Known and celebrated as the birthplace of the Blues and bluegrass, Mississippi offers a vibrant lifestyle.
Famous folks who have called Mississippi home include Elvis, Oprah, James Earl Jones, Faulkner, Fred Armisen, Tennessee Williams, BB King, and Britney Spears.
The Mississippi River, the largest in the US, runs through the state, and the Magnolia State is a mecca for those who appreciate outdoor lifestyles and recreational opportunities.
The region is also home to a creative culture that is a unique, engaging, and authentic celebration that inspires festivals, athletics, history, the arts, aquatic life, and cooking.
This leads us to mention southern cuisine and some of its distinctive, mouth-watering, and beloved state staples, which include fried pickles, comeback sauce, fried catfish, cornbread, BBQ, Gulf shrimp, and Mississippi mud pie.
Contents
- 14 Cheapest Places to Live in Mississippi
- Mississippi Safety Overview
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there any weather events I should know about if I'm considering relocating to Mississippi, and is it true that the area's a magnet for tornadoes?
- Does Mississippi experience four distinct seasons, or is it simply hot all year round?
- What sports teams are in Mississippi?
- What is the work situation like?
14 Cheapest Places to Live in Mississippi
A lifestyle that supports community, outdoor adventures, and nature can be affordable.
Whether you’re looking for a college town, a place to raise a family, or a small city to enjoy your golden years, there are several treasures to discover in the towns, cities, and neighborhoods of Mississippi.
It’s also a region with a complex history, an exciting present, and an incredible quality of life, with distinctive architecture, nature areas, cuisine, culture, educational institutions, and the arts.
Add in Southern charm, diversity, and affordability, and you’ll find much to admire in the Magnolia State.
1. Bay Saint Louis
As the name teases, Bay Saint Louis is set out upon the water.
This coastal city has much to explore, including wandering the serene streets and discovering fantastic architecture and gardens.
Here’s the spot to express your love of the outdoors.
Those who love fishing can hit the water for charter fishing expeditions or explore the Jordan River Coastal Preserve or Bayou La Croix.
And if relaxing in a charming downtown with boutiques, art galleries, shopping, and an excellent cuisine scene, that’s on, too.
2. Gulfport
Gulfport’s name says it all: It is the port of entry to a world of underwater adventure, education, and ocean-related things, including the Ocean Adventures Marine Park, the Mississippi Aquarium, and the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies.
Those who enjoy placing a wager may be interested in the Island View Casino.
And is anyone’s social media feed truly up-to-date without a contribution from the “World’s Largest Rocker”?
Oh, and Gulfport has quick access to an international airport.
3. Robinsonville
The city of Robinsonville is often used synonymously with Tunica Resorts.
The popular town has many other casinos, and Tunica/Robinsonville is where the energy is conducive to sports-related betting.
The town lies on the Mississippi’s northern end and is home to approximately 2,000 locals, meaning the other folks you’re waving to can be out-of-town guests.
Architecture and history fans enjoy Downtown’s beautifully restored and preserved buildings repurposed into stores, boutiques, cafés, and other venues.
And lovers of the blues will want to pay homage at the Gateway to the Blues Museum.
4. Meridian
The “Queen City” is home to 36,000.
This sweet city offers a range of activities at the 21-and-up Meridian Activity Center, including classes such as yoga, quilting, and mud-slinging at the ceramic studio! Jeannie’s Place at Planet Playground, Mississippi’s most extensive, offers a fully inclusive playground designed for children “of all abilities.”
People, start your engines for the Whynot Motorsports Park and Battlefield Dragstrip while Dunn’s Falls and the Jimmie Rogers Museum draw visitors.
5. Biloxi
They are celebrated for a beautiful gaming/gambling scene that’s as hot as the local beaches.
Yes, Biloxi is known and appreciated for its casinos — and the city has many of them.
Maritime scholars and enthusiasts will want to visit the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum.
Both locals and visitors stop by the Hurricane Katrina Memorial.
The Biloxi Lighthouse is a local landmark symbolizing resilience and courage.
Other attractions include the Biloxi Blitz Scavenger Hunt, Biloxi Beach, Hard Rock Casino, and the Biloxi Bay Bridge.
6. Columbus
So, so near to the stars that fell on Alabama, Columbus is acclaimed as “The Friendly City.”
A highlight is the Riverwalk along the Tombigbee, offering over four miles of trails and park amenities, including a butterfly garden, an event/concert space, and the Columbus Soccer Complex.
Other enticements include impressive architecture.
Main Street offers dining, shopping, and events like Art Walk Downtown, Sounds of Summer, the Market Street Festival, and Wassail Fest.
7. McComb
About 80 miles south of Jackson and nestled in an area of natural beauty housing nature preserves, including Percy Quin State Park, Homochitto National Forest, and Wilkinson County State Park, McComb attracts outdoor enthusiasts.
Plus, the Scenic River calls to those who enjoy fishing and boating.
Cultural opportunities include the Civil Rights Driving Tour, the Mississippi Blues Trail, and the McComb Railroad Museum.
At the same time, visiting the thriving downtown area offers a chance to explore the scene of stores and eateries.
8. Pascagoula
Situated on the Gulf of Mexico and the Pascagoula River, this is a fine contender if a water-based lifestyle is your focus.
The city lies on the Mississippi’s northern end, and living is easy.
Pascagoula has the goods on heritage and culture, offering the Children’s Mardi Gras Parade, the Zonta Arts and Crafts Festival, the Blues & Heritage Festival, the Jackson County Carnival Association Mardi Gras Parade, and more!
9. Clarksdale
Clarksdale, which has the advantage of being among the most affordable cities in Mississippi, is the home of rock-n-roll and the Blues.
Clarksdale keeps up the legacy; today, locals and visitors enjoy hearing live music every night of the week.
Other delights include shopping, dining, and the historic and vibrant downtown rewards investigation.
Must-see attractions include The Delta Blues Museum and Muddy Water’s home.
10. Vicksburg
Known as the site of the Siege of Vicksburg, this city maintains historic beauty and charm—Vicksburg National Military Park, which includes the Vicksburg National Cemetery.
The town offers a range of choices to experience riverfront casinos, breweries, boutiques, shops, art galleries, and eateries.
Military buffs will want to visit the Vicksburg National Military Park and the U.S.S. Cairo Museum.
And a visit to the McRaven House, reputedly the most haunted in the state, will raise a visitor’s spirits!
11. Greenville
Greenville is the 9th most populated city in Mississippi.
This makes sense because it offers pleasures such as Blues music, bowling, movies, and unconventional museums, all of which Greenville possesses.
In that case, Greenville will get you, providing a unique variety of dining and outdoor opportunities like the Greenville Cyprus Preserve, plus a wonderfully diverse range of culture, heritage, history, and entertainment.
12. Horn Lake
Horn Lake is close to the Mississippi River and 1.2 miles south of Memphis, Tennessee, in the northwestern part of Mississippi.
Outdoor sports and athletic enthusiasts will always have something exciting to do in and around Horn Lake, from biking, fishing, hiking, birdwatching, canoeing, and kayaking.
And have you considered cards?
The American Contract Bridge League Museum has, and they call the Horn Lake area their home; their tournaments draw thousands annually.
13. Cleveland
Cleveland is one of Mississippi’s hidden treats, rich in history and music and showcasing a range of cultural and outdoor activities.
Visitors can enjoy some fine local eateries and soak in Cleveland’s legacy by visiting Dockery Farms or the Martin and Sue King Railroad Museum.
For music lovers, the Grammy Museum Mississippi is a must-see venue.
For performances, the Bologna Performing Arts Center on Delta State University’s campus and the Roy L. and Clara Belle Wiley Planetarium offer an out-of-this-world star-studded experience!
14. Hattiesburg
Home to 45,000 folks who hang their hats and call Hattiesburg home, this town, with a rep for a friendly and diverse vibe, is approximately 70 miles from the coast and presents access to Longleaf Trace and the DeSoto National Forest.
Downtown offers excellent dining and entertainment options for those looking for something more entertainment-oriented.
History fans will want to visit the African American Military History Museum and stroll the streets of Hattiesburg to view spectacular architecture.
Mississippi Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Mississippi Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any weather events I should know about if I'm considering relocating to Mississippi, and is it true that the area's a magnet for tornadoes?
Consider the type of weather events that occur on the coasts. Mississippi has, on average, roughly 67 tornadoes per year.
Hurricanes are another phenomenon of nature that affects the state.
Mississippi is number 9th on the list of states impacted by the most hurricanes, and in recent times, some hurricanes that have ranked Category 3 or higher have struck the area.
Does Mississippi experience four distinct seasons, or is it simply hot all year round?
The answer’s nuanced.
Yes, Mississippi does have four distinct seasons — however, it’s the Magnolia state’s version of the four seasons.
The summer is humid and hot, so expect temps to reach the upper 90s.
The fall comes, and the living is easy and mild, with temperatures from the mid-60s to the high 70s.
The winters are temperate, from the mid-30s to mid-60s.
Spring is usually pleasant and mild, ranging from the mid-60s to mid-80s.
What sports teams are in Mississippi?
Some pro and college sports teams from Mississippi include the Biloxi Shuckers, Mississippi Braves, Memphis Hustle, Seahawks, Ole Miss Rebels Football, and Southern Miss Golden Eagles Football.
What is the work situation like?
The largest industries are hospitals, petroleum refining, and car dealers when measured by revenue.
And when measured by employment numbers, the largest employers with the most employees included Walmart Inc., the State Of Mississippi, and Toyota Motor Corp.
