The Magnolia state is a combination of historical relevance, friendly people, culture, and religious identity. True, it can't measure up to more technologically advanced states like New York or Washington, but the people who make Mississippi their home state are not looking for skyscrapers or avant-garde coffee shops.

The state is great for nature lovers, outdoor adventurers, and people who like a lazy weekend by the beach. The Gulf of Mexico (the southern border) and the Mississippi Delta are strong attractions for residents and tourists, but there's also the amazing culture and music that was born here (Mississippi is the state that has the birthplace of blues music).

So whether you're looking for a beautiful place to call home for a long time moving forward or you're just passing by, the Magnolia State can be your host.

The crime rates are low all over the state and the cost of living is quite affordable. Plus, the quality of housing is impressive, even if the median house price is lower than the national average.

Furthermore, if you find a house/property you want, there are several first-time home buyer grants in Mississippi that can help ease the burden of a loan.

So now all that's left is to decide where in Mississippi to move. And that's exactly what we'll discuss today - the top best places to live in Mississippi!

 

1. Madison

With over 25,000 residents, Madison is a small city but the advantages of living here are difficult to ignore. After all, if 92% of people who live in Madison own their homes, it's clear that no one is trying to flee the area.

Plus, the atmosphere of a small city is planned in order to create a great home for people who don't want the craziness of the city close to home. Plus, Jackson is nearby so you can go there to enjoy the urban life (or work and study) and then come home and enjoy the quiet, peaceful life.

The cost of living is a bit higher than the national average, but the median household income is $96,780. And the average commute time is about 22 minutes!

 

2. Ridgeland

If you like Madison but think you can't afford it, move a little bit to the south, to Ridgeland. The city is similar to Madison in size (25,000+ residents) but the housing market is more affordable The median house price is $176,100 and the rent is also easier to stomach.

Ridgeland provides the same level of calm and relaxation, and on top of that, it has a thriving school district with some of the best schools in the state. So if you like the small-town atmosphere, affordable prices, low crime rate, and acceptable cost of living, you can move here and start a family without any fears.

 

3. Oxford

Located in Lafayette Country, Oxford is home to over 25,000 residents and the "Ole Miss" (the University of Mississippi). This means that the population is diverse and you'll find a combination of students, young professionals, and families in the city.

While median house prices are around $230,400, the rent is the main point of attraction for the city. This makes Madison popular with millennials who plan on becoming property owners someday.

 

4. Petal

Petal is a suburb of Hattiesburg and is located along the Leaf River providing its residents with astonishing landscapes and plenty of room for outdoor activities. In fact, many people think of Petal as the second-best suburb in Mississippi to raise a family.

The community is small (around 10,000+ people), the neighborhood is safe, and the average income is similar to the national value. You can probably tell by the fact that this isn't a suburb for the rich and famous, but it's not one with a low standard of living either.

Plus, the housing market is affordable - a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom family home with a swimming pool is around $199,000 in Petal!

 

Wrap Up

Mississippi is an affordable state with many good locations for families, young professionals, and students. Still, if you're thinking about taking a loan, it's best to do your research and see if your budget is a good fit for your plans.

Don't forget to include the median income of the area you plan on moving to and the cost of living. These factors can make a huge difference in your decision to buy vs rent.

 

This article was published on 02/19/2022.