These 9 small towns were named the best places to live in Mississippi. Here's why
If you want to move to Mississippi or relocate to a new town, you might want to look to places outside the larger cities. Cost of living and home prices can be lower than in a metro area.
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.
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"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.
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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.
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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
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