Page 129 - South Mississippi Living - November, 2026

What do seniors say is most
appealing about living on the
Mississippi Gulf Coast?
Without exception, people will mention
how friendly everyone is and how much
they appreciate the convenience of living
along the Coast. Seniors love the easy
access to healthcare, shopping, cultural
events, and great restaurants. There is a
lot to do here!
You would be surprised how many folks
buy homes here, some second homes,
just to be near our casinos. They say it is
comfortable to go to a casino by yourself
because once you get there, you are not
alone. They really enjoy the abundance
of all types of entertainment on the coast.
Remember, most seniors are not doing
as much driving as they once were, and
they find our small communities easy to
navigate with lots of options for staying
active and having fun.
South Mississippi really is a
great place to live, but are there
some things seniors should
know about living on the Coast?
Eventually every move comes down to
some hard numbers and some unique
preparation for living in a coastal
community. Everyone that moves here
needs to understand what flood insurance
is and how it impacts your cost of living!
You must be prepared for the possibility
of severe
weather.
That said,
property
costs
are better here and even HOA fees are
lower here than many condominium
developments elsewhere. Our state
income tax structure is also advantageous
for seniors in that Mississippi does not tax
retirement income in the way most states
do.
Anyone making a move, especially
seniors, need to take a good look at their
retirement budget, the resources they may
need as they age, and the support systems
a community can offer as life changes.
Our close knit communities along the
Gulf Coast help seniors feel secure with
lots of opportunities for engagement.
What do you love about living on
the Mississippi Gulf Coast?
I love the water. Every time I hit the
beach I fall in love again with the Gulf
breezes, the salty smell, and the feeling I
Vivian Champaigne,
get. It just feels good to me. And we do
REALTOR®ABR, SRES
have the best food in the world!
Coldwell Banker Alfonso Realty
Facebook
Can you share a story about a
@Vivian Wolfe Champaigne
senior who had an exceptional
C 228.596.0407 | O 228.287.1000
experience relocating to the
www.champaigneanddiamonds
Mississippi Gulf Coast?
realestate.sites.cbmoxi.com
I worked with an older woman who
moved here to be near her daughter.
She had extensive experience working
with dyslexic children pre-retirement
and wanted to continue to do that after
she moved. Tutors and therapists can be
expensive, and resources can be hard to
find for struggling parents. She offers her
expertise free of charge and has become
a real asset to her new community. Now
she gives talks to groups and other
seniors encouraging them to get
engaged and use their talents to
help others. It is a win-win
for everyone.
We live in a beautiful
Holly Harrison has been a Holly Harrison has been a
place with a lot to offer
licensed interior designer for over licensed interior designer for over
but we should never
40 years. Shannon Stage has spent 40 years. Shannon Stage has spent
underestimate what
nearly 25 years in the giftware nearly 25 years in the giftware
newcomers can bring
industry. Together they own industry. Together they own
to us.
Sassy Bird Interiors in Sassy Bird Interiors in
Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.
ALFONSO REALTY, INC.
Sassy Bird Interiors
211 Main St. Bay St. Louis
228.344.3181
www.sassybirdinteriors.com
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net November 2026 | 129