Mississippi is a wonderful place to live. The state is filled with amazing cities that have topped national lists for things like livability, safety, job growth, and more. So, we decided to use these rankings and come up with a list of our own. From beautiful scenery to amenities that can’t be beaten, here are some of the best places to live in Mississippi.

  1. Best Small Town: Bay St. Louis

Kent Kanouse/Flickr Named one of the “Coolest Small Towns in America” by Budget and Travel Magazine, Bay St. Louis has it all – oceanfront views, a small-town vibe, and a hip Old Town area filled with great restaurants, galleries, and more. And as if it couldn’t get any better, the art scene is really flourishing thanks to the city’s monthly “Second Saturday Artwalk.” The one-day fest is filled with art shows, live entertainment, and local cuisine. Bay St. Louis, Bay St Louis, MS, USA

  1. Best City for Education: Pass Christian

pc.k12.ms.us U.S. News Best High Schools rankings for 2015 awarded 93 Mississippi schools bronze medals; however, there was one school in the state that stood out above the rest and earned a silver medal – Pass Christian High School, which is part of the Pass Christian School District. Nationally recognized due to students’ high levels of achievement, this school district has achieved a number of noteworthy accolades. Three of the district’s four schools have been recognized as No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education, the district has earned the highest academic performance rating, an “A,” for five years in a row, and the Mississippi Department of Education has recognized the district for Outstanding Achievement and as an Exemplar for the Betterment of Education in all Schools Across the State of Mississippi. If you’re planning on raising a family, Pass Christian is one of the best cities in Mississippi to do it! Pass Christian, MS, USA

  1. Best Place to Raise a Family: Long Beach

Long Beach Community Development Association/Facebook This coastal community is made up of the stuff families dream about. Aside from its gorgeous seaside location, Long Beach has an extremely low crime rate, great quality of life, and schooling advantages. The city’s awesome attributes have earned it a number of accolades, including a spot on Movoto’s list of the “10 Best Places to Live in Mississippi” and being named the best beach town for young families. Long Beach, MS 39560, USA

  1. Best City Overall: Madison

madisonthecitychamber.com At one time, Madison, Mississippi was simply a small farming community but not anymore. As of today, the city is home to more than 25,000 residents and encourages continued growth by providing abundant resources for new business owners. Even with its considerable growth and close proximity to Jackson, Madison still maintains a small-town vibe which is evident in the city’s low crime rate - a statistic that can be attributed to a vigilant police force and the variety of safety programs that have been introduced. In addition to being loved by its residents, the town has been nationally recognized by a number of publications such as Family Circle, Southern Living Magazine, and U.S. News, earning top rankings in categories such as the most livable city in the state, the best town for families, one of the best places to retire, and one of the best places to live in Mississippi. Madison, MS 39110, USA

  1. Best Mid-Sized City: Oxford

Matt Taylor/Crooked Letter Photography Named by Forbes as “one of the fastest growing small towns,” Oxford’s population hovers around 26,000 residents, which shouldn’t come as a surprise with all the city has to offer. Often referred to as the “Cultural Mecca of the South,” Oxford is a place with a lot going on when it comes to the arts. The creative melting pot of the city has a robust literary history, a thriving and diverse music scene, and a ton of museums and galleries. Aside from the arts, Oxford also offers award-winning restaurants, diverse shopping, and is, of course, home to the University of Mississippi, which earned Oxford the number six spot on USA Today’s list of the best college towns in the country. Oxford, MS 38655, USA

  1. Safest City: Petal

cityofpetal.com Nicknamed “The Friendly City,” it should come as no surprise that Petal is one of the safest places in Mississippi. Part of the Hattiesburg Metropolitan Area, Petal offers access to the amenities of a bigger city all while maintaining its small-town appeal. Boasting an unusually low crime rate, the city’s residents can rest assured that they are safe in their hometown. That sense of security can be attributed to the city’s extremely dedicated police department and their cooperation with attentive citizens. Petal, MS 39465, USA

  1. Best Kept Secret: Snow Lake Shores

snowlakeshores.ms It turns out this small town in Mississippi is just as beautiful as the name suggests. It was originally established as a private resort community with the promise of being a safe, family-friendly place for people to both vacation and live year-round. It wasn’t even until 1996 that Snow Lake Shores was incorporated as a town. Today, the current population is only about 300; however, that number normally triples during the summer months as seasonal residents and vacationers come to the community – and with such amazing scenery, who could blame them? Snow Lake Shores, MS 38603, USA

  1. Best Place to Retire: Hattiesburg

city-data.com Home to the University of Southern Mississippi, “retirement community” isn’t normally the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Hattiesburg. The city has topped numerous “best places to retire” lists and is a Certified Retirement Community, which means it has met rigorous standards for healthcare facilities, housing, cultural opportunities, and a welcoming committee. Affordability and a close proximity to numerous doctor’s offices also make Hattiesburg a great place for retirees. Whether you’re old or young, the Hattiesburg Zoo will bring out your inner kid, and is just one of the many reasons Hattiesburg is one of the best cities in Mississippi. Hattiesburg, MS, USA

  1. Best Seaside Town: Ocean Springs

Adrianna Battista/Flickr Appropriately named a “Dream Town” by Coastal Living, Ocean Springs has a lot to offer. The “gem of the Gulf Coast” is the perfect mashup of independent shops, art galleries, and culinary treasures, most of which are located in a quaint historic district. At night the city comes alive thanks to a number of venues that feature live music on an almost nightly basis. And for those looking for some rest and relaxation, Ocean Springs has got you covered in that aspect as well. The city is practically surrounded by the Gulf Islands National Seashore and is filled with cozy cottages, perfect for a much-needed beach getaway. Ocean Springs, MS 39564, USA

  1. Best Place for Business and Careers: Jackson

Visit Mississippi/Flickr The state capital has nabbed spots on a number of Forbes’ lists for qualities such as a favorable cost of doing business, excellent job growth, and was most recently included in the list of the “Best Places for Business and Careers” – a nationwide ranking of 200 cities. In addition to being a great place for business, Jackson, Mississippi has a cost of living that is 2.4% below the national average, earning it the 3rd spot on Forbes’ list of the best “Bang For Your Buck” cities. With an unemployment rate lower than the national average and the rate of job growth expected to increase substantially within the next year, Jackson definitely has a lot to offer to career-minded individuals. Jackson, MS, USA

Did your hometown make the list? Let us know in the comments below! There are so many wonderful cities and small towns in Mississippi that are worthy of a day trip. Check out our previous article where we take you on a road trip through some of Mississippi’s best small towns.

Kent Kanouse/Flickr

Named one of the “Coolest Small Towns in America” by Budget and Travel Magazine, Bay St. Louis has it all – oceanfront views, a small-town vibe, and a hip Old Town area filled with great restaurants, galleries, and more. And as if it couldn’t get any better, the art scene is really flourishing thanks to the city’s monthly “Second Saturday Artwalk.” The one-day fest is filled with art shows, live entertainment, and local cuisine.

Bay St. Louis, Bay St Louis, MS, USA

pc.k12.ms.us

U.S. News Best High Schools rankings for 2015 awarded 93 Mississippi schools bronze medals; however, there was one school in the state that stood out above the rest and earned a silver medal – Pass Christian High School, which is part of the Pass Christian School District. Nationally recognized due to students’ high levels of achievement, this school district has achieved a number of noteworthy accolades. Three of the district’s four schools have been recognized as No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education, the district has earned the highest academic performance rating, an “A,” for five years in a row, and the Mississippi Department of Education has recognized the district for Outstanding Achievement and as an Exemplar for the Betterment of Education in all Schools Across the State of Mississippi. If you’re planning on raising a family, Pass Christian is one of the best cities in Mississippi to do it!

Pass Christian, MS, USA

Long Beach Community Development Association/Facebook

This coastal community is made up of the stuff families dream about. Aside from its gorgeous seaside location, Long Beach has an extremely low crime rate, great quality of life, and schooling advantages. The city’s awesome attributes have earned it a number of accolades, including a spot on Movoto’s list of the “10 Best Places to Live in Mississippi” and being named the best beach town for young families.

Long Beach, MS 39560, USA

madisonthecitychamber.com

At one time, Madison, Mississippi was simply a small farming community but not anymore. As of today, the city is home to more than 25,000 residents and encourages continued growth by providing abundant resources for new business owners. Even with its considerable growth and close proximity to Jackson, Madison still maintains a small-town vibe which is evident in the city’s low crime rate - a statistic that can be attributed to a vigilant police force and the variety of safety programs that have been introduced. In addition to being loved by its residents, the town has been nationally recognized by a number of publications such as Family Circle, Southern Living Magazine, and U.S. News, earning top rankings in categories such as the most livable city in the state, the best town for families, one of the best places to retire, and one of the best places to live in Mississippi.

Madison, MS 39110, USA

Matt Taylor/Crooked Letter Photography

Named by Forbes as “one of the fastest growing small towns,” Oxford’s population hovers around 26,000 residents, which shouldn’t come as a surprise with all the city has to offer. Often referred to as the “Cultural Mecca of the South,” Oxford is a place with a lot going on when it comes to the arts. The creative melting pot of the city has a robust literary history, a thriving and diverse music scene, and a ton of museums and galleries. Aside from the arts, Oxford also offers award-winning restaurants, diverse shopping, and is, of course, home to the University of Mississippi, which earned Oxford the number six spot on USA Today’s list of the best college towns in the country.

Oxford, MS 38655, USA

cityofpetal.com

Nicknamed “The Friendly City,” it should come as no surprise that Petal is one of the safest places in Mississippi. Part of the Hattiesburg Metropolitan Area, Petal offers access to the amenities of a bigger city all while maintaining its small-town appeal. Boasting an unusually low crime rate, the city’s residents can rest assured that they are safe in their hometown. That sense of security can be attributed to the city’s extremely dedicated police department and their cooperation with attentive citizens.

Petal, MS 39465, USA

snowlakeshores.ms

It turns out this small town in Mississippi is just as beautiful as the name suggests. It was originally established as a private resort community with the promise of being a safe, family-friendly place for people to both vacation and live year-round. It wasn’t even until 1996 that Snow Lake Shores was incorporated as a town. Today, the current population is only about 300; however, that number normally triples during the summer months as seasonal residents and vacationers come to the community – and with such amazing scenery, who could blame them?

Snow Lake Shores, MS 38603, USA

city-data.com

Home to the University of Southern Mississippi, “retirement community” isn’t normally the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Hattiesburg. The city has topped numerous “best places to retire” lists and is a Certified Retirement Community, which means it has met rigorous standards for healthcare facilities, housing, cultural opportunities, and a welcoming committee. Affordability and a close proximity to numerous doctor’s offices also make Hattiesburg a great place for retirees. Whether you’re old or young, the Hattiesburg Zoo will bring out your inner kid, and is just one of the many reasons Hattiesburg is one of the best cities in Mississippi.

Hattiesburg, MS, USA

Adrianna Battista/Flickr

Appropriately named a “Dream Town” by Coastal Living, Ocean Springs has a lot to offer. The “gem of the Gulf Coast” is the perfect mashup of independent shops, art galleries, and culinary treasures, most of which are located in a quaint historic district. At night the city comes alive thanks to a number of venues that feature live music on an almost nightly basis. And for those looking for some rest and relaxation, Ocean Springs has got you covered in that aspect as well. The city is practically surrounded by the Gulf Islands National Seashore and is filled with cozy cottages, perfect for a much-needed beach getaway.

Ocean Springs, MS 39564, USA

Visit Mississippi/Flickr

The state capital has nabbed spots on a number of Forbes’ lists for qualities such as a favorable cost of doing business, excellent job growth, and was most recently included in the list of the “Best Places for Business and Careers” – a nationwide ranking of 200 cities. In addition to being a great place for business, Jackson, Mississippi has a cost of living that is 2.4% below the national average, earning it the 3rd spot on Forbes’ list of the best “Bang For Your Buck” cities. With an unemployment rate lower than the national average and the rate of job growth expected to increase substantially within the next year, Jackson definitely has a lot to offer to career-minded individuals.

Jackson, MS, USA

For more state pride, here are some reasons why living in Mississippi is the absolute best. And for balance, here are some of the biggest risks to living in Mississippi.

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The OIYS Visitor Center

best places to live in Mississippi November 16, 2022 Jackie Ann What is the state of Mississippi known for? The state of Mississippi is known for many things, primarily for being the birthplace of Blues music as well as a huge agricultural industry. Here are some of the most unique attractions in Mississippi:

The Natchez Trace Ship Island Tishomingo State Park Cleveland, Mississippi

Check out this article highlights some unique facts about the state of Mississippi. What are some of the best cities in Mississippi? Some of the best cities in Mississippi include both major college towns and small villages. Here are some of the best cities in Mississippi to visit:

Water Valley, Mississippi Biloxi, Mississippi Holly Springs, Mississippi Natchez, Mississippi

Check out this article highlighting even more of the best towns in Mississippi. What are the best things to do in Mississippi? Some of the best things to do in Mississippi include visiting historic towns and getting out into nature. Here are some of the most scenic hiking trails and state parks in Mississippi:

Tuxachanie Trail, DeSoto National Forest Clear Springs Loop Trail, Homochitto National Forest Percy Quin State Park Clark Creek Natural Area

Check out this article featuring some of the best short and sweet hikes in Mississippi.

The OIYS Visitor Center

best places to live in Mississippi

November 16, 2022

Jackie Ann

What is the state of Mississippi known for? The state of Mississippi is known for many things, primarily for being the birthplace of Blues music as well as a huge agricultural industry. Here are some of the most unique attractions in Mississippi:

The Natchez Trace Ship Island Tishomingo State Park Cleveland, Mississippi

Check out this article highlights some unique facts about the state of Mississippi. What are some of the best cities in Mississippi? Some of the best cities in Mississippi include both major college towns and small villages. Here are some of the best cities in Mississippi to visit:

Water Valley, Mississippi Biloxi, Mississippi Holly Springs, Mississippi Natchez, Mississippi

Check out this article highlighting even more of the best towns in Mississippi. What are the best things to do in Mississippi? Some of the best things to do in Mississippi include visiting historic towns and getting out into nature. Here are some of the most scenic hiking trails and state parks in Mississippi:

Tuxachanie Trail, DeSoto National Forest Clear Springs Loop Trail, Homochitto National Forest Percy Quin State Park Clark Creek Natural Area

Check out this article featuring some of the best short and sweet hikes in Mississippi.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

The state of Mississippi is known for many things, primarily for being the birthplace of Blues music as well as a huge agricultural industry. Here are some of the most unique attractions in Mississippi:

  • The Natchez Trace
  • Ship Island
  • Tishomingo State Park
  • Cleveland, Mississippi

Check out this article highlights some unique facts about the state of Mississippi.

What are some of the best cities in Mississippi?

Some of the best cities in Mississippi include both major college towns and small villages. Here are some of the best cities in Mississippi to visit:

  • Water Valley, Mississippi
  • Biloxi, Mississippi
  • Holly Springs, Mississippi
  • Natchez, Mississippi

Check out this article highlighting even more of the best towns in Mississippi.

What are the best things to do in Mississippi?

Some of the best things to do in Mississippi include visiting historic towns and getting out into nature. Here are some of the most scenic hiking trails and state parks in Mississippi:

  • Tuxachanie Trail, DeSoto National Forest
  • Clear Springs Loop Trail, Homochitto National Forest
  • Percy Quin State Park
  • Clark Creek Natural Area

Check out this article featuring some of the best short and sweet hikes in Mississippi.