These 9 small towns were named the best places to live in Mississippi. Here's why
World Atlas, a geography website, has named the nine best places to live in the Magnolia State.
"Beyond its Southern hospitality, Mississippi offers a solid mix of economic opportunity, affordable housing, strong schools, and access to quality healthcare. Add in easy access to nature—from coastal escapes to shade-filled forests, you've got all the ingredients for a life well-lived," World Atlas wrote.
"The job market is on the rise, thanks to a mix of exciting trends that are fueling steady economic growth. A booming real estate market, expanding job opportunities, and the city's high quality of life make Oxford an increasingly attractive place to live and work," World Atlas wrote. It noted the city, home of the University of Mississippi, has live music, a thriving art and literature scene and stellar food. Chef John Currence, a James Beard award nominee, runs four restaurants.
The median home listing price is about $524,000, according to Realtor.com. The median household income is $59,901.
World Atlas describes Ocean Springs as "your dream town if you want coastal beauty without the crowds." The town has a thriving downtown, art galleries, lots of shopping options and several restaurants. There are also casinos for more entertainment options in nearby Biloxi. The cost of living is 9% lower than the national average, but might be a little higher compared to other parts of Mississippi. The community is also very safe, making it great for retirees and families.
The median home listing price is about $297,900, according to Realtor.com. The median household income is $78,929.
Going on vacation? Southern Living says this Mississippi city has best white sand beaches
"The public school system, Madison County Schools, is one of Mississippi's best, and families flock here for academics and the quality of life. If you move here, you will quickly discover the pride in the local schools, so much so that Madison has the reputation of being the most educated city in the state," World Atlas wrote. The city has a low crime rate and is near Jackson for quick access to health care and entertainment options.
The median home listing price is about $488,400, according to Realtor.com. The median household income is $120,918.
The Hub City is "a vibrant blend of academics, arts, and Southern hospitality," according to World Atlas. It's an hour away from beaches on the Gulf Coast and has many employment opportunities. There are plenty of public and private school options for families, and the University of Southern Mississippi is an option to continue education close to home.
The median home listing price is about $280,000, according to Realtor.com. The median household income is $44,140.
Can you afford it? Brett Favre's house near Hattiesburg, MS is for sale. What to know
World Atlas says this Mississippi Delta town is "bursting with soul, character, and a strong sense of community." The walkable downtown often hosts festivals. The area is known for launching the blues, and there's often live music. It's also home to Grammy Museum Mississippi. Cost of living is about 20% lower than the national average.
The median home listing price is about $171,300, according to Realtor.com. The median household income is $43,519.
"Laurel feels like a place pulled from a storybook. Its historic downtown has undergone a genuine revival in recent years. Thanks to its locally owned boutiques, cozy coffee shops, bakeries, bookstores, and art galleries that showcase local and regional talent, it is now buzzing with life," World Atlas wrote. The town was featured on HGTV's "Home Town" and has a cost of living below the national average.
The median home listing price is about $240,000, according to Realtor.com. The median household income is $37,781.
More: World Atlas says a Mississippi city with art, sports, nature is the best place to retire
Tupelo "blends history, innovation, and a strong sense of community pride," according to World Atlas. The Elvis Birthplace Museum hosts festivals and other fun event for the region, and the downtown is easy to navigate. This friendly town is also home to North Mississippi Medical center, which is nationally recognized Cost of living is about 16% lower than the national average.
The median home listing price is about $261,200, according to Realtor.com. The median household income is $66,314.
This city of about 8,000 has "neighborly warmth and scenic beauty that make it easy to call home, whether you're raising a family, starting fresh, or looking for a peaceful place to slow down," according to World Atlas. The The cost of living is about 19% less than the national average.
The median home listing price is about $321,000, according to Realtor.com. The median household income is $46,276.
Nissan: Donald Trump tariffs are an opportunity to leverage Canton, MS plant. What we know
World Atlas notes that this city of 47,000 "is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, excellent schools, quality healthcare, and abundant recreational opportunities, making it an ideal place to call home." The cost of living is about 13% less than the national average, and it's a close drive to Memphis.
The median home listing price is about $409,000, according to Realtor.com. The median household income is $98,421.
Contributing: Shelby Slade
Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with Gannett/USA Today. Email her at bbolden@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: World Atlas names the 9 best places to live in MS. See the list
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNN
19 minutes ago
- CNN
Cracker Barrel stock tanks after unveiling a controversial logo change
Source: CNN Cracker Barrel's modern makeover doesn't stop with redoing its restaurants. It's dropping the barrel and the man from its logo, too. On Tuesday, the Southern-inspired casual dining chain unveiled a new logo 'rooted even more closely to the iconic barrel shape,' but without the barrel itself — a central part of the brand's identity since 1977. (As for the the barrel itself, it was 'essentially the water coolers of the day,' Cracker Barrel explained in a blog post.) Shares of Cracker Barrel (CBRL) nosedived more than 12% in trading Thursday. The identity refresh also includes new TV commercials, a redesigned menu and several new fall-themed foods, part of a larger $700 million transformation plan to shake off its stodgy image and lure in new diners. 'The way we communicate, the things on the menu, the way the stores look and feel … all of these things came up time and time again in our research as opportunities for us to really regain relevancy,' said CEO Julie Felss Masino in 2024. In particular, the new logo is the latest in a string of changes angering some of its loyal fans who fear the 56-year-old chain is drifting too far from its bucolic roots. On social media, some users griped, with one writing that the 'changing the logo just feels like another little piece of culture dying off.' The change also angered some conservatives, too, like President Donald Trump's son. Cracker Barrel has also been remodeling some of its 660-plus restaurants. The chain has 'decluttered' the interiors by removing the country-themed trinkets that lined the walls and lightened up the interiors, shifting away from the dark woods. So far, reaction has been mixed on social media, with some videos on TikTok going viral voicing their displeasure. Masino remains adamant that the renovations are working, telling ABC News this week that 'people like what we're doing' and that feedback has been 'overwhelmingly positive.' Still, Cracker Barrel risks confusing its customers with a rebrand, especially with its recognizable logo and decor, according to Anjali Bal, associate professor of marketing at Babson College. 'This risk is amplified if the company misjudges the market or fails to communicate the change effectively,' she told CNN. 'In Cracker Barrel's case, they've retained their color palette but altered their iconic logo, which is likely to face resistance simply because of how recognizable it is. That could spark curiosity among new customers, but it may also upset long-time patrons.' Bal added that the updated logo makes Cracker Barrel 'stand out less and risks diluting the brand's uniqueness,' but the 'challenge is ensuring that modernization doesn't come at the expense of brand recognition or emotional connection.' In June, Cracker Barrel posted an unusual earnings report for a restaurant: It's taking a $5 million hit from tariffs because of its retail shops, which largely has products imported from overseas. Restaurant revenue and same-store sales both slightly grew, mirroring other increases casual dining chains are experiencing. See Full Web Article
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
What is Cracker Barrel logo change, 'woke' controversy? New logos in PA, Del restaurants?
Cracker Barrel's new logo and restaurant remodels have stirred controversy from customers who fear the nationwide chain and country store is losing its traditional down-home draw amid calls for CEO Julie Felss Masino's resignation. The restaurant chain with locations in Pennsylvania and Delaware, known for exuding kitschy, Southern country vibes, drew customer critique when it unveiled its new logo during its 2025 fall menu drop on Aug. 19. In the campaign, featuring country music singer Jordan Davis dining at a remodeled restaurant, the new emblem no longer had an image of a man resting on a barrel, in place for 48 years. Some say the new logo and remodel are ruining the chain's warm aesthetic. Public backlash has flooded Cracker's Barrel's social media pages, with some calling the logo "bland, boring, box cut." Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Felss Masino has faced calls for her resignation, with allegations she has followed a purported "woke DEI regime." A post on X that has garnered over 2.6 million views as of Aug. 21 was retweeted by Donald Trump Jr., who commented "WTF is wrong with @CrackerBarrel??!" Here's the latest on the logo change and what to expect in Pennsylvania and Delaware. Is there a new Cracker Barrel logo? Yes. Cracker Barrel released a simplified logo design in a new "creative" campaign called "All the More" on Aug. 19. The campaign, boosted by country music singer Jordan Davis in a release, noted the chain's "enhanced brand look and feel," with the brand's logo "now rooted even more closely to the iconic barrel shape and word mark that started it all." Cracker Barrel's logo, featuring a man leaning on a barrel, has remained mostly unchanged in its 55-year history. Will the Cracker Barrel new logo appear on all restaurants? Yes, it appears so. Cracker Barrel said the updated logo and visuals will appear across menus and all marketing materials, meaning Pennsylvania and Delaware's single location will likely see the change. On Aug. 19, an Instagram video posted by Cracker Barrel touted the new redesign, with the new simple gold and brown logo affixed on the exterior of a Cracker Barrel. A photo showed the same. What did Cracker Barrel CEO say? Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Felss Masino has faced backlash for comments that the redesign feedback has been "overwhelmingly positive," sparking online culture wars among conservatives and social media users who have called the move "woke," a term generally used as a call for Black people to "wake up" to racial oppression. Cracker Barrel DEI controversy Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Felss Masino has been accused by conservative legal organization America First Legal of pushing a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) policy that discriminates based on race and sex in hiring and employment. The nonprofit filed a letter with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on July 18 seeking an investigation. It was not immediately known if the EEOC had responded. Cracker Barrel has an Equal Opportunity Statement posted on its website, stating, in part, that employees are considered for jobs regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and more. It also reiterates it does not tolerate discrimination, harassment or retaliation, and provides contact information for employees to report incidents. Cracker Barrel logo history The Cracker Barrel logo has remained mostly unchanged since the chain opened in 1969. It started with a simple "Cracker Barrel" inscription and changed in 1977 to what has been its signature for years, with a man dressed in overalls, shirt and lace-up boots. Changes have been slight over the years, per Logos-World. Below is the most recent logo rebranding, and the one prior, rebranded in 2015. Cracker Barrel PA locations Cracker Barrel has 25 locations in Pennsylvania. Here are some in southeastern PA. Ridley Park: 125 S. Stewart Ave. Downingtown: 1215 E. Lancater Ave. Trevose: 3611 Horizon Blvd. Plymouth Meeting: 2095 Gallagher Road Cracker Barrel Delaware locations Cracker Barrel has one location in Delaware, in Rehoboth Beach at 19550 Coastal Highway There is also one in Elkton, Maryland, just over the Delaware border. Is there a Cracker Barrel near me? Cracker Barrel has about 660 locations nationwide. To find a Cracker Barrel near you on your travels, check the location map here. Lori Comstock is a New Jersey-based journalist with the Mid-Atlantic Connect Team. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: What is the new Cracker Barrel logo controversy? Changes in PA, Del? Solve the daily Crossword
New York Post
2 hours ago
- New York Post
The 6 cities where homebuyers have more power in
Higher mortgage rates and climbing asking prices have eroded Americans' buying power in most large cities over the last few years, but a handful of metros continue to stand out for offering homes that families can actually afford. Buying power refers to the amount of money a homebuyer can spend on the purchase of a home with mortgage funds, which are based on the buyer's income and current interest rates. Advertisement This summer, homebuyers have been forced to contend with rates that have risen faster than wages since the pre-pandemic era, arriving at the high 6% range, says senior economic research analyst Hannah Jones. Meanwhile, home prices have continued to surge, while housing inventory has shrunk compared with 2019, leaving budget buyers with fewer affordable choices, according to the latest buying power report from 6 Some metros stand out for offering homes that families can afford despite high mortgage rates and rising asking prices. Getty Images/iStockphoto For a home to be considered 'affordable,' buyers are generally advised to follow the '30% rule of thumb,' which says that a household should spend no more than 30% of its monthly income on housing costs. Advertisement Nationally, the maximum affordable home price for a median-income household has plunged by nearly $30,000 compared with 2019, even as wages have climbed 15.7%. Put simply, six years ago, a median-income household could afford a $325,000 property. Today, that same household could only manage a $298,000 home even while earning more money. To make matters worse, the median list price has surged nearly 38% since 2019, reaching $439,450 as of July, up 0.5% year over year, according to the latest monthly housing market trends report. 'Buyers face a conundrum,' says Jones. 'Their purchasing power has dropped at the same time that homes have gotten more expensive.' Start your day with all you need to know Morning Report delivers the latest news, videos, photos and more. Thanks for signing up! Enter your email address Please provide a valid email address. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Never miss a story. Check out more newsletters Metros where buying power has ticked up Advertisement However, there are a few bright spots. Among the 50 largest U.S. metros, buying power has improved since 2019 in six cities: Cleveland; Phoenix; Richmond, VA; Indianapolis; Tampa, FL, and Austin, TX. Though spread across the map, these metros share one key factor helping homebuyers there stretch their dollars further: robust wage growth. Six years ago, the typical household in Cleveland could comfortably purchase a $249,000 home. Fast forward to July 2025, the same household could afford a $260,000 price tag, representing a 4.4% increase in buying power. Advertisement 6 Tampa, Florida, saw buying power tick up due to growing wages. Joe Sohm/Visions of America/Universal Images Group via Getty Images In more good news for Clevelanders, half of the city's for-sale homes last month were within reach for median-earning households. The pandemic-era boomtowns of Phoenix, Tampa, and Austin also saw buying power tick up thanks to growing wages, with increases ranging from a mere 0.3% for Austin to a solid 2.5% for Phoenix—the second highest among the top metros. For instance, in Phoenix, a typical family in July could afford a $332,000 property—about $8,000 higher than in 2019. Gordon Hageman, a real estate agent with Arizona 1 Real Estate, says that since the pandemic, home prices in Phoenix have skyrocketed, but the market has now stabilized. 'Compared to metros like Los Angeles or Austin, Phoenix still offers buyers more value—especially if they're realistic with expectations,' Hageman tells 6 In Phoenix, a typical family last month could afford a $332,000 property, which is about $8,000 higher than in 2019. Getty Images Phoenix suburbs such as Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Buckeye, and Goodyear continue to provide affordable options, with builders and sellers offering strong incentives. Advertisement According to Hageman, most buyers these days are focused on monthly payments. When rates climb closer to 7%, activity slows, but in the 6% range demand picks up again. 'Right now is actually a strong time to buy, with sellers more willing to negotiate repairs, credits, and price adjustments—opportunities that may shrink once rates come down and competition picks up,' he adds. Every morning, the NY POSTcast offers a deep dive into the headlines with the Post's signature mix of politics, business, pop culture, true crime and everything in between. Subscribe here! Meanwhile, in Tampa, a median-earning household could buy a home for just $1,000 more than in 2019. Advertisement But buying power is not the only factor to consider. Despite improvements in that department, surging home prices mean that few listings are available at an 'affordable' price point in these metros. 'Even in these six markets where buying power has improved, none of them see a higher share of homes for sale that are affordable to median earners compared to 2019,' points out Jones. Phoenix saw its share of affordable homes shrink drastically from 50% to under 14%, while Tampa's budget-friendly inventory dropped from 54% to roughly 22% in six years. 6 The supply of cost-effective listings in Cleveland went down from 65% to 50%.Advertisement Hageman predicts that central Phoenix will likely become less affordable in the near future, but buyers willing to look beyond the city center 'will continue to find affordable housing,' he says. Even in Cleveland, the supply of cost-effective listings edged down from 65% to 50%. 'Lack of affordable inventory and worsening affordability conditions discourage buyers from getting into the market, and push their goals of buying a home further down the line,' says Jones. Interest rates vs. wage growth A year before COVID turned the world upside down, mortgage rates hovered in the 3.5% to 4.5% range. At the height of the pandemic, the rates reached historic lows, but by 2025 had climbed to 6.5% to 7%, pricing many would-be buyers out of the market. Advertisement To see how that affects buying power, consider a $400,000 home. At a 4% rate, the monthly principal and interest payment (with a 20% down payment) amounts to about $1,500. But at a 6.75% rate, that same home loan jumps to $2,100—a difference of $600 per month, or $7,200 per year. 6 'Lack of affordable inventory and worsening affordability conditions discourage buyers from getting into the market, and push their goals of buying a home further down the line,' senior economic research analyst Hannah Jones says. Getty Images Over the last six years, the typical household income has grown from $68,000 to $79,000, but Jones notes that the $11,000 difference only boosts a homebuyer's recommended housing budget—following the '30% rule'— by roughly $300. 'It helps, but not enough,' says the economist. The bottom line is that buyers in 2025 have significantly more modest homebuying budgets because of elevated interest rates, even if their incomes are higher. On top of that, surging prices have depleted affordable inventory. 6 The average rate on 30-year fixed home loans was 6.58% for the week ending Aug. 14, falling to a 10-month low. Getty Images/iStockphoto What could boost buying power? According to Jones, even a marginal decrease in mortgage interest rates could help boost buying power. The average rate on 30-year fixed home loans was 6.58% for the week ending Aug. 14, having fallen to a 10-month low. The Federal Reserve is widely expected to cut its key rate by a quarter-point at its next policymaking meeting in September, a move that could bring buyers some relief. Stronger income growth could also improve housing affordability, but its impact is slower because wages tend to rise more gradually than interest rates can fall. 'That's why focusing on easing rates and increasing housing supply may be the fastest way to expand buying power and give buyers more options within their budget,' concludes Jones.
