community Nature Center
- Visiting the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum nearby
6. Columbus
- Cost of Buying a Home: A
- Healthcare Access: A-
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: A-
- Outdoor Activities: B+
- Crime Rate: C+
- Airport Proximity: B-
Columbus delights retirees with its magnificent antebellum homes and deeply rooted southern history. The median home price of approximately $145,000 provides exceptional homeownership opportunities for history enthusiasts, with remarkable affordability that stretches retirement savings further.
The city hosts the annual Spring Pilgrimage home tours and offers cultural enrichment through Mississippi University for Women events, while outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the Riverwalk along the Tombigbee River. Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle provides excellent healthcare, and Golden Triangle Regional Airport offers commercial flights about 25 minutes away.
Three main activities:
- Touring historic antebellum homes during the annual Spring Pilgrimage
- Strolling the scenic Riverwalk along the Tombigbee River
- Attending performances at the Mississippi University for Women
7. Corinth
- Cost of Buying a Home: A+
- Healthcare Access: B
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: B
- Outdoor Activities: B+
- Crime Rate: B-
- Airport Proximity: C+
Corinth beckons retirees with its Civil War heritage and genuine small-town southern charm. The median home price of approximately $120,000 makes this historic community one of Mississippi’s most affordable retirement destinations, offering exceptional mortgage affordability for fixed-income retirees.
The town’s historic district features the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center and Crossroads Museum, while outdoor enthusiasts enjoy nearby Pickwick Lake and Shiloh National Military Park. Magnolia Regional Health Center provides healthcare services locally, with Memphis International Airport about 90 minutes away for those needing commercial flights.
Three main activities:
- Exploring Civil War history at the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center
- Enjoying boating and fishing at nearby Pickwick Lake
- Sampling local cuisine at the famous Borroum’s Drug Store & Soda Fountain (operating since 1865)
8. Diamondhead
- Cost of Buying a Home: B
- Healthcare Access: B
- Weather: A-
- Cultural Activities: B-
- Outdoor Activities: A-
- Crime Rate: A
- Airport Proximity: B+
Diamondhead offers retirees a planned community environment with country club amenities and coastal accessibility. The median home price of approximately $200,000 provides solid value for a Gulf Coast location, particularly for homeowners seeking an established community with well-maintained infrastructure.
The community features a 36-hole golf course and yacht club, while proximity to Bay St. Louis and Gulfport provides additional cultural experiences, with beaches and boating just minutes away. Hancock Medical Center is about 15 minutes from town, and Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport can be reached in approximately 30 minutes.
Three main activities:
- Golfing at the Diamondhead Country Club and Golf
- Boating from the Diamondhead Marina
- Enjoying beaches and attractions along the nearby Gulf Coast
9. Gautier
- Cost of Buying a Home: A-
- Healthcare Access: B
- Weather: A-
- Cultural Activities: C+
- Outdoor Activities: A
- Crime Rate: B
- Airport Proximity: B+
Gautier attracts nature-loving retirees with its waterfront setting and abundant wildlife. The median home price of approximately $155,000 offers excellent home loan prospects for retirees seeking coastal living at a fraction of the cost found in other Gulf states.
The city provides access to the scenic Pascagoula River, known as “The Singing River,” while cultural activities are available in nearby Pascagoula and Ocean Springs. Singing River Hospital is located about 15 minutes away in Pascagoula, and Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport is approximately 40 minutes west, providing good travel connections.
Three main activities:
- Kayaking or boating on the Pascagoula River
- Bird watching at the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge
- Golfing at Shell Landing Golf Club
10. Hattiesburg
- Cost of Buying a Home: A-
- Healthcare Access: A
- Weather: B+
- Cultural Activities: A-
- Outdoor Activities: A-
- Crime Rate: C
- Airport Proximity: B
Hattiesburg provides retirees with a vibrant university town atmosphere and exceptional healthcare resources. The median home price of approximately $160,000 delivers outstanding mortgage affordability in a city that offers cultural richness typically found in much larger metropolitan areas.
The presence of the University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey University fuels a dynamic arts scene, while outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the Longleaf Trace and nearby state parks. Healthcare is exceptional with Forrest General Hospital and Merit Health Wesley, and Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport offers limited commercial flights about 20 minutes away, with New Orleans International Airport providing more options 90 minutes south.
Three main activities:
- Attending performances at the Saenger Theater downtown
- Biking or walking the 41-mile Longleaf Trace
- Exploring the African American Military History Museum
11. Hernando
- Cost of Buying a Home: B-
- Healthcare Access: B+
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: B
- Outdoor Activities: B+
- Crime Rate: A-
- Airport Proximity: A-
Hernando combines small-town southern charm with convenient access to Memphis amenities. The median home price of approximately $230,000 represents good value considering its proximity to a major metropolitan area while maintaining a distinct community feel.
The town’s historic courthouse square hosts a popular farmers market and community events, while outdoor enthusiasts enjoy Arkabutla Lake for boating and fishing. Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto provides healthcare in nearby Southaven, and Memphis International Airport is just 30 minutes away, offering exceptional travel connections.
Three main activities:
- Shopping the award-winning Hernando Farmers Market (seasonal)
- Boating and fishing at nearby Arkabutla Lake
- Exploring historic Hernando Square with its shops and restaurants
12. Long Beach
- Cost of Buying a Home: B
- Healthcare Access: B+
- Weather: A-
- Cultural Activities: B
- Outdoor Activities: A-
- Crime Rate: A-
- Airport Proximity: A-
Long Beach delivers a peaceful coastal lifestyle with a strong community atmosphere. The median home price of approximately $190,000 offers good value for Gulf Coast living, providing homeownership opportunities with coastal access at more moderate prices than many comparable beach communities nationwide.
The town features a recently revitalized downtown area and harbor, while its seven miles of beaches provide abundant recreational opportunities. Memorial Hospital at Gulfport is just 15 minutes away, and Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport can be reached in about 20 minutes, offering convenient travel options.
Three main activities:
- Walking or biking along the beach front
- Fishing or boating from the Long Beach Harbor
- Attending community events at the Town Green
13. Madison
- Cost of Buying a Home: C-
- Healthcare Access: A
- Weather: B+
- Cultural Activities: B+
- Outdoor Activities: A-
- Crime Rate: A+
- Airport Proximity: A
Madison stands as Mississippi’s premier upscale suburb, offering retirees exceptional safety and community amenities. The median home price of approximately $320,000 is among the state’s highest, reflecting premium neighborhoods where obtaining a home loan requires more substantial resources than most Mississippi locations.
The city features the Renaissance at Colony Park for upscale shopping and dining, while outdoor enthusiasts enjoy Strawberry Patch Park and the 33,000-acre Ross Barnett Reservoir nearby. Merit Health Madison provides excellent healthcare within the community, and Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport is just 20 minutes away for convenient travel.
Three main activities:
- Shopping and dining at Renaissance at Colony Park
- Boating or fishing on the Ross Barnett Reservoir
- Attending community events at Madison Square Center for the Arts
14. McComb
- Cost of Buying a Home: A+
- Healthcare Access: B
- Weather: A-
- Cultural Activities: B-
- Outdoor Activities: B
- Crime Rate: C+
- Airport Proximity: C+
McComb appeals to budget-conscious retirees with its extraordinary affordability and rich railroad heritage. The median home price of approximately $95,000 provides exceptional mortgage affordability, allowing fixed-income retirees to purchase comfortable homes without straining financial resources.
The town offers the McComb Railroad Museum and a revitalizing downtown, while outdoor enthusiasts enjoy nearby Percy Quin State Park with its golf course and lake. Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center provides healthcare services locally, with New Orleans International Airport about 90 minutes south for those needing commercial flights.
Three main activities:
- Exploring the McComb Railroad Museum
- Golfing or fishing at nearby Percy Quin State Park
- Attending community events at Bo Diddley Pavilion
15. Meridian
- Cost of Buying a Home: A+
- Healthcare Access: A-
- Weather: B+
- Cultural Activities: A-
- Outdoor Activities: B
- Crime Rate: C
- Airport Proximity: B
Meridian offers retirees a rich cultural scene with remarkable housing affordability. The median home price of approximately $115,000 provides outstanding homeownership opportunities, allowing retirees to purchase spacious homes or historic properties at a fraction of national average prices.
The city boasts the MSU Riley Center for performing arts and the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience, while outdoor enthusiasts enjoy Bonita Lakes Park with its fishing and walking trails. Anderson Regional Medical Center and Rush Foundation Hospital provide excellent healthcare options, and Meridian Regional Airport offers limited commercial flights, with Jackson’s airport about 90 minutes west.
Three main activities:
- Attending performances at the historic MSU Riley Center
- Exploring exhibits at the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience
- Walking or fishing at Bonita Lakes Park
16. Ocean Springs
- Cost of Buying a Home: B-
- Healthcare Access: A-
- Weather: A-
- Cultural Activities: A
- Outdoor Activities: A
- Crime Rate: B+
- Airport Proximity: A-
Ocean Springs charms retirees with its thriving arts community and oak-lined streets near the Gulf Coast. The median home price of approximately $220,000 represents good value for a coastal community with such cultural richness, though prospective homebuyers should consider insurance costs for this hurricane-zone location.
The town’s walkable downtown features numerous galleries, shops, and restaurants, while outdoor enthusiasts enjoy Gulf Islands National Seashore and fishing along Front Beach. Singing River Hospital provides excellent healthcare within the community, and Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport is just 20 minutes away for convenient travel options.
Three main activities:
- Exploring the Walter Anderson Museum of Art
- Strolling through the vibrant downtown arts district
- Enjoying the beaches at Gulf Islands National Seashore
17. Olive Branch
- Cost of Buying a Home: B-
- Healthcare Access: A-
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: B-
- Outdoor Activities: B
- Crime Rate: B+
- Airport Proximity: A
Olive Branch provides retirees with suburban comfort and the closest proximity to Memphis amenities. The median home price of approximately $240,000 reflects its desirable location as a bedroom community to Memphis, offering good value despite being higher than many Mississippi alternatives.
The city features Old Towne Olive Branch for shopping and dining, while outdoor enthusiasts enjoy city parks and nearby Arkabutla Lake. Methodist Olive Branch Hospital provides excellent healthcare within the community, and Memphis International Airport is just 20 minutes away, offering exceptional travel convenience for visiting family or winter getaways.
Three main activities:
- Golfing at Cherokee Valley Golf Club
- Exploring Old Towne Olive Branch shops and restaurants
- Day trips to Memphis attractions and entertainment
18. Oxford
- Cost of Buying a Home: C
- Healthcare Access: B+
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: A+
- Outdoor Activities: A-
- Crime Rate: B+
- Airport Proximity: C+
Oxford captivates retirees with its literary heritage and vibrant university atmosphere. The median home price of approximately $280,000 is higher than many Mississippi locations, reflecting the premium for this cultural hub where homebuyers are willing to pay more for access to unique town-gown amenities.
The presence of the University of Mississippi (“Ole Miss”) provides exceptional cultural opportunities, including author readings at Square Books and museum exhibits, while outdoor enthusiasts enjoy Sardis Lake and the Holly Springs National Forest. Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi provides quality healthcare, and Memphis International Airport is about 75 minutes away for commercial flights.
Three main activities:
- Exploring William Faulkner’s historic home, Rowan Oak
- Attending cultural events and sports at the University of Mississippi
- Enjoying the vibrant restaurant and shopping scene on The Square
19. Pass Christian
- Cost of Buying a Home: B-
- Healthcare Access: B
- Weather: A-
- Cultural Activities: B
- Outdoor Activities: A
- Crime Rate: A-
- Airport Proximity: B+
Pass Christian offers retirees a relaxed coastal lifestyle with historic character and natural beauty. The median home price of approximately $210,000 provides good value for waterfront access, though obtaining a home loan here requires consideration of hurricane insurance and elevation requirements.
The town features historic homes and a charming harbor district, while outdoor enthusiasts enjoy beaches, fishing, and sailing opportunities. Memorial Hospital at Gulfport provides healthcare about 15 minutes away, and Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport can be reached in approximately 30 minutes for convenient travel connections.
Three main activities:
- Relaxing on the uncrowded white sand beaches
- Fishing or boating from the Pass Christian Harbor
- Exploring historic homes and the small but charming downtown
20. Picayune
- Cost of Buying a Home: A
- Healthcare Access: B
- Weather: A-
- Cultural Activities: B-
- Outdoor Activities: B+
- Crime Rate: B-
- Airport Proximity: B-
Picayune welcomes retirees with its small-town atmosphere and proximity to both Gulf Coast and New Orleans attractions. The median home price of approximately $145,000 offers excellent mortgage affordability in a community strategically located for accessing multiple regional amenities.
The town features a revitalizing downtown with the Picayune Cultural Arts Center, while outdoor enthusiasts enjoy Crosby Arboretum with its native plant collections and walking trails. Highland Community Hospital provides healthcare services locally, and New Orleans International Airport is about 60 minutes away for excellent travel options.
Three main activities:
- Exploring the award-winning Crosby Arboretum
- Attending events at Picayune’s historic downtown
- Taking day trips to New Orleans or Mississippi Gulf Coast attractions
21. Southaven
- Cost of Buying a Home: B
- Healthcare Access: A-
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: B
- Outdoor Activities: B
- Crime Rate: B-
- Airport Proximity: A+
Southaven provides retirees with suburban convenience and immediate access to Memphis amenities. The median home price of approximately $210,000 represents good value considering its location as Mississippi’s northern gateway community, offering suburban comfort with metropolitan access.
The city features the Snowden Grove Amphitheater for concerts and Snowden Grove Park for recreation, while Southaven Towne Center offers extensive shopping. Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto provides excellent healthcare within the community, and Memphis International Airport is just 15 minutes away, offering the best airport proximity in the state.
Three main activities:
- Attending concerts at BankPlus Amphitheater at Snowden Grove
- Shopping at Tanger Outlets and Southaven Towne Center
- Watching baseball tournaments at Snowden Grove Park
22. Starkville
- Cost of Buying a Home: B
- Healthcare Access: B+
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: A-
- Outdoor Activities: B+
- Crime Rate: B
- Airport Proximity: C+
Starkville entices retirees with its engaged university community and SEC sports excitement. The median home price of approximately $190,000 provides good value for a college town, offering homeowners access to Mississippi State University’s cultural and educational benefits at reasonable price points.
The presence of Mississippi State University fuels a vibrant atmosphere with sporting events, concerts, and lectures, while outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge and university golf course. OCH Regional Medical Center provides healthcare services locally, with Golden Triangle Regional Airport about 20 minutes away offering limited commercial flights.
Three main activities:
- Attending Mississippi State University sporting events
- Exploring exhibits at the MSU museums and galleries
- Bird watching and wildlife viewing at Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge
23. Tupelo
- Cost of Buying a Home: A-
- Healthcare Access: A+
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: A-
- Outdoor Activities: B+
- Crime Rate: C+
- Airport Proximity: B+
Tupelo attracts retirees with its exceptional healthcare facilities and Elvis Presley heritage. The median home price of approximately $170,000 offers excellent home loan possibilities in a regional hub that provides urban amenities with small-city charm and affordability.
The city features Elvis Presley’s birthplace and museum along with the Tupelo Automobile Museum, while outdoor enthusiasts enjoy Natchez Trace Parkway and nearby Tombigbee State Park. Healthcare is outstanding with North Mississippi Medical Center, the largest non-metropolitan hospital in America, and Tupelo Regional Airport offers direct flights to several hub cities.
Three main activities:
- Visiting Elvis Presley’s Birthplace and Museum
- Enjoying concerts at the BancorpSouth Arena
- Exploring the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center
24. Vicksburg
- Cost of Buying a Home: A+
- Healthcare Access: B+
- Weather: B+
- Cultural Activities: A-
- Outdoor Activities: A-
- Crime Rate: C
- Airport Proximity: B-
Vicksburg offers retirees a rich historical experience alongside Mississippi River views. The median home price of approximately $125,000 provides extraordinary mortgage affordability, with many historic homes available at prices that would be unimaginable in other parts of the country.
The city boasts the Vicksburg National Military Park and a vibrant downtown arts district, while outdoor enthusiasts enjoy river activities and nearby recreational areas. Merit Health River Region provides quality healthcare within the community, and Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport is about an hour away for commercial flights.
Three main activities:
- Exploring Vicksburg National Military Park
- Taking a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River
- Visiting the numerous antebellum homes and museums
25. Wiggins
- Cost of Buying a Home: A
- Healthcare Access: B-
- Weather: A-
- Cultural Activities: C+
- Outdoor Activities: A
- Crime Rate: B+
- Airport Proximity: B-
Wiggins delights nature-loving retirees with its pine forest setting and small-town atmosphere. The median home price of approximately $135,000 makes it an affordable option for homeowners seeking a quiet retirement with excellent access to outdoor recreation and mild winters.
The town offers a charming downtown area and hosts the Pine Hills Festival, while outdoor enthusiasts treasure the adjacent De Soto National Forest and nearby Flint Creek Water Park. Stone County Hospital provides basic healthcare locally, with more comprehensive services available in Hattiesburg 30 minutes north, and Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport is about 45 minutes south.
Three main activities:
- Hiking or camping in De Soto National Forest
- Fishing and boating at Flint Creek Water Park
- Golfing at Pine Burr Country Club
Sources:
- Mississippi Realtors Association: https://msrealtors.org/market-statistics/
- U.S. News & World Report: https://realestate.usnews.com/
- Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/ms/home-values/
- Mississippi Department of Health: https://msdh.ms.gov/
- AreaVibes: https://www.areavibes.com/best-places/mississippi/
- Kiplinger: https://www.kiplinger.com/
- FBI Uniform Crime Reports: https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/ucr
- NOAA Climate Data: https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/cdo-web/
