7 Reasons Why Hattiesburg Mississippi is a Great Place to Retire
Hattiesburg, Mississippi is an excellent retirement destination: Mississippi doesn’t tax Social Security, 401(k), or IRA withdrawals, the cost of living runs 15% below the national average, and you can buy low-maintenance new construction starting around $250,000. Two major hospital systems mean quality healthcare is minutes away, not hours.
TL;DR: Hattiesburg offers retirees tax-free retirement income, affordable new construction from $250,000, two full-service hospital systems, a 44-mile paved trail, and easy access to New Orleans, Gulf Coast casinos, and Alabama beaches — all with a cost of living 15% below the national average.
1. Tax-Free Retirement Income
Mississippi is one of the most tax-friendly states for retirees. Social Security benefits are not taxed, and neither are withdrawals from 401(k)s, IRAs, or other qualified retirement accounts. That’s a significant advantage over neighboring states like Louisiana (which taxes some retirement income) and Alabama (which taxes 401k/IRA withdrawals). For retirees living on a fixed income, keeping more of your money matters. Mississippi also has relatively low property taxes, which keeps ongoing housing costs manageable.
2. Affordable, Low-Maintenance Housing
You don’t have to choose between affordability and quality. Low-maintenance new construction in the Hattiesburg area starts around $250,000 — homes designed for easy living with modern floor plans, energy-efficient systems, and minimal yard work. For retirees looking to downsize or simplify, that price point buys a lot more here than in most Southern metros. Whether you want a patio home, a small-lot single-family, or a home in an established neighborhood, options exist across the price spectrum without the sticker shock you’d find in Florida or the Carolinas.
3. Healthcare Without the Wait
Access to quality healthcare is non-negotiable in retirement, and Hattiesburg delivers. Forrest General Hospital and Merit Health Wesley both provide comprehensive services including cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and surgical specialties. You won’t find yourself driving two hours to Jackson or New Orleans for routine specialist appointments. The presence of the University of Southern Mississippi’s nursing and health science programs means a steady supply of trained professionals in the local workforce. For a city this size, the depth of healthcare options is genuinely unusual.
4. The Longleaf Trace: 44 Miles of Paved Trail
Staying active in retirement doesn’t require a gym membership. The Longleaf Trace is a 44-mile paved rail-trail running from Hattiesburg to Prentiss, perfect for walking, biking, or just enjoying the pine forests. The trail is flat, well-maintained, and accessible from multiple points around the city. It’s one of the longest paved trails in the South and a genuine quality-of-life asset that locals use year-round. Whether you’re training for something or just want a morning walk under the trees, it’s right here.
5. Things to Do Without Having to Travel
Retirement doesn’t mean sitting still. Hattiesburg’s two universities — the University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey — bring a steady calendar of concerts, lectures, sporting events, and theater productions. The Saenger Theater hosts touring acts and community performances downtown. Local restaurants like Crescent City Grill, Big Trouble, T-Bones, and The Porter offer quality dining without the drive. Many of these spots feature live music on weekends. The coffee shop culture is strong, and downtown Hattiesburg has become a genuinely pleasant place to spend an afternoon.
6. Location: Close to Everything, Committed to Nothing
Hattiesburg sits at the intersection of I-59 and Highway 98, making it easy to get out when you want to. New Orleans is 90 minutes south — close enough for a weekend of live jazz and great food. The Mississippi Gulf Coast casinos are about an hour away. And when you want real beach time, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama are roughly 2.5 hours east, with some of the most beautiful white-sand beaches on the Gulf. You get the quiet and affordability of a smaller city with the access of a much larger metro.
7. A Genuine Community, Not Just a Place to Live
One thing retirees often underestimate is the value of community. Hattiesburg is big enough to offer amenities — good healthcare, diverse dining, cultural events — but small enough that you’ll see familiar faces. The city population is about 48,000, with roughly 170,000 across the metro area. Annual events like HubFest and Live at Five bring people together. The faith community is active and varied. Neighbors still wave. For retirees who’ve spent decades in sprawling suburbs or transient cities, that sense of place can make a real difference in quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Mississippi tax retirement income?
No. Mississippi does not tax Social Security benefits, and withdrawals from 401(k)s, IRAs, and other qualified retirement accounts are also tax-free.
What is the cost of living in Hattiesburg for retirees?
Hattiesburg’s cost of living is about 15% below the national average. New construction starts around $250,000, and property taxes are among the lowest in the Southeast.
Is Hattiesburg a good place to retire for healthcare access?
Yes. Hattiesburg has two major hospital systems — Forrest General and Merit Health Wesley — offering comprehensive services including specialists in cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics.
What is there to do in Hattiesburg for retirees?
Hattiesburg offers the 44-mile Longleaf Trace for walking and biking, two universities with cultural events and athletics, a revitalized downtown with restaurants and live music, and easy access to New Orleans and Gulf Coast beaches.
Ready to explore retirement in Hattiesburg? I’ve helped dozens of retirees find the right home — whether that’s low-maintenance new construction or a charming spot in an established neighborhood. Let’s talk about what you’re looking for.