This Charming Mississippi County Is Becoming a Hidden Gem for Retirees

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

Cost of Living & Housing Affordability

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

Everyday essentials, such as groceries and utilities, come in on the higher end of the spectrum in Mississippi compared to other states. However, this is easily offset by the markedly lower cost of housing.

Access to Healthcare & Senior Services

Healthcare is always top of mind for retirees. Adams County is served by Merit Health Natchez, a regional hospital providing general inpatient, outpatient, and emergency services. There are also a few smaller clinics and primary care options across the county.

For specialized care, though, residents may need to travel to larger regional centers in Baton Rouge or Jackson, both within a two-hour drive. While the county doesn’t rank among the top nationally for healthcare facilities, basic medical services are available and sufficient for many retirees seeking affordability first.

Adams County also provides multiple services for seniors through the Natchez Senior Citizens Multipurpose Center. Retirees can get daily meals, wellness checks, transportation services, and even adult daycare, if needed. Seniors can participate in educational programs, exercise classes, daily recreational activities, arts and crafts, and social events, fostering both physical health and community connection. 

Lifestyle, Culture, & Natural Attractions

Adams County offers much more than just affordability.

The city of Natchez, the oldest city in Mississippi, has a rich cultural history, and is famous for its historical homes and landmarks, seasonal festivals, and vibrant arts community. If you enjoy the great outdoors, the Mississippi River provides fishing, boating, and several walking trails. The area’s mild winters and hot summers make outdoor activities possible year-round.

With a population of around 30,000, Adams County offers small-town charm. For retirees who enjoy a quieter rhythm with easy access to cultural landmarks, Adams County can be a great fit.

Financial & 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. That leaves more income in your pocket. Property tax rates are also among the lowest in the country, coming in on average at 0.73% of a property’s assessed fair market value—making homeownership even more affordable.

Utility bills remain relatively manageable, coming in at a monthly average of $253 for Mississippi, as compared to the national average of $266 per month. Mississippi ranks among the top when it comes to high spending on groceries, averaging around $7,465 annually per household versus a national average of $7,765. Mississippi grocery bills rank third highest in the U.S, in dollars spent as well as in percentage of income spent. Even when taking this into account, the affordable housing, low property taxes, and absence of taxes on Social Security and most retirement income still make Adams County a favorable place to help your retirement dollars stretch and live comfortably. 

The Bottom Line

Adams County, Mississippi, may not offer Florida’s beaches or the nonstop entertainment of a bigger city, but for retirees focused on maximizing their budget, it’s a great option. With affordable housing, tax-friendly policies for retirees’ income, low property tax, rich cultural history, and many outdoor activities, it’s a place where 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 worth serious consideration.