Oxford and Lafayette County Are A Great Place To Retire
Oxford, Mississippi offers a remarkable retirement lifestyle which has recaptured a tranquility and community spirit that many remember as a thing of the past. It is also widely regarded as a center for southern arts, culture, and literature.
Oxford has been highlighted in over 75 different news commentaries, publications, and web sites as one of the top retirement destinations in the country with an outstanding quality of life.
Located just 90 minutes from Memphis, Tennessee, Oxford offers a personality of both small town and sophistication. Since the Retiree Attraction Program’s inception in 1993, the Oxford-Lafayette County Economic Development Foundation, Inc. has been successful in attracting retiree households from across the country that now enjoy a cost of living well below the national average and tax abatements that make retirement in Oxford extremely attractive and affordable.
Oxford: A Certified Retirement City
The Mississippi’s Hometown Retirement Program has designated Oxford a Certified Retirement City.

This designation is attained through a 3-month intensive screening process that ensures that the features most sought by retirees are offered, including an affordable cost of living, low taxes, low crime rate, quality medical care, recreational opportunities, continuing education, cultural opportunities, and a warm, welcoming community.
A Low Cost of Living
- Social Security benefits are tax exempt
- Qualified retirement income is tax-exempt
- Property taxes are very low
- Seniors qualify for a homestead exemption
- Prescription drugs and health care services are sales-tax exempt
- Average home price of $137,900
- View the MLS listings in Lafayette County
A Great Community
- A bicycle-friendly community
- Very low crime rate
- Great city parks
- Warm climate with mild winters
Lots To Do and See
- Tour historic homes
- Go to a play or listen to a concert
- Visit literary legends
- Watch SEC and NCAA sports
- Hear live music
- Find unique shops
- Play a round of golf
- View local art
- Go outdoors
- Take a Communiversity class
- Oxford Park Commission/Leisure Lifestyles
- Join a civic group
- Join the Newcomers Club
Quality Services and Opportunities
- High-quality healthcare available at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford
- Continuing education programs available at the University of Mississippi
- Public transportation provided by Oxford University Transit
- Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP)
- Mayor’s Commission on Disability Issues