The Vibe: Mississippi Has A Region For Everyone
Outsiders might assume that
Mississippi is nothing more than another Southern state with a big river. But anyone who has spent any time here knows the truth: Mississippi is a land of diverse regions, lifelong traditions, and deep roots that make it a unique place filled with surprises.
The Mississippi Delta is an old-timey region of the blues, quaint towns, cotton fields, and casinos. Places like
Jackson and
Vicksburg makes up the Capital region where Civil War and Civil Rights history is rich and the food is always on point and music venues ring the sounds of Mississippi through the air.
The Pines region is exactly what it sounds like with woodlands that provide recreation for everything from world-class golfing to hiking and camping along with a slew of authentic Southern restaurants, historical sites, and unique events. And then there’s the Coastal region which is the world’s largest man-made beach and is rife with shops, galleries, museums, restaurants, and year-round events.
Local Flavor: Home Of The Blues, A King, And A Frog
The people of Mississippi are just as unique as its regions. Only the Magnolia State can claim the rights to being the birthplace of the blues, Elvis Presley, Jim Henson, and by default, his most famous creation, Kermit the Frog.
Graceland might be the famous home of The King, but Elvis Presley was born in a tiny and modest home in Tupelo, Mississippi. The same home he took his first steps in still stands as a shrine, museum, and shop of the legendary musician. Jim Henson was born in
Greenville and raised for part of his life in Leland. Even though he went on to spend his later-formative years in
Maryland, he never forgot his Mississippi roots and he went on to make the world’s most famous frog’s home in a swamp in Leland.
And then of course there is The Mississippi Delta, birthplace of the blues and where the likes of Charley Patton, Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, and B.B. King began their careers. A little more than just some Southern state with a big river now, isn’t it?
Cuisine: It’s Better Than Mud But That’s Pretty Good, Too
Being a Southern state definitely has its perks and the food is definitely one. Most states will claim to have the world’s best barbeque but with food this good, no one in Mississippi needs to claim anything.
All you need to do is try it and you’ll see. And comfort food is the staple to every menu from homes to restaurants including fresh made biscuits, shrimp and grits, jambalaya, gumbo, cornbread, gulf shrimp and squash, and a good old-fashioned crawfish boil. And then, of course, there is the all-time famous and statewide favorite: Mississippi mud pie, a delicious blend of Southern confection and chocolatey heaven that can only be done justice here at home.
Nightlife: Follow The Music
While you won’t find the same kind of nightlife in Mississippi that you would in
Las Vegas or
New York City but one thing you won’t ever have to search for here is music. If you’ve stopped hearing music, then chances are you’ve probably crossed over into
Alabama.
For the best nightlife and music venues, head to Jackson. Places like Duling Hall, The Yellow Scarf, and Underground 119 are some of the best spots to catch local and national bands that play everything from rock to the Mississippi blues. After the show, grab a drink or a bite to eat at any of the many restaurants and bars around the state capital.
Safety & Crime: Sleep With Both Eyes Closed
When it comes to crime, not all states are created equal. But Mississippi ranks as one of the safe ones. Against a national average of 41.4 for violent crime, Mississippi holds an index of 38.8. And the property crime rate falls just slightly over average.
There’s a reason why Mississippi is known as the Hospitality State. Mississippians aren’t just nice here, they’re good people. They say “hi” to you when you pass them on the street and they’re always happy to help you out when you’re in a jam. So don’t be surprised when you don’t have to watch your back here. There are plenty of people to do that for you.
Weather: The Upside To Hot Summers Is Mild Winters
If you thought that summers in Mississippi are hot, then you’re a highly perceptive person. July averages temperatures from the low 90s depending on where in the state you are, but it feels even hotter thanks to the wet blanket of humidity that covers the state. The mosquitos might have you questioning how anyone can ever put up with such a climate.
But you’ll be singing a different tune by January when the temperatures are still hovering in the high-50s. But don’t assume that it means you won’t ever see a snowflake ever again. Tupelo is a rare Mississippi city that gets actual accumulation, averaging around two inches of snow annually.
Commute: Keep Your Car But Mississippi Won’t Back You Up
Living in Mississippi won’t allow you to get rid of your car any time soon. Four wheels are required for getting around the state and 83 percent of commuters drive their own car here. But the good news is that traffic won’t get in your way.
The national average for commute times is 25 minutes each way. The average commute time in Mississippi overall is 24 minutes. And the majority of commuters have a daily commute time of 15-19 minutes each way.
Cost Of Living: Mississippi Takes It Easy On Your Wallet
Another huge perk to living in Mississippi is the fact that it won’t drain your bank account. Against a national index of 100, the cost of living index in Mississippi is 89, 11 points cheaper than the national average.
Groceries, healthcare, and transportation are all cheaper than the national average here but it’s the housing where you’ll save the most with a super cheap index of 74. With a median home value of $124,000, you can score a house here for almost $50,000 cheaper than the national average, which gets you in a lot sooner and gets you more house for your money.
The Golden Egg Is The Mississippi Golden Ticket
Mississippi doesn’t let the fact that it doesn’t have an NFL team get in the way of loving football. The majority of pro-football fans around the state throw their loyalty to the
New Orleans Saints. But college football is everything here and fans have to decide on where their loyalty lies: with Ole Miss or Mississippi State. Although the rivalry can get heated, it’s all in good fun watching the Rebels and the Bulldogs battle it out. But when it comes time to fight over the Golden Egg at the Ole Miss-Mississippi State game, all bets go out the window.
Mississippi’s Surprises Are On Point
The USA International Ballet Competition is one of the world’s top ballet competitions. But it’s not found in New York or Paris or
Chicago. Its home is right here in Jackson, Mississippi.
Dancers from all over the world come here to represent their country and compete for bronze, silver or gold medals in a variety of Olympic-style competitions. It brings a culture and sophistication to the state and continuously proves that Mississippi has a surprise waiting around every corner.
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