Move To These 10 Towns In Mississippi If You Wanna Get Away From It All
By Daniella DiRienzo|Published September 26, 2015
×
Daniella DiRienzo
Author
Though Daniella was born in New York and has lived in a couple of other states, Mississippi has been her home for more than 30 years. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships. In the years since, she’s had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications, such as the Mississippi-based Parents & Kids Magazine. She’s also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience.
Big cities are awesome…at first. However, after some time, that initial city enthusiasm subsides and is often replaced with a hankering for a break from it all. And if the hustle and bustle of city life just doesn’t appeal to you, then you’ve come to the right place! These 10 Mississippi towns are perfect for those looking to disconnect from it all, but don’t get the wrong idea – these towns are far from boring and all have something to offer. From farmers markets and festivals to hospitality and a sense of community, these towns are just what you’ve been looking for!
Known as the "cultural mecca of the south," Oxford has been attracting art enthusiasts for years, and that attention hasn’t gone unnoticed as Oxford has received numerous accolades such as being included in "The Best 100 Small Towns in America." And while this is a college town, it still has that small town appeal that those fleeing larger cities can appreciate.
Known as the "Friendly City," Columbus is the quintessential small southern town. Beautiful antebellum homes, numerous golf courses in the vicinity, and hunting and fishing opportunities are just a few of the things residents of the city can enjoy.
The say, "Natchez is what you love about the South," and with the charming city’s rich history it’s easy to see why! The ideal place for those that want to get away from it all, Natchez doesn’t have any amusement parks or tourist traps but that doesn’t mean there is nothing to do. Whether you’re looking to spend the day outdoors, immerse yourself in history, or dance the night away, Natchez delivers.
This town’s population grew a whopping 107% from 2000 to 2010! The growing community has been included in Money Magazine’s "100 Best Places to Live" as well as featured in series by both CNN and ABC. From farmers markets to community events, Hernando is the ideal place for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
A place best known for its "small town flair," Flora is the type of place you see in the movies. It is the type of town where everybody knows everybody (literally); the type of town where families spend their evenings riding bikes or going on walks. Most of the town’s residents have been in Flora their entire lives and, not surprisingly, many who leave end up returning. And let’s not forget the town is home to the region’s only Petrified Forest – which means beautiful views are plentiful.
Located in the northeast corner of the state, Booneville is known for its hospitality, even winning first place in the State Hospitality Program several times. Aside from being friendly, Booneville has a lot to offer when it comes to recreational facilities. By far one of the county’s biggest assets, Booneville boasts two city parks that include ball fields, tennis courts, and community centers. Additionally, hunting and fishing facilities are all within a short drive.
Because of its location, Louisville is geographically considered the doorsteps to north Mississippi and is critical to north/south travel. Aside from its desirable location, the city boasts a vibrant historic downtown and is encouraging of new businesses in the area – all while maintaining its small town vibe.
The quick growing, vibrant community is most known for its exceptional school system and excellent quality of life, but Petal can now add another item to its list of accomplishments – the city was recently deemed the safest in Mississippi. Even with its larger population, Petal is the perfect combination of simple living and small town fun. From shops and restaurants to never-ending recreational opportunities, Petal is definitely worth a visit.
About 20 miles from Oxford, you’ll find the small, yet vibrant, town of Water Valley. Once just a whistle stop for those passing through, the town has grown into quite the hot spot, even being recognized by "Preservation" magazine. In recent years, the city has seen tremendous growth as 20 new businesses have opened! In addition to several specialty stores, Water Valley is home to a burgeoning art scene as well as the Casey Jones Railroad Museum.
Home to the largest body of water in the state, this small town is definitely not lacking when it comes to recreational activities! The beautiful Grenada Lake is perfect for camping, fishing, swimming, boating, and jet‑skiing, and don’t forget about the city’s five playgrounds, basketball courts, softball fields, and nature trails. If that’s still not enough outdoor fun, Grenada is also conveniently located near Hugh White State Park.
Most of these towns were suggested by our awesome “Only in Mississippi” readers! We love getting suggestions/comments so if you’ve been to any of these towns or think another should be added to this list, tell us in the comments section below.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.