U.S. News & World Report recently released its take on the 150 best places to live in America, and two Mississippi cities managed to crack the list.
Coming in at No. 120 was Jackson, which the national publication touted for its affordability, quality of life, and above all, its longstanding culture. The capital city notably ranked higher than other major cities such as Memphis, Miami, New York City, Birmingham, and Los Angeles.
In its heyday, Jackson, Mississippi, was the soul of the American music industry, and renowned R&B, blues and jazz singers flocked to Jackson’s studios to record their albums. Today, the largest city in Mississippi is leading the charge for the state’s arts, culinary, and cultural progression. But unlike many other places undergoing revitalization, Jackson maintained much of its distinct Southern charm, a characteristic that is drawing new chefs, artists and other movers and shakers to this region. Locals are proud to call Jackson home, and they have strong ties to their particular neighborhoods. Southern hospitality is a real thing and it comes alive in Jacksonians, but they all know to abide by three simple rules: respect your elders, savor good cooking and hold football above all else. – U.S. News & World Report
Jackson was given a 5.8 out of 10 overall score with a 6.2 mark in quality of life and a 7.1 mark in value, which compares housing costs to median household income. Jackson also ranked No. 89 in the publication’s best places to retire list.
155 miles south of Mississippi’s capital is Gulfport, which U.S. News & World Report ranked as the No. 134 best place to live. Touting shared qualities with its in-state counterpart but with a more coastal vibe, Gulfport landed higher than places like New Orleans and Detroit.
Gulfport and its neighboring cities provide residents with waterfront access, fresh Gulf seafood, majestic stretches of white sand beach, cultural arts, history, and casino resort gambling and sports betting venues, all within minutes of Interstate 10. This melting pot gateway is known as coastal Mississippi – a series of 12 cities stretching about 75 miles between the Pearl and Pascagoula rivers, centrally located between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama. As a single metropolis, a “One Coast” regional belief in coastal Mississippi exudes a celebration of common interests that benefit each unique community with no boundaries except barrier islands to the south. – U.S. News & World Report
Gulfport was handed a 5.6 out of 10 overall score with a 5.6 mark in quality of life and a 7.5 mark in value. Gulfport also earned a No. 124 ranking in the publication’s best places to retire list.
The full list of best places to live in America can be found here.