Oxford, Mississippi

Reasons to retire in Oxford abound, but the town’s stimulating literary tradition might be one of the best. In the rolling hills of north central Mississippi, this vibrant hamlet is home to the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) and has been the inspiration for writers William Faulkner, John Grisham, Willie Morris and many others. Locals talk of the town’s famous “literary mystique,” that intangible something that gets the creative juices flowing, inspiring poets, novelists, and, yes, retirees.

Much of life here happens in the historic downtown Square where coffeehouses, pubs, banks, retailers, art galleries, law offices and Neilson’s Department Store, which is the oldest department store in the South, rub shoulders. More than 50 very good restaurants, including some award-winning ones, are here, too.

Rowhouse condos with colorful balconies, the Oxford Midtown Farmers’ Market and the renowned Square Books bookstore (where famous authors are said to hang-out) add to the Square’s stimulating atmosphere. Oxford has a vibrant music scene, and jazz piano riffs and blues tunes are often heard wafting from downtown buildings. Historic sites are at nearly every turn.

Each spring, Ole Miss (28,000 students) hosts the Oxford Conference for the Book, a three-day event that brings to town some of the nation’s top writers, poets and publishers. It’s open to the public and is always well-attended. Each August, the University also presents another literary get-together, the Faulkner and Yoknapatawpha Conference, which draws William Faulkner scholars from around the world (Faulkner’s home – Rowan Oak- is still here and is open for tours).

In addition, Ole Miss presents live theater events, concerts, museum exhibits and lectures for the public. The University library is also open to all residents. New Theatre Oxford, the local community theater group, presents plays throughout the year, and the annual Double Decker Arts Festival showcases food, art and music.

Sports enthusiasts revel in the University’s football culture, which is nearly a religion. The Ole Miss golf course, the Country Club of Oxford and several other courses each offer 18 holes of challenging play. Walkers and bicyclists love the city’s system of meandering paved paths, and Holly Springs National Forest, just to the east of town, has opportunities for fishing, backpacking and hiking.

For those who still yearn to learn, the University’s Division of Outreach and Continuing Education lets people age 65 or better enroll in limited undergraduate classes tuition free. Its Communiversity is for all ages and has non-credit classes in everything from dancing to cupcake decorating.

 Most residences sit on a leafy street, and housing is varied, from beautifully restored antebellum mansions and palatial French country manors to ordinary ranch ramblers. There are several master planned developments, including Wellsgate.