This charming Mississippi county has become a hidden gem for retirees

When you imagine retirement, the warm, sandy beaches of Florida may come to mind first. But rising costs in the Sunshine State are prompting many retirees to explore alternatives — such as Adams County, Mississippi. Located along the Mississippi River and anchored by the historic city of Natchez, the county offers affordability that can maximize savings without sacrificing culture, charm, or community. For those who want to trade some of the conveniences of big cities for a slower, more cost-effective lifestyle, Adams County can be a smart choice.

Cost of living and housing affordability

The biggest draw to Adams County is its affordability. And with the median home price at $119,270, well below the median home price in the U.S. overall of $410,800, and the average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $933 — again, well below the national average monthly rent of $1,785 — retirees can expect their dollars to rise significantly there.

Everyday essentials, like groceries and utilities, are on the higher end of the spectrum in Mississippi compared to other states. However, this can easily be offset by the significantly lower cost of housing.

Access to health care and senior services

Health care is always at the forefront of retirees’ concerns. Adams County is served by Merit Health Natchez, a regional hospital providing general inpatient, outpatient and emergency services. There are also a few small clinics and primary care options throughout the county.

For specialized care, residents may need to travel to larger regional centers in Baton Rouge or Jackson, both within a two-hour drive. While the county does not rank among the top nationally for health care facilities, basic medical services are available and adequate for many retirees looking for affordability first.

Adams County also provides multiple services to seniors through the Natchez Multi-Purpose Senior Center. Retirees can receive daily meals, health screenings, transportation services, and even adult day care, if needed. Seniors can participate in educational programs, exercise classes, daily recreational activities, arts and crafts, and social events, which promote physical health and community connection.

Lifestyle, culture and natural attractions

Adams County offers much more than just affordability.

Natchez, Mississippi’s oldest city, has a rich cultural history, and is known for its historic homes and landmarks, seasonal festivals, and vibrant arts community. If you enjoy the great outdoors, the Mississippi River offers fishing, boating and many hiking trails. The region’s mild winters and hot summers make outdoor activities possible year-round.

Adams County has a population of about 30,000 and offers small-town charm. For retirees who enjoy a quieter pace with easy access to cultural attractions, Adams County could be a good fit.

Financial and tax considerations for retirees

Mississippi offers retirees a financial advantage when it comes to income and taxes. Social Security and, generally, pensions and retirement account withdrawals are not taxed at the state level. This leaves more income in your pocket. Property tax rates are also among the lowest in the country, averaging 0.73% of the property’s assessed fair market value – making homeownership affordable for everyone.

Utility bills remain relatively manageable, with a monthly average of $253 in Mississippi, compared to the national average of $266 per month. Mississippi is among the top states when it comes to high spending on groceries, averaging about $7,465 per year per household versus a national average of $7,765. Grocery bills in Mississippi rank third in the United States, both in dollars spent as well as in percentage of income spent. Even when you take that into account, affordable housing, low property taxes, no Social Security taxes, and most retirement income still make Adams County a good place to help your retirement dollars stretch and live comfortably.

Bottom line

Adams County, Mississippi may not offer the beaches of Florida or the constant entertainment of a larger city, but for retirees focused on maximizing their budget, it’s a great option. With affordable housing, retiree income tax-friendly policies, low property taxes, a rich cultural history, and many outdoor activities, it’s a place where your retirement savings can last longer. For those open to trading some big-city amenities for affordability and charm, this southern county is a hidden gem worthy of serious consideration.