Once a year, the University of Mississippi hosts the Oxford Conference for the Book, a week-long event that brings some of the nation's most authoritative writers, poets and publishers to town.  It is open to the public and well-attended year in and year out.  Each August, the University also presents another literary conference, the Faulkner and Yoknapatawpha Conference, which brings in Faulkner scholars from around the world (Faulkner's home is still here and open for tours).   Oxford and its residents seem to love the magic that these events bring to town.  In addition, Ole Miss presents live theater, concerts, museum exhibits and lectures for the public; the University library is also open to all residents.  Theatre Oxford, the local community theater group, presents plays each year, and the annual Double Decker Arts Festival showcases food, art and music.  

For sports lovers, the University of Mississippi's football culture is nearly a religion, and the University's golf course and the lovely Grand Oak Golf Course offer18-holes of golf.   There are 45 public outdoor tennis courts, and the city has a 50 meter swimming pool (the University has both indoor and outdoor public pools available).  Walkers will love the city's extensive system of paved paths.

Retirees will appreciate that the University offers up to four credit hours of class work per semester at no cost to those 65 or better.   The University is also the site of the Institute for Learning in Retirement and provides a variety of courses, workshops, and seminars specifically geared to the interests and needs of seniors.  

Health care should not be a worry if retiring in Oxford.  Baptist Memorial Hospital North Mississippi is a 205-bed facility that is a referral center and home to more than 70 doctors and surgeons.  It has a women's center, a cancer unit and a cardiac care center, as well as 24/7 emergency care.    Sta-Home is a home health care agency that provides skilled nursing, occupational therapy (such as help with bathing, grooming, etc.) and other services for seniors in their homes.  Azalea Gardens (662-234-9600) is an independent and assisted-living facility with cottages for sale and a monthly service fee.  Hermitage Gardens of Oxford (662-234-8244) is also an assisted-living facility.  Meals on Wheels is active as well.

All religious denominations are represented here, and the city has a crime rate below the national average.

The weather in is hot and humid in the summer (average summer highs are in the high 80s and low 90s) but pleasant in the winter (highs in the 70s and lows in the mid-30s).  For those from dry climates, however, these temperatures can still feel chilly!   The area does occasionally see snow and receives, on average, 55 inches of rain per year.  Oxford is not in "Tornado Alley" but can be visited by tornadoes in the spring and summer and can receive after-effects of hurricanes that hit the Gulf coast.

From the Civil War when much of the town Square was burned by a Union general to civil rights' unrest during the 1960s, Oxford has seen its share of upheaval and today is a conservative place that is becoming somewhat gentrified.  It also has a lot of students, but much of its housing is affordable, and the southern charm is abundant.   It often seems as though the spirit of William Faulkner himself is here (his grave is located at St. Peter's Cemetery).   Oxford's program to recruit seniors is called the Retiree Attraction Program and can be reached at 800-880-6967.

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