Mississippi is a remarkably friendly state for retirees. In addition to a positive tax environment, the state offers first-rate medical care, a low crime rate, affordable housing and cost of living prices, and plenty to do—including outdoor activities, cultural events, and more. It’s no wonder retirees are flocking to independent senior living communities in Mississippi.
The weather in Mississippi tends to be hot and humid in the summer, mild in the winter. While summers can be hot, there are plenty of beautiful waterways and beaches that give you an opportunity to cool off. Mississippi offers picturesque small towns along the banks of the majestic Mississippi River—as well as gulf coast resort towns. Outdoor recreation options include hiking and biking on wooded trails, boating and fishing on the state’s numerous lakes and rivers, and enjoying the beautiful white sand of the Gulf coastline. For seniors who love golf, there are over 140 excellent golf courses throughout the state.
But the real strength of senior independent living in Mississippi comes from its cost of living—without a doubt, Mississippi is one of the most affordable places in the States for retirement living. Median home prices are among the lowest in the US. The state works actively to favor retirees in its tax strategy; Mississippi is one of the only two states in the country that exempts all retirement income, including IRA and 401(k) income, from state income taxes (the other is Pennsylvania). Those aged 65 and older get a bonus exemption on property taxes of approximately $75,000.
Mississippi has also gone out of its way to attract retirees with its Hometown Mississippi Retirement Program and Certified Retirement Communities Program, both designed to help communities reach out to retirees through marketing grants and promotions. There are many attractive communities for retirees in Mississippi. These include:
Oxford
Home to the University of Mississippi, Oxford is everything you might think of when you imagine small-town southern life—a historic courthouse square, magnolia-lined streets, and a laid back pace of life. Placed in northern Mississippi among a setting of rolling green hills studded with oak, pine, and magnolia, Oxford is known for its pleasant residential neighborhoods and beautiful pre-Civil War historic buildings. The picturesque downtown area offers boutique shopping, cafés, art galleries, and cultural attractions. Oxford is also close to the Baptist Memorial Hospital of North Mississippi. In addition, crime rates are very low—with overall crime rates dramatically beneath the national average.
Jackson
Located on the banks of the Pearl River, Jackson is the largest city in Mississippi. It offers a range of cultural attractions, including the Ballet Mississippi, numerous art and history museums, the Jackson State University Botanical Garden, the Mississippi Opera, and the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra.
Madison
Chosen by Family Circle Magazine as one of the country’s 10 best towns for families, Madison offers big-city activities and cultural attractions combined with a relaxed pace of life more commonly found in the suburbs. Madison has a lower crime rate than the US average, as well as a large amount of green space and exceptional health care.
Olive Branch
Olive Branch is a charming small town with a reputation for green living. It’s earned four Keep Mississippi Beautiful Awards and two Urban Forestry Awards. With its leafy streets and picturesque parks, it’s a perfect place for retirees.
Assisted living in Mississippi has a lot to offer—including historic small towns along the rolling waters of the Mississippi River and the splendor of the Gulf. Mississippi offers a slower pace of life than you’ll find up north—but that suits most Mississippians just fine. Check out our listing of Mississippi retirement communities today.
