3 Reasons Retirees Fall in Love With Living in Mississippi

Mississippi’s easygoing lifestyle and affordability are major selling points for retirees. And I don’t blame them. After all, the cost of living is low (actually, one of the lowest in the country), and it's extremely tax-friendly for residents over 65. Plus, the state is laid-back and marches to its own slow-paced beats.

What if I told you that there are more reasons to live in Mississippi? Would you believe me? Well, I can give you several, including some of the best places to retire in Mississippi. Not only can you enjoy a stress-free retirement here, but you can also have a wonderful quality of life. 

Best Places to Retire in Mississippi

Hattiesburg scores high as the cheapest place to live in Mississippi. As it turns out, Finance Buzz, an online financial platform, ranks it at number two for the cheapest city to retire in the South, with Laurel coming in at number 14. 

Home to the University of Southern Mississippi, the mid-size city is known for its high-energy vibes. Though it’s fairly safe, the vibrant city might not be attractive to Boomers wanting a more relaxed lifestyle. Due to its charm, lively culinary scene, and urban-style amenities, I think it’s a great town, but if I am honest, its character doesn’t fit everyone’s lifestyle.

An alternative? My favorite town—Ocean Springs. This coastal gem in Mississippi checks a lot of boxes for retirees. They include a laid-back lifestyle, a sense of community, a vibrant cultural scene, and a cost of living that is lower than the national average. Biloxi and Jackson are budget-friendly retirement destinations, too.

Brandon and Madison have gained national recognition as the safest cities in the country. So, they would be great places to settle for elderly folks. Want to hear more? Check out our top picks for the best places to live in Mississippi. Many are great destinations for folks seeking a gentle, relaxed lifestyle. 

Affordability and Cost of Living

Affordability and cost of living are hard to beat in Mississippi. In fact, it’s arguably the main reason why many seniors decide to retire here. Since many elderly residents live on fixed incomes, it’s easy to manage everyday expenses like housing, food, and healthcare costs. Finance Buzz selected Biloxi as a coastal destination where you can retire on a budget.

Mississippi is also tax-friendly for its senior residents. The state exempts most retirement income from state income tax. Social Security income is fully tax-exempt, so retirees can collect their benefits free from state income taxes. Plus, property taxes are significantly lower than the national average. If you ask me, with proper financial planning, many elderly residents can enjoy a wonderful retirement without the stress of financial insecurity. 

Quality of Life

Life for seniors in Mississippi can be peaceful and stress-free since the pace is slow and the cost of living is low. With over 20 senior centers, miles of coastlines, 144 golf courses, and over 20 state parks, retirees seeking an active lifestyle will have plenty to do. Their days can be filled with hiking, birdwatching, golfing, swimming, fishing, camping, and more.  

I love that the folks are friendly. Retirees will feel a sense of community at local farmers’ markets and yearly festivals. Interaction with neighbors is part of everyday life in Mississippi. Whether you’re at a mom-and-pop restaurant or shopping at a cute boutique, you’ll feel a sense of familiarity and connected to the people that you meet. That said, it’s easy for retirees to feel at home, and one of the main reasons to live in Mississippi.   

Unique Cultural Benefits of Mississippi

Music and food are the main characters in Mississippi; they’re part of the state’s identity. As the birthplace of blues, retirees who enjoy gritty music will love it here. From local festivals to small-town juke joints, music is embedded in the culture, and you’ll get a sense of it everywhere you go. 

Food is just as important; it shapes daily life in Mississippi. If you enjoy catfish, fresh seafood, or BBQ, you’ll have plenty. You can find both Delta blues music and mouthwatering food at Ground Zero Blues Club, a popular bar in the heart of downtown Biloxi and another location in Clarksdale. Both residents and visitors alike enjoy the deep connections formed through music and food at this blues club; it’s one of the reasons so many love the culture of this state.  

Should You Retire in Mississippi?

Truth be told, Mississippi isn’t for everyone. However, retirees thrive in this state for what it offers—affordability, tax benefits, friendly folks, a unique culture, and a relaxed vibe. If you enjoy a slow-paced lifestyle in tight-knit communities, with easy access to outdoor recreation, and a place where you can stretch your retirement benefits, then Mississippi might be the place for you.

Be sure to check out the official Mississippi Tourism website to learn more about the state. Or use Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to create your own trip to the Magnolia State.