Why Move to South Mississippi?

South Mississippi offers a unique blend of Southern hospitality, natural beauty, and modern amenities. From beautiful beaches to family-friendly neighborhoods, this region has something for everyone.

• Cultural Richness: South Mississippi is home to celebrated events like HubFest in Hattiesburg, showcasing local arts, crafts, and live music; Cruisin' the Coast, a week-long classic car event attracting thousands along the Gulf Coast; the South Mississippi Fair in Laurel, which features agricultural exhibits, rides, and family entertainment; and the Mississippi Pecan Festival in Richton, celebrating the region's pecan harvest with crafts, food, and live music. These events capture the vibrant spirit of the region and draw in locals and visitors alike.
• Affordable Living: South Mississippi offers a cost of living significantly below the national average, making it especially appealing for families and retirees. The average home price in the region is around $200,000, which is considerably lower than in other parts of the country, providing affordable housing options for newcomers. Property taxes for homes in Mississippi are among the lowest in the U.S. Groceries, healthcare, and utilities are also less expensive than the national average, allowing residents to stretch their dollar further. This combination of affordable housing, low taxes, and reasonable living expenses makes South Mississippi one of the most budget-friendly areas in America, where quality of life meets cost-efficiency.
• Growing Job Market: South Mississippi offers diverse employment opportunities across healthcare, education, manufacturing, and tourism. Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, the largest private employer in the state, anchors the Coastal Mississippi manufacturing industry with stable, high-paying jobs in shipbuilding. In Hattiesburg, The University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey University contribute significantly to education and research employment, while Forrest General Hospital and Merit Health Wesley drive growth in healthcare services. Along the Gulf Coast, the tourism sector flourishes, with casinos, resorts, and entertainment venues offering a range of jobs in hospitality, service, and management. This diversity provides steady job opportunities and economic growth, making South Mississippi a promising destination for job seekers across various fields

Best Places to Live in South Mississippi

Hattiesburg

Known for its vibrant arts scene and strong sense of community, Hattiesburg is a popular choice for families and young professionals. The average home price here is around $352,000, with neighborhoods that offer both affordability and quality. Popular surrounding areas include Oak Grove, known for its top-rated schools; Sumrall, a close-knit small town; and Petal, famous for its family-friendly environment and excellent schools.

Hattiesburg also offers a range of recreational options, including both public and private golf courses such as Canebrake Country Club, Hattiesburg Country Club, Timberton Golf Club, and Shadow Ridge Golf Club, catering to both casual golfers and seasoned players. This blend of community amenities, accessible home prices, and a welcoming atmosphere makes Hattiesburg ideal for those seeking both lifestyle and opportunity.

Biloxi

Famous for its sandy beaches, vibrant casinos, and lively coastal lifestyle, Biloxi is a hub for tourism and entertainment on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Major annual events like Cruisin' The Coast draw classic car enthusiasts, while Scrapin' The Coast celebrates custom car culture, both bringing excitement to the area. The Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum hosts concerts, family events, and sports, making it a year-round destination for visitors of all ages.

Food lovers will enjoy Biloxi’s fine dining options, with local favorites such as Field's Steak and Oyster Bar, the historic Mary Mahoney's Old French House, and Half Shell Oyster House, providing a true taste of Gulf Coast cuisine. Sports enthusiasts can catch a Biloxi Shuckers baseball game or attend travel baseball World Series events. Offshore fishing charters offer deep-sea adventures in the Gulf of Mexico’s rich waters, perfect for anyone looking to explore the local marine life. With a unique blend of cultural richness, recreational activities, and coastal charm, Biloxi is a premier destination for those seeking a vibrant lifestyle on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Ocean Springs

Ocean Springs is often regarded as one of Mississippi's best-kept secrets—a charming coastal town that combines a vibrant arts community with small-town warmth and appeal. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, the city draws a diverse mix of residents, from families to artists and retirees. The community offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, highlighted by the famous Walter Anderson Museum of Art, which celebrates the local environment through inspiring art. The Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Arts Center further enhances this artistic atmosphere with exhibitions, performances, and community events.

Ocean Springs’ economy is strong, supported by a thriving local business scene, especially in art, dining, and boutique shopping. Washington Avenue—recently voted one of America's most charming streets—and Government Street are lined with unique restaurants, bars, and shops that add to the vibrant coastal lifestyle. Residents enjoy a wealth of recreational activities, with access to beaches, outdoor sports, and community events, making Ocean Springs a standout choice on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The city’s leadership has even introduced initiatives like allowing golf carts for convenient local travel, preserving the laid-back, coastal feel that draws people to this charming town.

Cost of Living in South Mississippi

Living in South Mississippi is exceptionally affordable, with costs across housing, utilities, groceries, and healthcare averaging 15-30% lower than the national average (U.S. Census Bureau, 2024). The average home price is approximately $200,000—around 30% less than the U.S. median, which opens up homeownership to families, retirees, and first-time buyers alike.

Property taxes in Mississippi further enhance affordability, averaging 0.79% compared to the national average of 1.1%, allowing homeowners to keep more of their hard-earned money. For daily expenses, residents also benefit from utilities that are around 9% less than the national rate and groceries that cost roughly 5-10% less. South Mississippi even offers healthcare services at prices lower than those in many other states, providing peace of mind without excessive medical costs.

This combination of low housing prices, property tax savings, and affordable living costs makes South Mississippi an ideal choice for anyone seeking financial freedom without sacrificing quality of life. Whether you're planning for retirement, moving with a family, or searching for your first home, this region offers a balance of comfort and cost-efficiency that’s hard to beat.

Job Market and Opportunities

South Mississippi’s job market offers a diverse range of opportunities across key industries, including tourism, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Gulfport, one of the largest cities on the Gulf Coast, is known for its robust shipping and retail sectors, driven in part by its proximity to the Port of Gulfport, one of the largest ports in the country. The port supports thousands of jobs in logistics, trade, and transportation, making Gulfport a central hub for economic activity in the region.

In Hattiesburg, major employers include educational institutions such as The University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey University, as well as healthcare facilities like Forrest General Hospital and Merit Health Wesley. These organizations not only provide stable employment but also contribute to a growing job market in education and healthcare, essential sectors for the community.

Biloxi, meanwhile, is a tourism powerhouse thanks to its casinos, hotels, and beachfront attractions. The gaming industry in Biloxi creates numerous jobs in hospitality, service, and entertainment, making it a key player in Mississippi’s economy. Tourism-related activities, from events at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum to fishing charters and beach tourism, further boost employment in the region.

This broad spectrum of employment options in South Mississippi offers stability and growth potential, attracting job seekers and supporting the area’s economic health.

Climate and Weather

South Mississippi's climate is classified as humid subtropical, providing residents with warm, humid summers and generally mild winters. Summertime highs often reach the low 90s °F, with July and August being particularly hot due to high humidity. The Gulf of Mexico influences the region’s weather significantly, bringing moisture that leads to frequent afternoon thunderstorms in the summer, which can also contribute to cooler evenings following the storms. Humidity can be intense from May to September, with July and August being the most humid months.

The area receives abundant rainfall, averaging around 57 inches per year—nearly 50% higher than the national average. Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year, though spring and early summer tend to be the rainiest seasons. Winter is typically the driest season, yet it remains mild, rarely bringing snow except for occasional light accumulation. For those who enjoy mild winters, South Mississippi provides an extended growing season and a largely outdoor-friendly climate year-round.

Ready to Make the Move?

Contact our team at Epique Realty to start your journey to South Mississippi. We’re here to help you find the perfect home in South Mississippi!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is South Mississippi affordable for first-time homebuyers?

A: Yes, the region’s affordable cost of living makes it a great choice for first-time buyers.

Q: What job opportunities are available?

A: The healthcare, education, and tourism sectors are thriving, with positions in various fields.

Q: What’s the weather like in South Mississippi?

A: South Mississippi has a subtropical climate, with warm summers and mild winters. It’s ideal for outdoor activities most of the year.