Living a Small town Lifestyle in Vicksburg, Mississippi

This small town of just over 25,000 is located on bluffs overlooking the Yazoo and Mississippi Rivers. Vicksburg has old southern charm with squares, tree-lined streets, riverfront casinos, and the Vicksburg National Military Park. The park commemorates General U.S. Grant's successful siege of Vicksburg in 1863, one of the Civil War's most decisive battles.

Armed with a new mayor and many enterprising local citizens, Vicksburg has begun a massive renewal campaign focused on Washington Street. This old street facing the river had featured boarded up shops until just 3 years ago; today it is filled with bustling coffee shops, Lorelei Books, the Warehouse luxury hotel, and many boutiques. The project is still not finished, but piped in jazz and period street lamps give the street a wonderful feel. The U.S. Corps of Engineers is beginning work on a huge riverboat museum at the end of Washington Street. Tourists come here for the casinos, civil war tours, and tours of the many old mansions including the historic McRaven home.

Where to Retire in Vicksburg and Home Prices

Living choices at this time are somewhat limited. There are many lovely homes near the river that either could be or have been restored. Prices are astonishingly low by coastal standards. There are also active adult communities in the surrounding area that many might find appealing. Zillow reported that the median home value in Vicksburg was $128,502, in early 2020. The cost of living is very low, as are property taxes (average just over $500).

What Is Special about Vicksburg

Unique place in civil war history. Huge National Military Park. Many beautiful homes to tour (or purchase!). Low prices and low taxes. Friendly people. Casinos. Old Court House Museum. New Army Corps of Engineers Interpretive Museum. Washington Street ambience. Tree-lined streets and squares. The potential that Vicksburg could take off and be a great real estate investment.

What Is Not Special about Vicksburg

Vicksburg has been economically depressed a long time and still has a way to go. Hot summers. High crime and unemploymentl

Climate and Physical Environment

The average January temperature is in the high 40s and the average July temp in the low 80s. Vicksburg is between the Yazoo and Mississippi rivers west of Jackson.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

Washington Street has a bookstore, as well as many galleries and boutiques. The 4 casinos in Vicksburg have a great deal of entertainment. Jackson, with several colleges and universities, is just 45 miles away. The Vicksburg Art Association. H.C. Porter is just one of the renowned artists in the area. In 2002 the Vicksburg Riverfront murals program was begun by Louisiana mural artist Robert Dafford and his team on the floodwall located on the waterfront in the downtown.

Crime

The crime rate is about 2 times the national average.

Medical Facilities

River Region Medical Center is at 2100 Hgway 61 N

Transportation

Jackson Airport is a conveniently sized facility just 45 miles away

Valuable Links

Wikipedia on Vicksburg
Vicksburg City-Data
More community reviews at Topretirements
Visit Vicksburg
Mini-guide to retirement in Mississippi

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