Mississippi is full of southern charm and pine trees. The Magnolia State is located in the Southern United States and touches the Gulf of Mexico. Its location makes it a popular spot for beach goers in the summer months. It is home to the Mississippi River, one of the most famous riverways in America. The Mississippi flows 2,350 miles in total, from Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. The state has 9 national parks, over 15 civil war sites, countless beaches, and so much more.

To help you plan your move, Mayflower has compiled what you need to know before you start the process. Keep reading to prepare for your move to the Magnolia State.

Weathering the Storm in Mississippi

The state of Mississippi has a moderate climate, with warm and humid summers, while the short winters are mild to cold. The autumn from September to November is mild and sunny and makes it an ideal time to move or visit. 

If you plan to move to Mississippi, it might be best to avoid the summer from June to August. During this time, humidity and heat are typically high. There is also the constant threat of hurricanes and tropical storms, especially along the Gulf of Mexico. 

Mississippi weather is vulnerable to natural disasters year-round. Thunderstorms, floods, droughts, tornadoes, hurricanes, and more are not uncommon. Keep that in mind when planning your move to Mississippi, the weather can vary.

Education in Mississippi

For those moving to Mississippi and thinking of college, either for themselves, or for family in a few years, Mississippi has great options.

University of Mississippi, Mississippi State University, and the University of Southern Mississippi are some of the top schools in the state.

Mississippi State has over 175 programs, so there’s plenty of opportunity to find a degree you’re passionate about pursuing. 

Thinking of pursuing a pharmacy career? The Ole Miss school of pharmacy is ranked as one of the top 25 programs in the United States. 

Besides just great education programs, Ole Miss also prides itself on college football and the game day experience. Mississippi residents can enjoy the buzz of The Grove in Oxford before a big game, and participate in the school’s traditions. 

Housing Market in Mississippi

According to Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis index data, statewide, home prices in Mississippi* in late 2021 were up 13% compared to the prior year. Meanwhile, renting a home in Mississippi remains affordable with the median gross rent just nearly $850.

Southaven, Madison, Brandon, Clinton, and Flowood are some of the most popular places to be a home. Jackson is the largest city in Mississippi with a population over 150,000. The city is home to a growing number of young professionals. People are driven to Jackson for its many schooling options. There are over a dozen colleges and universities in and near Jackson.

The Southern Charm of Mississippi

Mississippi has a rich history. Birthplace of the blues, cradle of the civil rights movement, and home to civil war battlegrounds. Mississippi’s culture can be tasted through it’s food and seen through its battlefields and churches. Many of these historic places have been preserved to this day. 

For history junkies, Mississippi is home to over 15 civil war battle sites, with the most famous being Vicksburg. Vicksburg National Military Park is home to dozens of carriages, cannons, historic bridges, forts, a museum, and more.

Explore prehistoric mountains and archeological sites along the Natchez Trace Parkway Trail. Walk along the sand at Biloxi beach and dine and shop along the boardwalk. 

Discover the history of blues music at the BB King Museum and visit the childhood home of the King of Rock, Elvis. 

Immerse yourself in the stories and history of some of the nation’s most influential civil rights leaders at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. 

From Jackson, Southaven, Tupelo, Natchez, and more, there’s plenty of cities and towns of all sizes to call home. 

Moving to Mississippi Soon?

Mayflower Mississippi movers make it easy for you by customizing your moving experience. From our hands-on services to our advanced technology, our long-distance movers are here to guide you Every Step of the Way. View our full moving services and complete an online quote to get started.

Considering moving on your own? No worry. Our moving experts created this week-by-week checklist including packing tips for DIY movers like you so you can plan for a successful move.

MyMayflower Move Portal

Mayflower makes it easy to coordinate your move to Mississippi and stay organized along the way. The MyMayflower Move Portal can be personalized and streamlines your moving experience. Use customized tools to keep track of all major moving milestones, organize contacts, and book your move online.


 (*) FRED® Graphs ©Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. 2022. All rights reserved. All FRED® Graphs appear courtesy of Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. https://fred.stlouisfed.org/

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