Browse Communities

Mississippi evaluates each community upon the basis of the following criteria judged important to
retirees: Affordable cost of living, low taxes, low crime rate, quality medical care, recreation, educational and cultural opportunities and a warm, welcoming community.

Among the certified communities, including some recognizable names offering a variety of landscapes and characteristics, are Aberdeen, Booneville, Brookhaven, Clinton, Columbus, Corinth, Hattiesburg, Madison, McComb, Meridian, Mississippi Gulf Coast, Natchez, Oxford, Picayune, Southaven, Starkville, Tupelo, Vicksburg and West Point. More information can be found at http://www.visitmississippi. org/retire/retirementcities.htm

Gulfport/Biloxi was the second healthiest housing market in the United States, based on the number of September 2007 building permits, according to Reed Construction Data.

Mississippi is known for its charm and gentility, friendly people, beautiful countryside and small towns. With the Gulf Coast still reeling from Hurricane Katrina and the lack of affordable housing there, prospective Mississippi residents, especially active retirees, are more likely to look at inland towns such as Oxford, Hattiesburg, Madison, Jackson and Natchez.

Speaking about Oxford and the advantages of living in the university town and writers’ haven, realtor Andrea Inman Cummins with The Real Estate Company in Oxford said, “A Florida retiree
came by the office the other day and after talking with us for about 10 minutes wanted to know where he could open a checking account and rent an apartment. He had read about Oxford and
was here to check it out….Once people come here, they want to stay…Our town is often rated as one of the top places to retire in the country.

“We’re a small town with a lot to offer,” she continued, noting the lack of traffic, cultural and educational advantages, excellent medical care, good economy and 50-mile proximity to Memphis
and Tupelo. “With all the building we have had over the past few years, our current inventory of available homes is large.”

“Real estate has slowed somewhat in Mississippi, but we never had the double-digit growth that occurred in other areas of the country,” said Angela Cain, who heads up the Mississippi
Association of Realtors in Jackson. “We’re currently concerned about foreclosures and sub-prime loans across the state.”

Featured articles:
- Hospitality Makes Mississippi an Inviting Option to Retirees
- Southern coast offers much to retirees
- Jackson highlights Central Mississippi
- Northern Mississippi turns back time