If you are thinking of “Whether Mississippi is a Good Place to Live or Not?” here is all you need to know about Moving to Mississippi including cost of living, job opportunities, lifestyle, education, safety, advantages & disadvantages, and family planning in full detail.
Nowadays many people consider Living in Mississippi. This is the best location in the southern state of the US. because of its scenic beauty, pleasant climate, and rich cultural legacy.
In this blog post, you will get to know “Is Mississippi a good place to live?” and some of the factors that make Mississippi a good living location to move to.
Is Mississippi a Good Place to Live?
Are you Planing Moving to Mississippi? Mississippi can be a great place to live, depending on your personal preferences and priorities. Here are some of the Advantages and Disadvantages you may want to consider when deciding if you are Planning to Move to Mississippi or if is the right place for you or not.
Mississippi offers a friendly way of life that is strongly rooted in its culture and history. Mississippi residents are known for their friendliness and hospitality. The state has a lot to offer to Live, and people find it a great place to call home. It stands out as an excellent option for those seeking an economical lifestyle and Supportive Environment.
Let’s find out about Living in Mississippi Pros and Cons and Why is Mississippi so Cheap?
Pros & Cons of Living in Mississippi 2023
Is Mississippi a good place to live? Yes, Here are the “Pros and Cons” of Living in Mississippi.
1. Lowest Living Expenses in Mississippi
The most important reason to move to Mississippi is the low cost of living. It allows individuals to maintain a comfortable and fulfilling existence while keeping expenses manageable, especially housing costs.
For most of us, housing is a major expense, but in Mississippi, it’s very affordable. whether you Buying or Renting a Home.
For example, the average home value in Mississippi is $145,000, which is significantly lower than the average home in the USA which is valued at $280,000. This makes Mississippi an attractive option for those looking to purchase a home and start a family.
Well, Most People are just starting their Careers and just want to Rent a House or Apartment.
So, Renting a house or apartment in Mississippi is the lowest. Making it the most affordable option to live. The Average rent for an Apartment in Mississippi is $789 per month, which is cheapest than the other states.
However, the prices can vary depending on which city in Mississippi you’re looking to live in. because larger cities like Jackson and Gulfport tend to have higher rent prices than smaller cities.
Now What about Food and Transportation?
In fact, Food and Transportation are also lower than in any other state, according to USDA, the average cost of food for a family of 4 in Mississippi is $613 per month, which is below the other states.
in addition, the Cost of Gas is lower than the national average and Mississippi has a low vehicle registration which is only $15 per year.
Is Mississippi a good place to live? Yes, Mississippi is considered the cheapest state to Live in the United States according to Forbes Report. With its affordable housing, low cost of food and transportation, and high quality of life while keeping expenses under control.
2. Variety of Southern Food 😋
If you love trying new food you love living here in Mississippi. especially seafood. From mouth-watering barbecue to savory seafood and sweet desserts, Mississippi is a paradise for food lovers.
In fact, the food here is affordable compared to other states. you will definitely love the state’s culinary delights.
So if food is an important thing for you and you thinking “Is Mississippi a good place to live?” Mississippi has a range of delicious foods including their specialty local traditional seafood and barbecue.
Barbecue: if you don’t know Mississippi is known for some of the best barbecues in the us. from pulled pork, ribs, and brisket everything is just amazing.
Seafood: Mississippi has access to the best seafood. including Shirmp, Crabs, Fish, and Specially Oysters, Cat Fish is a famous traditional food of Mississippi.
With its access to fresh Gulf seafood and a rich culinary tradition, Mississippi is a great seafood destination that is looking for something new and exciting.
burgeoning craft beer and cocktail is another popular brew in Mississippi and cocktail bars like Cathead Distillery in Jackson and The Coop in Oxford are serving up creative and delicious cocktails made with locally sourced ingredients.
in short, if love good food then you don’t have to worry about moving to Mississippi.
3. Natural Beautiful Scenery
One good reason is “Why is Mississippi a good place to live?” it has beautiful natural landscapes, including forests, wetlands, rivers, and beaches.
It has several national parks, nature reserves, and wildlife refuges that offer outdoor enthusiasts plenty of opportunities for adventure and exploration.
Thus, Mississippi has many job opportunities in the activity field.
Here are some of the state’s famous natural places:
- The Mississippi River
- Gulf of Mexico
- Mississippi Delta
- The De Soto National Forest
- The Pascagoula River
- The Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge
- Tishomingo State Park
- The Natchez Trace Parkway
These are some of the beautiful natural places of Mississippi. anyone would love to live here surrounded by nature.
4. Friendly Surroundings
When planning to move to a new place a question that always comes to our mind is that “is this place has good surroundings” Is it safe to live in Mississippi?
So, people here in Mississippi are kind, polite, and well-being. New Visitors to the state are often welcomed by the warm and welcoming nature of Mississippians, who are eager to share their culture and traditions with others.
Now, for the safety concern, Mississippi is a safe place to live and visit. The crime rate in Mississippi is slightly below the average American state.
We also have to understand that every city is different. some of the areas have higher crime rates and some have the lowest.
Safety tips for Mississippi:
- Choose a good City with local Surroundings
- Follow Local regulations
- Be Friends with your Neighbors
- Be prepared for any natural disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes because Mississippi is located near the Gulf Coast of Mexico.
these are some safety concerns if you planning to move or visit Mississippi, you have to take some basic safety precautions to have a safe and enjoyable experience.
5. Affordable Education in Mississippi
If you planning to settle with a family or collage going student looking for affordable education in the United stats compare to other cities, Mississippi is known for its low-cost but high-quality education.
Now, The average tuition and fees for in-state students at Mississippi State University for the academic year were around $8,910, which is remarkably lower than the national average for public universities.
Private institutions in Mississippi also tend to be more affordable than similar institutions in other states.
it is not cheap but most affordable than any other state’s. Mississippi offers a number of scholarships and financial aid programs available to students. So, for that reason, these programs can help make higher education even more affordable for students who qualify.
So that reason Mississippi is an excellent place to live with family and children.
After knowing all the Pros of why Mississippi is A good place to live. Now, Here are some of the disadvantages of living in Mississippi.
CONS of living in Mississippi
6. Healthcare Challenges
Healthcare support in the state is a very important question that comes to mind when you planning to move to a new state or city. So, “Is Mississippi a good place to live? or to move with family?”
due to the high poverty rate, Mississippi is still facing some challenges in the healthcare support system.
Also, shortage of healthcare providers, and a high incidence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. thus, it ranks 50th in terms of healthcare access and affordability.
The state is also taking action to expand health centers. Mississippi has a number of health clinics and rural health clinics that provide primary care services to underserved populations.
7. Economic Crisis – Poverty
Even if Mississippi is considered the most affordable and low-cost-of-living state. many people here live in poverty. and there are reasons behind it.
Such as,
- Limited Access to Quality Education: students from low-income backgrounds often have limited access to quality education and resources.
- Limited Economic Resources: it leads to limited job opportunities that cause poverty
- Health Sector Disparities: Mississippians living in poverty may face challenges in affording medical care, resulting in delayed or insufficient treatment. This can contribute to poorer health outcomes and higher rates of chronic diseases.
- Limited Resources from the State: Limited support access to nutritious food, transportation, childcare, and social services, can further exacerbate the difficulties faced by those living in poverty.
basically, the poverty level is influenced by various factors and it can be improved by consent efforts in education areas, economic development, healthcare access, and some social welfare programs to uplift and improve communities and all residents.
8. Low-Quality Education System
If anyone moving with children has concerns for his child’s education in Mississippi. or even are you a student moving to Mississippi for higher education. “is Mississippi a good place to live and for studies?” probably, No
Because Mississippi faces some challenges when it comes to the quality of its education system.
- Insufficient funding for education
- Shortage of Qualified and experienced teachers
- Limited Professional Educational Development
As a result, Mississippi has the lowest graduation rates. So, if you are planning your child’s education, consider to private schools than public schools.
overall, you need to be careful when it comes to education and you may need to increase your budget for private schools.
9. Humid Weather & Hurricanes
Mississippi has some extreme weather climates. it’s essential to note weather patterns before moving or traveling to any state. whether it suits you or not.
Mostly, You can experience a humid subtropical climate in Mississippi. Hot summers, Mild and cozy Winters, and Ample rainfall throughout the year.
Summers in Mississippi are hot and humid, Heatwaves are common and sometimes temperature can exceed (37°C)+. High Humidity levels in Mississippi can make you feel even hotter.
Winters are Mild but temperature can vary. The average temperature in Mississippi during winter is around (13°C) to (16°C) while overnight temperature goes to around (1-6°C). Snowfall is not frequent and mostly occurs in the northern part of the state. while rain is most common in Mississippi.
Tornadoes and Hurricanes
If you don’t know, hurricanes are common in Mississippi and mainly occur in its coastal areas.
Because it is part of the gulf coast region, Mississippi is generally impacted by hurricanes, strong wind, heavy rainfall, and sometimes flooding also.
Although, It’s not harmful at all. but choose a living place according.
Best Cities to Live in Mississippi
Finally, We know all the good and bad things about living in Mississippi. the Answer is here “Is Mississippi a good place to live?” Now, Let’s see Which are the best cities to live in Mississippi.
Here are the Top 6 Safe and Best Places to live in Mississippi:
OXFORD: Oxford is a highly desirable city in Mississippi. It offers a combination of a lively college town atmosphere, a rich cultural scene, and a strong sense of community. It is Home to the University of Mississippi, Also, The city has excellent schools, beautiful neighborhoods, and a thriving downtown area.
RIDGELAND: This Suburban city is Located near Jackson City, and offers a mix of residential and commercial developments. It has well-regarded schools, safe neighborhoods, and access to the Ross Barnett Reservoir for outdoor activities like boating and fishing.
MADISON: City is Located outside of Jackson, Madison city is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in Mississippi. It boasts low crime rates, a strong economy, top-rated schools, and well-maintained neighborhoods. Madison offers a suburban lifestyle with a range of recreational amenities.
BILOXI or GULFPORT: Biloxi is the most beautiful place in Mississippi (one of my favorite place to live). because it is situated on the Gulf Coast, Gulfport and Biloxi are for their beautiful beaches, mild climate, and thriving tourism industry. City offers many types of entertainment options, including casinos, golf courses, and water sports.
STARKVILLE: is the home of Mississippi State University, this city has a vibrant college-town atmosphere. It offers a strong sense of community, a lower cost of living compared to some other cities, and numerous opportunities here.
HATTIESBURG: Hattiesburg is a vibrant and diverse city. It has a relatively low cost of living, a growing economy, and a range of cultural and entertainment options. Hattiesburg also provides access to outdoor activities with nearby parks and forests.
So after a lot of my research, These are the preferable cities you can move here to settle in.
- Oxford
- Ridgeland
- Madison
- Biloxi
- Starkville
- Hattiesburg
I Would advise you to avoid moving to Jackson, though it is a good city.
Now, if you are worried about making money and have a question, “Is Mississippi a good place to live, and what are the job opportunities?” let’s know about it.
Crime Rates in Mississippi
The average crime rate in Mississippi is varying over the years. and it differs from city to city.
The violent crime rate is slightly higher in Mississippi. including robbery, vehicle theft, burglary, and assault. it is advised to choose a safer city if you are newly moving to Mississippi.
Safe in Mississippi is a major problem, so choose a safe city accordingly, before planning to move.
Job Opportunity in Mississippi
There are many job opportunities available in Mississippi, and the demand for certain jobs may fluctuate based on regional needs.
Finding a job in Mississippi is a little difficult because of the economic situation. However, some sectors have more job demand.
Most demanding Sectors Such as,
- Agriculture
- Construction
- Healthcare
- Manufacturing Jobs
- Teaching
- IT
- Transportation and Logistic Related
Yes, You can always find Small jobs in Stores, Food Chains, Gas Station, etc. but it is limited to it.
However, If you are planning to move to Mississippi with family. Earning Money Opportunities is an important factor to look at. So Again, is Mississippi a good place to live and earn money? Maybe (it’s up to you because Mississippi has fewer job opportunities compared to other states).
Advantages and Disadvantages of Living in Mississippi
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Affordability & Low Cost of Living | Limited Employment Opportunities |
| Religious & Good Surroundings | Limited Healthcare Access |
| Natural Scenic Views (Beaches & More) | Chances of Natural Disasters |
| Low-Cost Education | Low-Quality Education |
| Tasty Traditional Foods | Poverty Rates |
| Local Festivals | Limited Entertainment option |
| Mild Winters | Hot and Humid Climate in Summers |
| Peaceful Southern Life | Fewer career opportunities |
Conclusion
So the answer is here “Is Mississippi a good place to live depends on individual preferences and priorities. Find out by yourself at your convenience.
The state offers a lower cost of living, natural beauty, a rich cultural heritage, and a sense of Southern hospitality. But Mississippi also faces challenges such as educational rankings, limited job opportunities, and access to healthcare in some areas.
It’s crucial to consider factors like employment prospects, educational needs, and climate preferences when determining if Mississippi is a good place to call home.
