The ‘best small town in the South’ is luring new residents with low-cost living perks — and it’s not in Florida
A little bit of small-town southern charm goes a long way.
Once defined by the spirited pulse of Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi has emerged as a multifaceted destination, recently named the top small Southern town by USA Today for the second consecutive year.
With a population exceeding 25,000, this community blends affordability, economic vitality and cultural richness, attracting a diverse mix of residents from young professionals to retirees.
The town’s economic appeal is rooted in its low cost of living.
Housing options range widely, with homes priced between $50,000 and $500,000.
“You can find a nice clean house in a good neighborhood under $250,000,” Colin Krieger, a local RE/MAX realtor, told DailyMail. “Then we have a large group of houses around $300,000 to $350,000 and another crop around $500,000.”
Rental properties are equally accessible, with three-bedroom homes averaging $475 to $600 monthly. Recent construction has prioritized multifamily housing to accommodate the university’s 22,000 students.
“We’ve seen a lot of condominium development,” Krieger noted. “The town’s construction has been a ton of apartments made to make more room for the college kids.”
Starkville’s economy thrives on the university, the state’s largest, which anchors a robust job market alongside growing healthcare and technology sectors. The downtown area, particularly University Avenue, balances youthful energy with sophisticated offerings.
“University Avenue is a large stretch, which starts with a cotton district and ends up in a more adult section of downtown that has its own restaurants so you’re able to separate from the college kids a little more,” Krieger told the outlet. This mix fosters a lively yet navigable social scene.
Education is another draw, with local schools forging strong ties to the university.
“They built a partnership with the middle school a few years back that’s actually integrated with Mississippi State University, so that the kids have access to some of the professors there,” Krieger said. “And they have a plan to approve a high school to do the same thing that should come up later this year.”
These collaborations enhance academic opportunities, making Starkville appealing to families.
The town’s cultural and recreational offerings are equally compelling. History enthusiasts visit the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library, while the Starkville Community Theater and Starkville-MSU Symphony Orchestra enrich the arts scene.
Outdoor activities abound, with the Starkville Wildlife Refuge offering hiking, hunting, and birdwatching.
The nearby Oktibbeha County Hospital provides advanced healthcare, a significant factor for the growing retiree population.
“It’s a college town with Mississippi State University here. It’s vibrant. The kids keep us busy over here, but there’s also a large retirement population coming in from both alumni and other parts of the state,” Krieger observed.
Starkville’s community spirit peaks during Mississippi State’s football season, when game days unite residents in tailgates and local bars.
“Of course there are times on SEC football weekends where it’s a madhouse and there’s traffic everywhere, but that’s one of the unique features I like about it for such a small town of the South,” Krieger said.
Yet, the town maintains a safe, approachable atmosphere.
“It’s very welcoming. You feel safe. You walk the streets and it’s not as much of a throw down college atmosphere as you might think,” he added.
Starkville’s rise reflects a broader trend of small Southern towns gaining recognition for their quality of life.
USA Today also highlighted places like Lewisburg, West Virginia, and Williamsburg, Virginia, but Starkville’s blend of economic opportunity, cultural depth and affordability sets it apart.
Its evolution mirrors the vision of HGTV stars Ben and Erin Napier, who, in nearby Laurel, Mississippi, advocate for the potential of small-town living to rival urban centers.
