Mississippi is dirt cheap. It is often ranked as the most affordable state for retirement in America, with a cost of living 14% lower than the national average. This means retirees will easily manage their utility bills, grocery costs, and car fill-ups. Whether one settles down along the state’s frolicsome Gulf Coast — or in the quiet, peaceful countryside — life will not be much of a hassle. Plus, Mississippi towns can be warm and welcoming. If seeking specific recommendations, try Ocean Springs — or the rest of the towns listed below. They are the most welcoming towns to retire in Mississippi.

Ocean Springs

A thriving historic downtown. Family-friendly Mardi Gras parades. A nationally accredited art museum. And the nearby Grand 18 D’Iberville Theatre (take note of the word “Grand.”). These — and more — are why retirees love Ocean Springs to bits. Of course, there is the beach. And Gulf Hills Golf Club. And most of all — the Davis Bayou, the quietest place for miles. Moreover, a retiree here is within smelling distance of Merit Health Biloxi. Alternatively, Memorial Hospital at Gulfport, feted with America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Prostate Surgery Award, is a short drive away. In July 2024, the median listing home price in Ocean Springs was just $315,000. What’s more? Empty nesters aged 60 and above comprise 27% of the population, meaning one will not feel out of place.

Pascagoula

There is little chance for a retiree to get bored in Pascagoula. Pascagoula Beach Park, for example, with its trails, pier, and picnic pavilion — can be a fantastic diversion. It also has lots of places to sit, lounge on the beach, or people-watch. The sunsets are beautiful, the people are kind, and the town is so full of charm. That said, water is the main theme here. You have the Singing River, Pascagoula River, Krebs Lake, and Lake Yazoo. Something else: Realtor has ranked Pascagoula as the most affordable place to buy a beach house in the nation — not just in Mississippi. The median listing home price in Pascagoula was just $145,500 in July 2024. This is a steal, even by Mississippi standards. For that stubborn fever, the highly-rated Pascagoula Hospital is right in town. An empty nester will not be without a social circle, either. Pascagoula residents aged 60 and above comprise 20% of the town’s population.

Pass Christian

A warm, supportive culture coupled with amazing beaches and a relaxing atmosphere earns Pass Christian a spot among the most welcoming towns to retire in Mississippi. War Memorial Park is a fantastic place for a morning walk and has a nice splash pad for grandkids. This town celebrates Mardi Gras — and has been doing that as far back as the late 1800s. Bacchus On The Beach, a gusty Cajun hub for oysters, serves the best pork chops for miles. For the religiously inclined, Gospel Singers of America, established in 1957, is the only school in America built solely for teaching gospel music. On the financial side, the median listing home price in Pass Christian was $429,900 in July 2024. If worried about healthcare access, the award-winning Memorial Hospital at Gulfport should keep you at peace. Finally, Pass Christian residents aged 60 and above comprise 28% of the population.

Hattiesburg

Many retirees love college towns because of their open-mindedness, diverse culture, and vibrant rhythm. Hattiesburg hosts the University of Southern Mississippi, one of the nation’s leading research institutions — as well as William Carey University — named for the “Father of Modern Protestant Missions.” Recreational highlights include the Blue River, Leaf River, which is a Pascagoula River tributary, and Chain Park, where a retiree can walk, sit by the river, or watch birds.

Hattiesburg is also home to the African American Military History Museum, which pays tribute to the contributions of African Americans in the country’s military adventures. Plus, it gives retirees access to two hospitals: the highly-rated Forrest General Hospital and the award-winning Merit Health Wesley. In July 2024, the median listing home price in Hattiesburg was $299,500. Although Hattiesburg is particularly ideal for retirees who want to roll with a young crowd, especially because of its colleges, residents aged 60 and above still comprise 18% of the population.

Oxford

Although a bit expensive, especially by Mississippi standards, the experience of retiring in the “Cultural Mecca of the South” is worth every penny. Creatives, especially artists and musicians, will particularly fall in love with Oxford. Aside from the beautiful, tree-covered hills that define parts of the landscape, there is the University of Mississippi, one of the oldest public institutions of higher education in the southern United States. Surgeons at the University of Mississippi Medical Center performed the world’s first human lung transplant in the 1960s.

Places to kill time here include the grounds of the historic campus, the University Of Mississippi Museum, William Faulkner’s Home, Square Books (to read and enjoy a cup of coffee), and the historic Lyric Theatre, arguably the most important music venue in town. In July 2024, the median listing home price in Oxford was $550,000. This is a fair deal, considering the yummy range of amenities Oxford provides, including access to the Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi, twice feted with the Pulmonary Care Excellence Award. Before you think Oxford is only for young folks, consider that Oxford residents aged 60 and above comprise 17% of its population.

Natchez

Vibrant, homey, and walkable, Natchez has many things going in its favor. The oldest municipality in Mississippi is backdropped by the St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge, which is open year-round. It is also perched more than 200 feet above the Mississippi River, a setting that makes it appear plucked straight from a movie scene. When a retiree is not at the Natchez Museum-African American Culture — or the Magnolia Bluffs Casino — she will be touring the Stanton Hall, floating down the Mississippi River, or teeing away an evening at the Natchez Golf Club.

Any hospital around? There is Merit Health Natchez, which has been serving residents in the area since 1960. Don’t break the bank either: The median listing home price in Natchez was $349,000 in July 2024. Finally, with empty nesters aged 60 and above comprising 29% of the town’s population, a retiree here will easily find a crowd she can roll with.

Tupelo

Although it pulled out of the program, Tupelo was among a handful of towns in Mississippi designated as Certified Retirement Cities. It is safe, easy to get around, within a reasonable drive from Memphis, friendly, and boasts an enticingly robust food scene. A retiree will be enjoying rounds of golf at the Tupelo National Golf Course, spending quiet moments at Elvis Presley Lake & Campground, and having a beautiful lake to herself at the Legion State Park.

Tupelo is the birthplace of music legend Elvis Presley, and the Elvis Presley Birthplace is among the town’s best-known landmarks. The median listing home price in Tupelo is $299,900. This price point comes with doorstep access to North Mississippi Medical Center, a 2024 recipient of the Vascular Surgery Excellence Award. On the social side, Tupelo residents aged 60 and above comprise 22% of the population.

West Point

West Point is small, safe, slow-paced, calm, and mostly quiet. If you want a low-tempo retirement scene, yet with access to desirable amenities, there is no point looking further. Short of cash? The fact West Point boasts a median home listing price of just $199,000 should set you off for an urgent reconnaissance. Moreover, the North Mississippi Medical Center is right in town — as is the Old Waverly Golf Club — a phenomenal course to play. Outdoor venues include Columbus Lake, Spring Creek (and several others), and Walker Lake. West Point features a majority Black population (71%), with residents aged 60 and above comprising 26% of the population. Finally, the Prairie Arts Festival enlivens the town every summer and has been celebrating West Point’s artistic heritage for decades.

The Takeaway

You may miss the swagger of towns such as New Orleans, but nothing compares to the slow pace and laid-back ambiance of many Mississippi small towns, including Ocean Springs, where nautical charm hypnotically serenades — and can add more years to one’s life. Plus, many Mississippi communities are warm, friendly, and welcoming. For specific recommendations, check out vibrant college towns such as Oxford and Hattiesburg — or hypnotic beach towns such as Ocean Springs and Pascagoula.