The factors that create an excellent quality of life are unique to each individual. Whether you seek adventures in nature, a vibrant arts and cultural scene, or the excitement of year-round festivals and events, Mississippi has it all. From its breathtaking seaside and forest trails to its rich cultural heritage, Mississippi offers diverse experiences that cater to every passion and preference. And while the activities to explore may be vast, there is one constant within each: a strong sense of community.
Beneath canopies of oak and magnolia, Mississippi’s cities and small towns are steeped in Southern charm, giving way to a lifestyle known for creating close-knit environments, which has become increasingly rare in today’s digital age. With deep-rooted traditions such as blues music and soul food, Mississippi culture has a long history of bringing people together.
How Starkville Celebrates
Ranked the No.1 Best Small Town in the South by USA Today, Starkville hosts several annually anticipated gatherings.
Each year, the King Cotton Crawfish Boil incites a healthy dose of competition among the town’s best cooks as they jockey to win the title of best-boiled crawfish. Under the warm Mississippi sun, visitors, locals and students from Mississippi State University flit from booth to booth, sampling an array of recipes, add-ons, fixin’s and beers.
Named one of the top 25 events by the Southeastern Tourism Society, the Cotton District Arts Festival and Taste of Starkville highlight a wide range of interests each year. Hosted by the Starkville Area Arts Council, it is one of the city’s largest festivals, featuring everything from a juried art exhibit, live music and food from local restaurants to a 5k run, pet parade and plant show.
From Bourbon Street to Biloxi
While most would associate Mardi Gras with the streets of New Orleans, Louisiana, Mississippi celebrates the French-influenced holiday with equal enthusiasm. Many cities along the Gulf Coast, including Biloxi and Gulfport, are known for throwing colorful parades with elaborate floats. As beads are tossed to cheering crowds, brass brands and the aroma of delicious Southern cuisine fill the air. However, some cities have added their own unique twist to the festivities.
In Jackson, the city has fused this celebration with another, St. Patrick’s Day. Described as a “green Mardi Gras,” Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade & Festival has filled the streets of Downtown Jackson with floats, marching bands, street dancers and more for over 40 years as a homage to the Irish holiday. And while this shindig may seem all fun and games, the event raises funds for Children’s Hospital of Mississippi, genuinely epitomizing the spirit of community that is integral to life in Mississippi.
All Are Welcome Here
Unlike many places in America, access to these vibrant communities isn’t unaffordable. Forbes ranks Mississippi as the cheapest state to live in the U.S., with a cost of living index score of 83.3. Housing costs in the Magnolia State are also the lowest in the nation, 33.7% below the national average, with the median single-family home listed around $140,818.
This rare benefit, paired with the state’s ample business climate, is continuing to attract companies to the state, and therefore creating jobs in the process. As of March 2024, Mississippi’s unemployment rate has reached a record low of 3%.
“This is another sign that Mississippi’s economy is firing on all cylinders,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “We’re attracting record private-sector investment and creating thousands of high-paying jobs for Mississippians. Mississippi has momentum and this is our time.”
Communities across Mississippi are welcoming new companies, new employment opportunities and new workers with open arms, ushering in unprecedented growth. And in an environment that is inviting, there is always room for more.
