The world seems to be finding out what many of us in The Magnolia State have known for years. Mississippi is filled with sweet Southern hospitality, and our beautiful state is gaining recognition because it is home to many great communities to live, work, and play. Here are just a few examples of those idyllic locations.
Photo credit: Southern Living
Ocean Springs—Voted as one of a handful of Mississippi cities that were selected by “Southern Living” Magazine as the “Top 50 Best Small Towns” (along with Laurel, Bay St. Louis, and Oxford), this charming town is filled with a vast artist community and plenty of entertainment throughout the beautiful downtown district. There’s lots of great dining and shopping in this gulf-side town. Ocean Springs offers a peaceful view of the Gulf Coast and a slower pace, making it a great place to live or spend a few days recharging your soul.
Bay St. Louis—Another coastal town that is a beautiful place to live and play is the historic city of Bay St. Louis. Also offering a rich art and music community, Bay St. Louis combines the blues and jazz scene of New Orleans, which is only about 50 miles away, along with the easygoing style of this beautiful city on the bay. Bay St. Louis holds many festivals and family-friendly events throughout the year too.
Biloxi, MS. Photo credit: Trip AdvisorBiloxi—As one of the most prominent cities along the Gulf Coast, Biloxi offers a vast economy and employment options in the seafood, tourism, and gaming industries. There is a strong community spirit as there are always special events to gather the family together throughout the year. Entertainment options are endless, including plenty of opportunities for fishing, golfing, attending musical and other artistic attractions, casino action, and so much more. It’s a guarantee that you’ll never be bored in Biloxi.
Laurel—The “City Beautiful” has been in the spotlight for the last few years thanks to Erin and Ben Napier’s “Hometown” HGTV show, and the world has gotten the chance to see the rebirth of the downtown area and this little hamlet. The historic downtown area has seen significant revitalization as more unique and exciting businesses have opened shop here. Laurel is home to one of the country’s most impressive art museums, the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, and the city is home to the Loblolly Festival and many more fun events for the family all year.
Hattiesburg—Home to the University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg offers exciting, competitive sports courtesy of the Golden Eagles and many fine arts and musical offerings on the university campus and in the thriving mid-town and downtown areas. Fine dining lovers are in heaven in Hattiesburg thanks to the culinary genius of Robert St. John and his various restaurants and cafes. The “Hub City” offers exceptional healthcare facilities and magnificent shopping and also serves as the base for the Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport. Hattiesburg offers the advantages of a bigger city without losing its small-town appeal.
Brandon—A suburb of the state’s capital, Brandon has the conveniences and amenities of the larger city of Jackson but can maintain the charm of a small town. Brandon is a great place to live and raise a family, with plenty of employment opportunities. There is a thriving community with many high-quality entertainment options coming to the city, thanks to the beautiful Brandon Amphitheatre.
Olive Branch—Ranking as one of Fortune’s “50 Best Places to Live for Families,” Olive Branch receives lots of recognition for its academic excellence as the school districts here have consistently high scores. The city offers a strong community feel as the Olive Branch Parks and Recreation offers plenty of opportunities for families to interact and develop close neighborly bonds. Olive Branch offers diverse employment opportunities and many occasions for community involvement.
Madison—Located a few miles north of Jackson, Madison is home to a wealth of economic and artistic endeavors. The always-growing and progressing city is noted for excellence in education and is acclaimed for its beautiful, peaceful communities that are great to raise your family in.
Mississippi is full of wonderful places to live, work, and play!