The Jackson metropolitan area has many great places for retirees. Forbes magazine ranked Jackson the third best “Bang For Your Buck” out of the largest 100 metropolitan areas in the United States. The cost of living in Jackson is well below the national average making it a highly affordable option for retirees who want to live in a larger metropolitan area. Nearly 175,000 people live within the city of Jackson, but over 500,000 people call the Jackson metropolitan area their home.
Jackson is the capital and largest city in the state of Mississippi. The city’s current slogan “Jackson, Mississippi: City with Soul” honors its role in the development of some of the nation’s greatest jazz, gospel, and blues musicians. In fact, Jackson is one of the cities on the famed Mississippi Blues Trail. Retirees in Jackson can take advantage of many museums as well as festivals and performances that take place throughout the year.
Two large hospital centers are located in downtown Jackson. One of those is the University of Mississippi Medical Center, the premier teaching hospital in the area. Therefore, retirees in the Jackson area have access to the best medical care in the state. Many retirees also like the warm, humid climate of central Mississippi. The summers are long, and the winters are mild.
Although the city of Jackson has a high crime rate, there are many great neighborhoods surrounding the city for retirees. You can live within 15 minutes of downtown Jackson and all of its activities and healthcare facilities. You will find these neighborhoods perfect for retirees.
1. Madison
The median age in Madison is 40.3 years old. This makes Madison one of the older neighborhoods around Jackson. Real estate in Madison is some of the most expensive available in the area. The median home list price is $365,000. Other than housing, however, the cost of living in Madison is below the national average. Both the Natchez Trace Parkway and Barnett Reservoir border the city of Madison and offer opportunities for outdoor recreation. There are 499 physicians per 10,000 people in Madison, which is almost double the national average.
According to Neighborhood Scout, Madison is the 11th safest city in the United States. Madison has just 7.07 crimes per 1,000 residents each year. Almost all of the crime in Madison is property crime. There are a mere 0.63 violent crimes per 1,000 residents annually. Although Madison is 15 minutes away from downtown Jackson, it could not seem further away. Even though Madison is the 13th largest city in Mississippi, Madison’s leaders have worked hard through the years to keep the city safe and maintain its small-town feel. If you can afford the high cost of living for Mississippi standards, you'll find Madison a great place to live. It is safe, has a lot of older residents, great healthcare, and a lovely small town feel.
2. Brandon
Housing in Brandon is relatively inexpensive for the Jackson metropolitan area. The median home list price in Brandon is $215,000. Where the overall average cost of living in the United States is indexed as 100, the overall cost of living in Brandon is rated a 95.4.
Although Brandon is a fairly small, the city has seven public parks with green space and playgrounds. Several parks have walking trails, City Park has public tennis courts, and Shiloh Park has baseball and soccer fields. So, there are plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities in the city for retirees. The median age of residents in Brandon is 36.2. There are 322 physicians per 10,000 residents in Brandon, which is well above the national average of 261. Health costs are also below the national average. Brandon has the small town feel similar to Madison but at a much cheaper price. Residents of Brandon have outstanding access to healthcare in their backyard as well as in downtown Jackson. Brandon also has many walking trails and outdoor recreation facilities that are perfect for active retirees.
3. Pearl
Pearl is one of the most inexpensive neighborhoods for retirees around Jackson. The overall cost of living in Pearl is rated 85.1 compared to the national average cost indexed at 100. The median home list price is $129,000. Housing in Pearl is only 64% of the national average.
The residents of Pearl make a diverse group of people. The median age in Pearl is 34.9. There are 322 physicians per 10,000 residents in Pearl, which is above the national average of 261. Healthcare costs in Pearl are also below the national average. The city of Pearl also has 5 parks with walking trails for outdoor recreation opportunities inside its city limits. Retirees who desire to be close to downtown Jackson without actually living in the downtown area will find Pearl a great place to live. The cost of living in Pearl is low compared to other neighborhoods, but it is still a safe neighborhood with a diverse population and many recreation opportunities for active retirees.
4. Clinton
For a vibrant neighborhood with a small college town feel, look at Clinton. Mississippi College is the oldest college in the state of Mississippi and the second oldest Baptist university in the country. Being a college town, Clinton has a lot of unique dining and shopping options. Residents of Clinton are also highly educated, and the university provides lifelong learning opportunities for retirees.
Clinton is a highly affordable neighborhood. Median home prices of $179,900 are well above Jackson’s median home price of $115,000, but they are still below the national average. In fact, the cost of living in Clinton is 94.3 where the national average is represented as a value of 100.
There are 459 physicians per 10,000 residents in Clinton. This is about 200 above the national average. Healthcare costs are also below the national average. Residents of Clinton can use the walking tracks at one of three city parks or walk and bike along the historic Natchez Trace Parkway that cuts through town. Brighton Park also has tennis courts, shuffleboard, and horseshoe pits for residents to enjoy.
