From the refreshing breezes of the Gulf of Mexico to the cool, relaxing shade of sweet-smelling magnolias, it's easy to enjoy life in Mississippi.

Deciding where to retire boils down to finding a friendly place that just feels like home. We've tried to make the search a little easier with our 21 Certified Retirement Cities.

When you see the green highway signs proclaiming "Corporate Limit, A Certified Retirement City," you'll know you've found a hometown to call your own.

To qualify as a Certified Retirement City, each town must pass through a three-month intensive screening process conducted by Hometown Mississippi Retirement, the state's official retiree attraction program. We evaluate each city on the criteria important to retirees - affordable cost of living, low taxes, low crime rate, quality medical care, recreation, educational and cultural opportunities, and most importantly - a warm, welcoming community.

Our 21 Certified Retirement Cities throughout the state offer a variety of lifestyles. You can choose from quaint towns or settle in a more metropolitan area. A number of our cities are home to universities, and all are served by community colleges. History lives in antebellum architecture, and retired military enjoy privileges at the five major military installations in the state. No matter what terrain you choose - rolling hills, flatlands, lush forested areas, or the coastline along the Gulf of Mexico - a mild four-season climate lets you enjoy the outdoors year-round.

This website showcases each of our Certified Retirement Cities, including first-hand accounts by retirees who found a new home in Mississippi. Check out the box at the bottom of each city's page for the population, average price of homes, taxes, number of doctors and hospital beds, religious denominations and airport proximity.

Once you decide which cities you might like to consider for your retirement hometown, you can use the directory or our email form to contact the cities for more information. Each city can provide you with the details on its amenities, taxes, housing, medical care and lifestyle. Pay a visit, and volunteers will give you a taste of the easy living in their hometown with a personalized, no-pressure tour.

Once you move to a Certified Retirement City, special activities such as picnics, dances and group trips make the transition a breeze. New friends will welcome you to the community, show you around and help you get involved. Then the next thing you know, you'll be greeting newcomers and introducing them to your hometown.

Just click a city on the left to find out more about what Mississippi's Certified Retirement Cities have to offer you.