The pros of living in Mississippi are low cost of living, tax benefits, warm climate, and friendly communities. The cons are hot, humid summers, limited access to specialized healthcare, and vulnerability to severe weather.
According to HDPulse, 16.8% of Mississippi’s population is 65 and older. Normally, this state wouldn’t be somewhere you’d consider for retirement, but give it a chance. Considering that scores of seniors are flocking to states like Florida, it may be wise to look at alternatives.
Of course, there are pros and cons of living in Mississippi, so you should be aware of them before you move. We’ll tell you that seniors in Ridgeland, MS, are happy since Summerhouse Beau Ridge is here, but we’ll present you with the facts so you can make a smart decision.
Is Mississippi a Good State to Live In?
Yes, Mississippi can be a very good state for seniors, especially for those who want to move into a senior living community. Here are the pros of living in this state.
Low Cost of Living
According to LivingCost.org, the cost of living in Mississippi is 1.19 times less expensive than the average in the US. In fact, it’s the 45th most expensive state in the nation!
So if you’re on a fixed or limited income, the cost of aging here is super low. Moving to Mississippi can be one of the best retirement decisions you make if cost-effectiveness is your top priority, as your dollars will go a long way. This can reduce a significant amount of financial stress, especially if you want to move into an independent senior living community.
Tax Benefits
Mississippi’s tax benefits for retirees are highly attractive. The state doesn’t tax the following:
- Social Security income
- Pensions
- Withdrawals from retirement accounts (such as IRAs or 401(k)s)
If you want to own property out here, or already do, then you’ll be pleased to know that property taxes in Mississippi are among the lowest in the country.
Warm Climate and Mild Winters
The weather can have a huge effect on how you feel, so the climate where you retire will be very important.
Fortunately, Mississippi has a warm, subtropical climate that results in mild winters. You’ll experience comfortable year-round temperatures, which means you can enjoy outdoor recreation and social gatherings, even in the winter, as there will be no snow or icy conditions.
Friendly and Welcoming Communities
Senior living in the South means Southern hospitality. The people here are warm, polite, and community-oriented, so your transition into independent living will be smooth and easy.
Plus, if you move somewhere like Ridgeland, then there are plenty of area attractions to indulge in. For example, there’s the Ridgeland Retail Trail and Northpark Mall. Or if you like outdoor activities, there’s the Barnett Reservoir and Reservoir Overlook.
What Are the Downsides of Living in Mississippi?
Disneyland may be the happiest place on earth, but even that magical theme park has its drawbacks. So here are the drawbacks of living in Mississippi that you should be aware of.
Hot, Humid Summers
While there are mild winters in the state, there are also hot and humid summers. This can be uncomfortable for some older adults, especially if they have respiratory or heart conditions.
This may mean that you have to skip out on outdoor activities during peak summer months. But as long as you have air conditioning indoors, you should be okay.
Limited Access to Specialized Healthcare in Rural Areas
Mississippi does have reputable hospitals and quality healthcare. However, rural regions have fewer medical specialists, and you may have to travel longer distances for advanced care.
You can mitigate this by choosing an independent living community in Ridgeland, MS, like Summerhouse Beau Ridge. We’re located just a short drive from Jackson, where you’ll find top-notch healthcare.
Higher Poverty and Health Challenges in the State
Mississippi may have a very low cost of living, but it also has one of the highest poverty rates in the country. In some areas, this impacts healthcare quality and public health resources.
Again, you can avoid this by picking a senior living community that’s in a strategic location.
Vulnerability to Severe Weather
Because Mississippi is located along the Gulf Coast, this means that the state can experience:
- Hurricanes
- Tropical storms
- Occasional tornadoes
If you’re not used to these weather events, it can be scary to live through them. But as long as you’re in a reputable and secure community, you’ll be well taken care of, even in the event of emergencies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Should You Know Before Moving to Mississippi?
Before moving to Mississippi for your retirement, you should know that the state offers a good mix of quiet rural areas, historic small towns, and lively coastal communities. So, research specific cities before moving, as there’s a wide range of environments there.
Is Mississippi Republican or Democrat?
Mississippi is a predominantly Republican state. In recent decades, the state has consistently voted Republican.
In general, Mississippi’s political climate tends to favor:
- Traditional values
- Limited government
- Lower taxes
What Is the 183-Day Rule in Mississippi?
The 183-day rule in Mississippi is a guideline to help determine whether you’re a tax resident of the state. Basically, if you spend more than 183 days in Mississippi in a calendar year, you’re a tax resident.
If you’re moving into a senior living community here but still maintain a home or residency in another state, then this rule may be of importance to you.
Weigh Up the Pros and Cons of Living in Mississippi
After weighing up the pros and cons of living in Mississippi, you should now have a clear idea of whether the Mississippi lifestyle is right for you.
If you’ve decided that you want to move here, and you’re looking for southern care communities, then look no further than Summerhouse Beau Ridge. We’re located in beautiful Ridgeland, MS, and we provide both independent living and memory care.
Contact us today to hear more about senior living in Ridgeland, MS. Summerhouse Beau Ridge offers a 24/7 concierge service so our residents enjoy a stress-free lifestyle.
