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Bill Cork | Executive Director

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Wide open spaces, lush greenery and sandy white beaches — what better place to retire than in Mississippi? Mississippi also is the most affordable state for retirement, with a cost of living 14% lower than the national average and total retirement spending the lowest in the nation.

Thirteen certified retirement cities, each vibrant and hospitable, are waiting for you! Not only is the Magnolia State the most affordable in the U.S., retirees 59.5 years and over OR retired persons who have completed adequate years of service also enjoy:

No state income tax on any retirement income
- Social Security
- 401k
- Pension
- Military
If you are 65 or older, there is a tax exemption on the first $75,000 of your home’s true value.
For example, if your home’s value is $200,000, you will only be taxed on $125,000, though actual tax amounts vary from city to city. No state gift tax or inheritance tax

From our robust outdoor recreation offerings, like golf, boating and festivals, to our mouthwatering cuisine and incredible cultural and musical heritage, Mississippi offers retirees a quality of living that truly is hard to beat.

Friendliness and fun are in our DNA, and we can’t wait to welcome you home to Mississippi.

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The following Mississippi certified retirement communities maintain high standards and boast many of the qualities and amenities retirees often seek when choosing a retirement destination. They all offer a desirable quality of life, which includes cultural and recreational outlets, healthcare, dining and retail, multiple opportunities for community involvement, welcoming neighbors and so much more.

Aberdeen

Discover the charm of Aberdeen, named as one of “10 Great Small Towns for Retirement” by Travel 50 & Beyond Magazine. Aberdeen offers more than just a beautiful setting along the Tenn-Tom Waterway — it offers a true sense of belonging. We’re know for our magnolia-lined streets, historic architecture, community events and a hometown feel where neighbors become family. Come see why so many active retirees from across the country are proud to call Aberdeen home.

Brandon

Located just six miles east of the state’s capital and minutes from Jackson-Medgar Evers International Airport, Brandon combines the charm of a small town with big-time entertainment and recreation. The city is home to the state-of-the-art Brandon Amphitheater, an 8,300-seat open-air venue that draws top-tier musicians and touring acts from around the country. Brandon also boasts a diverse array of sports and recreational facilities, including multi-use athletic fields, walking trails, youth sports complexes, and public parks — making it a vibrant hub for both residents and visitors seeking active experiences in Central Mississippi.

Cleveland

Rooted in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, Cleveland is a small town known for its vibrant arts scene, strong sense of community, and unmistakable Delta charm. It’s home to the GRAMMY® Museum Mississippi—the only one outside of Los Angeles—and Delta State University, the only university with a Fighting Okra as a mascot. (Yes, really. And we’re proud of it.) You’ll find a 1,200-seat performing arts center, thriving art galleries, and year-round festivals that bring people together. Whether you’re drawn to the walkable downtown, award-winning restaurants, outdoor adventures, or a slower pace with soul, Cleveland welcomes you with open arms. Come discover what it means to feel at home in the Delta.

Hattiesburg

Ranked in the top 25 Southern Cities on the rise by Southern Living magazine, Hattiesburg continues to soar as not only a travel destination but an ideal city to relocate. Home to two universities—The University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey—retirees enjoy a vibrant cultural scene, lifelong learning opportunities, and award-winning dining. The city also offers easy access to nature, including the scenic 41-mile Longleaf Trace biking and walking trail. Entertainment lovers can take in shows at the historic Saenger Theatre, a beautifully restored gem in downtown Hattiesburg. Adding to its appeal, the city’s close proximity to New Orleans, Mobile, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast means weekend getaways and coastal adventures are just a short drive away, making Hattiesburg a convenient and enriching place to enjoy retirement.

Madison

Madison the City is proud to be listed as #7 on the “Top Ten Best Cities to Live in the US!” We lead the state with the highest per capita income, highest median home value, highest educational levels, safest of the larger cities in the state, and numerous other accolades. The city boasts exquisite subdivisions, expansive country lots, and numerous fine retail, dining, and arts opportunities.

Natchez

Founded in 1716, Natchez is bustling with history and is home to over 500 antebellum buildings, many of which are open for special home tours during the fall and spring pilgrimages. The city offers numerous cultural activities, including the renowned Angels on the Bluff Tour each November and the Literary and Cinema Celebration in February.

New Albany

Voted one of America’s Best Southern Small Towns by USA Today, nestled in the heart of the Mississippi hills and located on the banks of the scenic Tallahatchie River, New Albany offers the ideal setting for family and community living. The vibrant downtown area, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, features galleries, antique shops, boutiques, restaurants, and is the gateway to the Hall of Fame Tanglefoot Trail, which is Mississippi’s best Rails to Trails path. It is also home to the internationally-recognized William Faulkner Literary Garden, housed at the award-winning Union County Heritage Museum. New Albany is a place filled with culture and a strong sense of community, a place overflowing with artistic and natural beauty, and a plethora of outdoor activities.

Olive Branch

For multiple years, Olive Branch has been listed by Money magazine and Forbes magazine as a “Best Place to Live in the U.S.,” a “Top American City to Raise a Family,” and one of the “Best Places to Live for Families.” There are 140 acres dedicated to parks, with walking and bike trails. A senior center is the hub of activity for exercise classes, line dancing, painting, sewing, and plays host to a variety of social opportunities. Olive Branch is 13miles from the Memphis International Airport. The city has many family-friendly events each year and with great shopping and dining to top it all off! If the outdoors is calling, Arkabutla Lake is nearby for fishing, camping, or hunting.

Oxford

Oxford is a vibrant university town heralded for its unique shops and galleries, eclectic restaurants and clubs, historic landmarks and comfortable inns, as well as the country’s number one bookstore, according to Publisher’s Weekly. It’s home to the University of Mississippi, which offers an array of exciting athletic events, as well as enlightening and enriching performing arts programs and museums and exhibits.

Picayune

Picayune is a thriving city of approximately 11,000 inhabitants, known for its well-maintained streets, good schools and abundance of churches, stores and restaurants. The city hosts many festivals and street fairs each year and is home to the nationally recognized Crosby Arboretum.

Southaven

Just a few miles south of the Tennessee border near Memphis, Southaven offers a perfect combination of recreational, public services and community living. The annual Springfest is one of the top 20 events in the Southeast. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy fishing, hunting and camping along Arkabutla Lake. Northwest Mississippi Community College and the University of Mississippi both maintain campuses in Southaven.

Starkville

If you’re looking for just the right place to enjoy your retirement years, it might be difficult to find anywhere as pleasant and affordable as Starkville. As the home of Mississippi State University, Starkville offers advantages that are rare in many other communities of similar size.

Vicksburg

Nestled along the bluffs of the mighty Mississippi River, Vicksburg offers a peaceful, historic charm that’s perfect for retirement living. With its historic downtown, vibrant cultural scene, and national park and Civil War landmarks, Vicksburg combines small-town warmth with big experiences—from scenic riverfront views and local festivals to museums, live music, and award-winning Southern cuisine.

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