Here Are The 10 Best Places To Live In Mississippi…And Why

Named one of the "Coolest Small Towns in America" by Budget and Travel Magazine, Bay St. Louis has it all – oceanfront views, a small-town vibe, and a hip Old Town area filled with great restaurants, galleries, and more. And as if it couldn’t get any better, the art scene is really flourishing thanks to the city’s monthly "Second Saturday Artwalk." The one-day fest is filled with art shows, live entertainment, and local cuisine. It is certainly one of the best places to live in Mississippi.

Pass Christian High School, which is part of the Pass Christian School District has been nationally recognized due to its students' high levels of achievement. The school district itself has also achieved a number of noteworthy accolades in the past. Three of the district’s four schools have been recognized as No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education, the district has earned the highest academic performance rating, an "A," for five years in a row, and the Mississippi Department of Education has recognized the district for Outstanding Achievement and as an Exemplar for the Betterment of Education in all Schools Across the State of Mississippi. Learn more about why Pass Christian is one of the best cities in Mississippi!

This coastal community is made up of the stuff families dream about. Aside from its gorgeous seaside location, Long Beach has an extremely low crime rate, great quality of life, and schooling advantages. The city’s awesome attributes have earned it a number of accolades, including a spot on Movoto’s list of the "10 Best Places to Live in Mississippi" and being named the best beach town for young families. It is where to live in Mississippi.

If you want to have a vacation here and need a place to stay, I highly recommend The Nest.

Still wondering, "is Mississippi a good place to live?" Well, here's more evidence.

At one time, Madison was simply a small farming community. But not anymore. Today, the city is home to more than 25,000 residents and encourages continued growth by providing abundant resources for new business owners. Even with its considerable growth and close proximity to Jackson, Madison still maintains a small-town vibe which is evident in the city’s low crime rate - a statistic that can be attributed to a vigilant police force and the variety of safety programs that have been introduced. In addition to being loved by its residents, the town has been nationally recognized by a number of publications such as Family Circle, Southern Living Magazine, and U.S. News, earning top rankings in categories such as the most livable city in the state, the best town for families, one of the best places to retire, and one of the best places to live in Mississippi.

Named by Forbes as "one of the fastest growing small towns," Oxford’s population hovers around 26,000 residents, which shouldn’t come as a surprise with all the city has to offer. Often referred to as the "Cultural Mecca of the South," Oxford is a place with a lot going on when it comes to the arts. The creative melting pot of the city has a robust literary history, a thriving and diverse music scene, and a ton of museums and galleries. Aside from the arts, Oxford also offers award-winning restaurants and diverse shopping, and is, of course, home to the University of Mississippi, which earned Oxford the number six spot on USA Today’s list of the best college towns in the country in the past. It is one of the best cities in Mississippi.

Nicknamed "The Friendly City," it should come as no surprise that Petal is one of the safest places in Mississippi. Part of the Hattiesburg Metropolitan Area, Petal offers access to the amenities of a bigger city all while maintaining its small-town appeal. Boasting an unusually low crime rate, the city’s residents can rest assured that they are safe in their hometown. That sense of security can be attributed to the city’s extremely dedicated police department and their cooperation with attentive citizens.

It turns out that Snow Lake Shores is just as beautiful as the name suggests. It was originally established as a private resort community with the promise of being a safe, family-friendly place for people to both vacation and live year-round. It wasn’t even until 1996 that Snow Lake Shores was incorporated as a town. Today, the current population is only about 300; however, that number normally triples during the summer months as seasonal residents and vacationers come to the community – and with such amazing scenery, who could blame them? Not only is it where to live in Mississippi; it's also where to vacation.

Home to the University of Southern Mississippi, "retirement community" isn’t normally the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Hattiesburg. But the city has topped numerous "best places to retire" lists and is a Certified Retirement Community, which means it has met rigorous standards for healthcare facilities, housing, cultural opportunities, and a welcoming committee. Affordability and close proximity to numerous doctor’s offices also make Hattiesburg a great place for retirees. Whether you're old or young, the Hattiesburg Zoo will bring out your inner kid, and is just one of the many reasons Hattiesburg is one of the best cities in Mississippi.

Appropriately named a "Dream Town" by Coastal Living, Ocean Springs has a lot to offer. The "gem of the Gulf Coast" is one of the best places to live in Mississippi as it's a perfect mashup of independent shops, art galleries, and culinary treasures, most of which are located in a quaint historic district. At night, the city comes alive thanks to a number of venues that feature live music on an almost nightly basis. And for those looking for some rest and relaxation, Ocean Springs has got you covered in that aspect as well. The city is practically surrounded by the Gulf Islands National Seashore and is filled with cozy cottages, perfect for a much-needed beach getaway.