Overview
Tupelo makes a name for itself as a prime location for retirees in Northern Mississippi. With a variety of outdoor recreation activities and locations, as well as community-organized events, residents will have their schedules filled.
Climate & Geography
Tupelo is situated in a humid subtropical climate: summers are long, hot, and humid while winters are short, cold, and wet. Residents of the city experience no snow fall, more rain than the national average, and approximately 219 sunny days throughout the year.
The terrain of Tupelo and the surrounding area mostly consists of rolling hills, lakes, and creeks.
Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment
Within the last 50 years, Tupelo has been awarded the All-America City Award, an award given by the National Civic League that recognizes communities that leverage civic engagement, collaboration, and innovation to successfully address local issues. Tupelo is one of seven cities to win the award five times or more.
Throughout the year, Tupelo organizes various festivals and events such as the Tupelo Hot Air Balloon Festival, Elvis Festival, Celebration Village, and a triathlon.
For outdoor recreation, Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile recreational road and scenic drive that runs through three states. Active adults can hike, bike, boat, horseback ride, and camp at the parkway. Tombigbee State Park and Trace State Park offer activities ranging from water sports, hiking, fishing, and camping.
At the Artifacts Antiques by Relics, retirees can explore the antique mall’s 65+ booth spaces that carry traditional antiques, vintage, repurposed, artwork, and arts and crafts. Bancorpsouth Arena is a 10,000 seat multi-use center that houses nearly 170 exhibit booths for large scale conventions, concerts, concerts, trade shows, and more. Link Centre hosts a variety of events ranging from music, film, and dining.
Cost of Living & Taxes
Mississippi is considered one of the most tax-friendly states for retirees. Social Security benefits, IRAs, 401(k) plans, public and private pensions, and other types of qualified retirement income are exempt from state income tax. The sales tax in the city is 7.25 percent. Tupelo’s cost of living is 22 percent lower than the national average.
Health Care
North Mississippi Medical Center-Tupelo is ranked No. 2 in Mississippi. The hospital is high performing in five procedures and conditions: aortic valve surgery, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), colon cancer surgery, heart bypass surgery, and heart failure.