Page 108 - South Mississippi Living - November, 2023

GOLDEN YEARS
story by
Cherie Ward
Making Your Retirement Days an Affordable Permanent Vacation
That’s just one reason why coastal cities in the Magnolia State are popular for retirees. Not only does the Coast offer a good quality of life, but there are also lots of things to see and do, abundant natural beauty, and plenty of reasons for the kids and grandkids to come and stay a while.
And it appears the secret is out.
The financial empowerment online magazine MoneyWise recently tapped Biloxi as America’s most affordable beach town that’s ideal for retirees. The average home sale price is $229,833 with annual property taxes landing at $1,181. Homeowners will spend an average of $808 in monthly housing expenses. In a centralized coastal location with white-sand beaches, casino resorts, scrumptious seafood, championship golf courses, and historic sites and museums –relocating to Biloxi is a real catch.
Also topping the “10 Affordable Beach Towns Perfect for Retirement” list is Gulfport in the number two slot. Mississippi’s second- largest city has miles of sugary beaches
and plenty of leisure activities. There’s an outlet shopping mall, casinos, and Memorial Hospital, which offers senior services. Average home sale prices are $166,683 and annual property taxes come in at $1,086. The average
monthly costs are $822.
Landing at number six is Ocean Springs, and
the City of Discovery has plenty of activities from nearby casinos to boat charters to nature trails and kayaking. The quaint beach town is known for its museums, art galleries, and festivals with the Ocean Springs Art Association representing more than 500 local artists. The average home sale price comes in at $221,917. The average annual property taxes are $1,442, and monthly costs will set you back an average of $1,144.
And rounding out the list at number seven
is the seaside town of Bay St. Louis with recreational opportunities and spectacular views that surpass what you’d expect from a beach city with such a small household budget. Home sale prices average $278,833, and you’ll pay around $1,077 in annual property taxes, and $962 in monthly housing costs. Old Town Bay St. Louis has cozy boutiques, galleries, and eateries to frequent, and don’t forget to explore the sparkly beaches and numerous fishing piers to cast a line for a couple of red snappers or a speckled trout.
The Coast has lots of characteristics that appeal to both lively and laid-back sides, and there are plenty of beach-bound places for retirees to call home.
108 | November 2023 www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living