|
x
|
|
Home
Vol VI Issue 42
June 8, 2011
Previous Issues
Rural but Literary Oxford, Mississippi Beckons to
Retirees Seeking
Gracious Living, Southern Sophistication, Intellectual Stimulation,
an Intense Football Culture
and a Reasonable Cost of Living
Cost of Living: Meets the National Average
|
|
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 offer18 holes of challenging
play. Walkers and bicyclists love the
city's new system of meandering paved paths, and being
out and about on them is safe - Oxford's crime rate is
below the national average. Holly Springs National
Forest, just to the east of town, offers opportunities
for fishing, backpacking and hiking.
For those who still yearn to learn, the
University offers several credit hours of class at no cost to
people age 65 or better.
Ole Miss also sponsors the Division of Outreach and
Continuing Education for non-traditional students and
its popular (500 members) Lifetime Learning Institute
has a variety of
courses, workshops and special events specifically
geared to those lucky enough to be age 50+.
|
|
The Three Rivers Area Agency on Aging provides
services, including meals, Medicare assistance and legal services,
to the mature population in Lafayette County.
The
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) runs the local senior
center, which offers a variety of programs and services, including
Meals on Wheels.
Public transportation is provided by OUT (Oxford University
Transit), but service is limited. The regular fare is
$1, but people age 65+ ride for half price. Oxford is a good
walking city, and it is very bicycle friendly, but most people need a car or a good friend with a car.
There is a municipal airport, but the closest international
airport is 55 miles away in Memphis.
|
The weather is hot and humid in the summer (highs are in the high 80s and low 90s) but
pleasant in the winter (with highs in the 70s and lows in the
30s). On average, the area receives 55 inches of rain
annually and some snow. The sun shines 215 days of the
year. On the comfort index, a combination of temperature
and humidity, Oxford comes in well below the national
average. The risk of a tornado is 135% above the national
average, and Oxford occasionally experiences after-effects of
Gulf coast hurricanes. The water quality is below the
national average, but the air quality is above the national
average.
From the Civil War, when much of the downtown was torched by
a Union general, to civil unrest during the 1960s, Oxford has seen its share of
upheaval. Today is a conservative place that is becoming somewhat
gentrified, but it has some drawbacks as a retirement spot. It
has been growing (nearly 35% since 2000) and is suffering somewhat from the effects of this (urban sprawl, traffic
congestion, etc.). The parks and recreation department does not
have much in the way of 55+ classes, and senior services are adequate but not
great. Public transportation is limited. The tornado risk is high.
And not everyone shares in Oxford's appealing quality of life - the poverty
rate is above the national average.
Yet, Oxford city exudes southern character, quiet
sophistication and a rich collegiate vibe, all at a reasonable cost. For many
retirees, it is indeed a great retirement spot.
Back to Top
Back to Page 1
|
Great Retirement Spots Newsletter is
published eight to ten times a month by Webwerxx, Inc., 2770 S. Elmira St.,
Denver, CO 80231. (303) 358-0512. Copyright 2006-2011. All
rights reserved. No part of this electronic publication may be
reproduced without the express written consent of Webwerxx, Inc. Many
attempts were made to verify the accuracy of the information contained in this
bulletin, but some information may have changed since publication. Webwerxx,
Inc. cannot be held responsible for information that has changed since this
publication appeared online. Please contact us at staff@greatretirementspots.com
if you have questions or comments. View our privacy
policy.
Mississippi Real Estate Active Adult
Developments in Mississippi Retirement Communities
|
|