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Retiring in Mississippi: The Best of What South Has To Offer!

Retiring in Mississippi: The Best of What South Has To Offer!

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retiring in Mississippi

Considering an early retirement? Mississippi might just be the perfect destination for you!

Retirement is a deeply personal decision, usually influenced by factors desired lifestyle and financial security. However, one way to achieve early retirement is by relocating to areas where your retirement savings can stretch further.

Mississippi offers an inviting option for those seeking warmth and affordability in their golden years. Its friendly ambiance, adorned with beautiful magnolias and rich Delta Blues heritage, promises an easy and exciting living experience.

What Mississippi has to offer?

Mississippi, commonly known as The Magnolia State, is a lesser known yet attractive destination for seniors to consider for retirement.

Here are some really interesting facts about the state that you shouldn’t miss out:

  1. Magnolias: The magnolia flower is the state flower of Mississippi.
  2. Elvis Presley and Oprah Winfrey Birthplace: These two global icons hail from Mississippi.
  3. Delta blues: The Mississippi Delta is synonymous with blues music. The state remains a pilgrimage site for blues enthusiasts after artists like Charley Patton and Howlin’ Wolf shaped the genre.
  4. Catfish: Mississippi is famous for its delicious fried or grilled catfish. Catfish farms thrive in the state’s freshwater ponds.
  5. Cotton: Large-scale cotton plantations were made possible by the state’s rich soil, and the enterprise had a profound cultural impact.
  6. Mississippi River: The river itself, with its course, historic bridges, and vistas, is a powerful symbol of Mississippi.

Famous Mississippi foods:

  • Po’Boys
  • Barbecue
  • Gulf Shrimp
  • Fried Okra
  • Comeback Sauce
  • Mississippi Mud Pie
  • Hot Tamales
  • Crawfish
  • Corn Bread
  • Fried Catfish

An Important factor to retire in Mississippi

With a population of around 2.9 million, over 15% of whom are over 65, Mississippi is among the states with the highest percentage of retirement residents.

Even though potential retirees start to save earlier, one should be aware of all the factors involved in planning for the ideal retirement.

The average cost of retirement communities in Mississippi

The Magnolia State’s program lists 21 certified retirement communities that have passed a rigorous certification process.

Mississippi’s annual expense has been estimated at $49,723 without any buffer. However, with a 20% “comfort buffer” of $12,431, the total “comfortable retirement cost” is $62,154.

**These are the state average monthly costs of the senior living options. Numbers may vary depending on the city or town.

Tax situation:

Mississippi is very tax-friendly toward seniors who are about to retire.

No tax on withdrawals from retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs.

No state income tax on any retirement income (Social Security, 401(k), IRA), plus points for seniors with low income.

Low property taxes.

Age requirements:

The state has no specific retirement age by law. Meaning you are free to retire whenever you desire as long as you can financially support yourself.

Working eligibility:

Discriminating between employees or job applicants based on their age in case of any work setting is considered an illegal activity by employers.

Social Security benefits:

Social Security benefits are exempt from state income taxes, such as income from public and private pensions.

Earliest age of receiving benefits is 62.

Full retirement age (FRA) is between 65 and 67.

Delaying taking benefits can increase your monthly payments.

Medicare eligibility:

Eligibility starts at age 65, regardless of whether you are retired or not.

If you retire before 65, keep alternative healthcare coverage until you are eligible for Medicare.

Retirement savings:

Regardless of retirement age, it is important to understand why one should not enter retirement without enough savings at hand and start planning for retirement as early as possible. Recommend saving is at least 15% of your income for retirement.

Pros and Cons of Retiring in Mississippi

For many retiring individuals, moving seems like the best possible option. One state that has become popular amongst retirees for its affordable cost of living is Mississippi.

However, like any state, there are both pros and cons to retiring in the state.

The pros:

  • A subtropical climate with warm summers and mild winters.
  • Southern charm and hospitality with friendly locals, a slower pace of life, and a sense of community.
  • Numerous state parks, national forests, and beaches provide outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and fishing.
  • Affordable cost of living; generally lower than the national average.
  • Housing and healthcare costs are comparatively lower.
  • Strong emergency management systems to mitigate and respond to emergencies.

The cons:

Limited cultural scene compared to some other states.

  • Limited job opportunities for retirees who want to work part-time or continue their careers in retirement.
  • Natural disasters prone state experiencing hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes.
  • Poor quality of infrastructure, internet, and transportation.

Nevertheless, those with both bigger and smaller nest eggs would find this state a blessing to retire to. If you’re still unsure about how to plan to retire here, it’s wise to seek expert advice for a personalized retirement plan.

Spot 

Brief 

Place 

Natchez Trace Parkway 

National parkway along Ross R Barnett Reservoir 

Central Mississippi 

Mississippi Museum of Natural Science 

Natural science museum 

Jackson 

USS Cairo 

Historic warship 

Vicksburg 

Buccaneer State Park 

State Park 

Waveland 

Vicksburg National Military Park 

Military Park preserving the site of the American Civil War Battle of Vicksburg 

Vicksburg 

B. B. King Museum 

Museum dedicated to preserve and share the legacy and values of B. B. King 

Indianola 

Deer Island 

Island off the coast 

Biloxi 

Geyser Falls Water Theme Park 

Water park 

Pearl River 

Gulf Islands National Seashore 

National seashore 

Southern Mississippi 

Jackson Zoo 

Zoo 

Jackson 

10 Best places to retire in Mississippi

Mississippi often makes the list of desirable places to retire in the United States because of its southern charm, affordability, moderate climate, and plenty of outdoor activities. It’s no wonder why retirees make up 15% of Mississippi’s population.

Moreover, with 169 towns, 19 villages, and 110 cities, it can be difficult to decide where in Mississippi to retire.

7 best retirement cities in Mississippi

To help make the choice easier between all the cities and towns of Mississippi, we compiled some of the best places in the state for you to retire:

  1. Biloxi: Known for its beautiful coastline and vibrant culture.
  2. Greenville: Located along the Mississippi River.
  3. Indianola: Notable for its blues heritage.
  4. Natchez: The oldest municipality in Mississippi, incorporated in 1803.
  5. Clarksdale: Renowned for its blues music scene.
  6. Greenwood: Home to the Mississippi Delta region.
  7. Vicksburg: Known for its historic Civil War sites.

3 best small towns in Mississippi

Let’s look at some of the best small towns to retire to in Mississippi, keeping in mind housing and accommodation, safety, and important amenities.

  1. Oxford: Highly regarded for its high standard of living, Oxford is known as the inspiration town for authors like Faulkner and Grisham. Its popularity is influenced by tax exemptions, cheap real estate taxes, and recreational facilities.
  2. Bay St. Louis: Nestled among rivers and marshes, this charming village is well-known for its waterfront lifestyle. It has a low cost of living, tax-friendly environment, and house eateries and retail establishments like the Mockingbird Cafe.
  3. Ocean Springs: Southern Living named Ocean Springs, which has 18,417 residents, one of the greatest communities in Mississippi to live. It provides cheap living, with an average home cost of $213,400 and 70% homeownership.

The best place to retire in Mississippi

The city of Jackson stands out to us when it comes to living in Mississippi. It is the capital and largest city in Mississippi, with a population of 153,701 residents. Jackson offers a vibrant cultural scene, best known for its museums and historical landmarks. It is an ideal place for potential retirees seeking all the city’s amenities but with a small-town feel.

Compare the surrounding states

Mississippi has Tennessee at the north, Alabama at the east, the Gulf of Mexico at the south, Louisiana at the southwest, and Arkansas at the northwest.

Arkansas:

  • Affordability: Lower cost of living.
  • Tax Benefits: Social Security benefits exempt up to $6,000 of other retirement income from state income tax.
  • Natural Beauty: Natural landscapes, including mountains, lakes, and forests.

Alabama:

  • Cost of Living: Cost of living is lower than the national average.
  • Tax Policies: No tax on Social Security benefits, pension income, or income from retirement accounts.
  • Climate: Pleasant climate, especially along the Gulf Coast.

Tennessee:

  • Tax Advantages: No state income tax on wages, which can be advantageous for retirees.
  • Cost of Living: The cost of living varies across the state, but overall, it’s reasonable.
  • Natural Beauty: Scenic beauty, including the Great Smoky Mountains and vibrant cities like Nashville and Memphis.

Louisiana:

  • Affordability: Lower cost of living, allowing retirees to stretch their retirement dollars.
  • Housing: More affordable in Louisiana compared to Mississippi.
  • Cultural richness: Rich cultural heritage, with lively music, cuisine, and festivals.

Ultimately, the decision between all these states for retirement depends on your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you’re drawn to Alabama’s coastal charms or Mississippi’s serene nature, explore other states in the following articles and make an informed choice that suits your unique retirement aspirations.

Final thoughts

Choosing a new residence may be a part of your post-65 life planning. And the earlier you start the process, the better. While deciding, important facilities like social events, easy access to physical activities, and high-quality healthcare must be at the top of your priority list.

Luckily, Mississippi seems to be catering to all of these for you!

FAQs

Is Mississippi a good place to retire?

Mississippi is a very friendly state for retirees. Retirees tend to love Mississippi because of its charm and southern warmth. For retirees on a tight budget, its low cost of living is an additional bonus. Its allure is further enhanced by its pleasant winters and plentiful sunshine.

What is the full retirement age in Mississippi?

The full retirement age in Mississippi varies according to your birth year. It is:

  • 65 for people born before 1938
  • 66 for people born in 1938 or later
  • 67 for people born in 1960 or later

What state is the best financially to retire in?

Iowa is considered the best state (financially) in the USA where you can retire. It is a desirable state to stretch the life of retirement money because of its robust economy, reasonable cost of living, and reasonably priced homes.

What is a certified retirement city in Mississippi?

Each town must pass a comprehensive three-month screening process conducted by Welcome Home Mississippi, the state’s official retiree attraction program, to be a Certified Retirement City.

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