Where does US News & World Report call the best place to live in Mississippi? See the list
The Magnolia State has great food, rich history, art and lots of nature to enjoy. Cities along the coast have beaches. Casinos and resorts offer regular entertainment, and the Gulf is known for having golf courses that are par excellence.
U.S. News & World Report also tracked online searches for moving to a new city or state in the first quarter of 2025.
Mississippi made the Top 10. Coastal states and Southern states ranked highly. People are likely considering factors like weather, the job market and housing affordability.
The Magnolia State has a lower cost of living and plenty of small towns with great food, culture and access to nature.
If you're looking to move to Mississippi or just looking for a greener pasture close to where you currently call home, these are the top options.
The Hub City has art, academics and charm.
Housing costs in Hattiesburg run about $182,020, and the national average is $370,489.
The average commute is about 13 minutes. That's 8.5 minutes shorter than the national average.
Population: 49,196.
Median Home Value: $182,020.
Median Household Income: $41,707.
Jackson is the largest city in the state. It has great food and entertainment options.
Housing costs in Jackson are about $113,396.
The average commute time is about 20 minutes. That's slightly less than the national average.
Population: 146,302.
Median Home Value: $113,396.
Median Household Income: $44,635.
World Atlas: These 9 small towns are the best places to live in Mississippi. Here's why
Gulfport has a lower cost of living than many cities, and home prices are well below the national average.
Housing costs in Gulfport run about $188,052, that's about half the national average.
The average commute time about 19 minutes, which is lower than the national average.
Population: 74,212.
Median Home Value: $188,052.
Median Household Income: $47,016.
According to U.S. News & World report, these are the Top 10 places to live:
Johns Creek, Georgia.
Carmel, Indiana.
Pearland, Texas.
Fishers, Indiana.
Cary, North Carolina.
League City, Texas.
Apex, North Carolina.
Leander, Texas.
Rochester Hills, Michigan.
Troy, Michigan.
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: US News & World Report picks best places to live in MS. See the list
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