Oxford, Mississippi
What It Is Like to Retire in Oxford
Oxford is the county seat of Lafayette County, Mississippi, founded in 1837, and named for Oxford England. With a population of 25,416 (2020 census), the city is located in the North Central Hills region and offers a walkable downtown, historical sites, museums, performing arts theaters, and music venues. Oxford has been home to many famous authors including William Faulkner, and John Grisham. Football great Eli Manning who played college football at Ole Miss, also made his home in Oxford. Photo of Lafayette County Court House courtesy of Wikipedia and MinTUSTo, Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to Retire in Oxford and Home Prices
Oxford offers a glimpse of the old south in historic neighborhoods. People in retirement can make a financial investment in an historic home here, or they can buy in one of the many newer developments that cater to active adults, or condominium projects. Contact your realtor to find out more. Zillow.com says the median home value in Oxford was $323,993 in mid-2023.
What Is Special about Oxford
• Certified retirement community • Rich literary tradition • Historic Downtown Square • Rowan Oak, William Faulkner home • Historic homes and plantations • University of Mississippi • Square Books (and Off-Square Books), independent book stores • Mississippi Theatre Association Festival • Thacker Mountain Radio • Mississippi has a very favorable tax structure for retirees.
What Is Not Special about Oxford
Hot, humid summers. The 1962 protests over of the admission of an African-American, James Meredith, to the University of Mississippi was a very ugly incident for Oxford and for the nation.
Who Will Like Retirement in Oxford
Oxford attracts people who either want to live in a charming and historic old city with a vital university a big part of the equation. Use this link for a page that explains the various types of retirement communities
Local Economy Is Driven by
The economy is driven by tourism, the university, and retirement housing. Mississippi is extremely welcoming to retirees. Income tax rate is low and qualified retirement income is not taxed. Property taxes are among the lowest in the country. See our Guide to Mississippi retirement
Climate and Physical Environment
The city of Oxford is located in northern Mississippi, 70 miles south of Memphis. It is located in the Mississippi delta which gives way to rolling hills. Sardis Lake is large and nearby. Google Maps for Oxford Summers are hot and humid, winters are mild.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
There is a lively musical and literary tradition here, carried on in regularly scheduled festivals sponsored by the university and the town. The Powerhouse Community Arts & Cultural Center (with 140 seat theatre), Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts (a huge complex that is part of the University), Center for the Study of Southern Culture, the University Museum has several important facilities, including the J.D. Williams Library and Blues Archive (including the BB King Collection).There is also the Oxford Conference for the Book, a major 3 day event.
Crime
The crime rate is below the U.S. average.
Medical facilities
Baptist Memorial Hospital - North Mississippi
Transportation
Memphis International Airport is about 60 miles. University Oxford Airport is here in town.
Comments on "Oxford"
Edmund says:
Good data on Oxford because I have been to Mississippi but have zillowed Grenada.