Meridian has been attracting retirees for many years. U.S. Navy retirees have long considered Meridian a good location-and so have their children, relatives and friends. Festivals and activities are plentiful. Each season is highlighted by numerous events and our local community college offers speakers, concerts, plays and many adult classes appealing to just about everyone. With more then 150 clubs and organizations and more than 150 churches representing major Protestant, Roman Catholic and Jewish religions, it's easy to be part of a group in Meridian. We also feature the 2nd oldest symphony orchestra in the state, the largest amateur theatre and several museums. All actively seek community volunteers to take part in their year-round functions. In 2006, the MSU/Riley Performing Arts center opened with a complete renovation of an 1800's Grand Opera House.
Meridian is brimming with reasonably priced housing. Beautiful homes can be bought at about half the cost of a similar home in other parts of the country. Meridian has some lovely historic homes just waiting for restoration. There are also old country homes on acres of rolling pastures.
Meridian is home to two institutions of higher learning-Meridian Community College (MCC) and Mississippi State University/Meridian Campus. MCC features the innovative "Lifetime Quest" program for active seniors. You can meet new friends through our Parks and Recreation programs or at our Senior Activities Center. Add to this schedule great shopping opportunities and interesting historic districts-you'll always find something to keep you busy. Meridian is a wonderful place to call home.
Click on the above logo for a video.
Modern
Health Care
As
a major service and health care center for East Mississippi and West
Alabama, Meridian features three outstanding, comprehensive hospitals
with a total of 655 beds. Open heart, MRI capabilities, and a cancer treatment center exemplify
the range of excellent services available. Should someone you love require
the services of a home-health nurse, Meridian has many home-health services
at an affordable price. The city also features modern retirement centers
that make you feel you're part of a family.
Financial
Security
Ten
major banking institutions and five credit unions thrive in Meridian.
Mississippi residents benefit from the lowest per capita tax burden
in the United States. According to Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine,
Mississippi is No. 1 in the Sun Belt and seventh in the country for least
expensive state taxes for retirees. In addition to low tax rates, Mississippi
retirees do not have to pay state income tax on qualified retirement
income and gain an additional bonus exemption on property taxes upon
reaching the age of 65. (Source: Mississippi Tax Commission)
Location,
Location, Location
Recognized
as the center of East Mississippi and West Alabama, Meridian retains
that hometown, country lifestyle feel. It takes a scant 15 minutes to
drive across town, yet big cities are near! Meridian is located at
the intersection of two major interstates I-20 and I-59-that ease your
travels to the four corners of our country.
Mild
Climate
The
climate lends itself to comfort. In our mild temperatures, azaleas and
dogwoods burst into bloom in early spring and gardening is a year round
hobby. Lake Okatibbee and Bonita Lakes provide bountiful sites for fishing
and boating. Our numerous small lakes provide scenic home sites. Deer,
turkey, squirrel, rabbit, dove and other hunting seasons run throughout
the year. Our many fine golf courses offer year-round action.
Meridian,
as the center of East Mississippi, offers scenic beauty, mild climate
and recreational opportunities, moderate living costs and sophisticated
health services. Affordable land and single-family housing, a low crime
rate and a sense of community are all "given" here. And frankly,
because of our nature, we also offer a relaxed lifestyle characterized
by a service attitude you will find unparalleled anywhere in the country.
e-mail retire@meridianms.org