Living a College Town Lifestyle in Oxford, Mississippi

Oxford, population 13,000, is the home of the University of Mississippi, also known as "Ole Miss." The town has become a popular community; in fact it was named by USA Today as one of the top 6 college towns in the nation. It has also been included on a list of The Best 100 Small Towns in America. Memphis, 70 miles away, is the closest large city. Oxford is a city in Lafayette County, Mississippi. Crime index is low.

Those who love literature and music will love Oxford Mississippi as a retirement town. William Faulkner adopted Oxford as his home town, and some of his books draw upon local scenes. The popular legal thriller author, John Grisham, has a home here. Bob Dylan wrote a song set here, “Oxford Town,”,chronicling the strife that took place when James Meredith enrolled at the University. Counting Crows and Elvis Costello have recorded albums in Oxford.

The town offers a glimpse of the old south in historic neighborhoods. 

Where to Retire in Oxford and Home Prices

Oxford offers a glimpse of the old south in historic neighborhoods. People in retirement can make a financial investment in an historic home here, or they can buy in one of the many newer developments that cater to active adults, such as Grand Oaks, Wellsgate, and St. Charles Place (see link at left). There are a number of condominium projects; some of the nicest ones are near the Square. Provence Park is one condo project, Turnberry Condominiums is another. Contact your realtor to find out more.

Zillow.com says the median home value in Oxford was $267,325 in late 2022.

What Is Special about Oxford

• Rich literary tradition • Historic Downtown Square • Rowan Oak, William Faulkner home • Historic homes and plantations • University of Mississippi • Square Books (and Off-Square Books), independent book stores • Mississippi Theatre Association Festival • Thacker Mountain Radio • Mississippi has a very favorable tax structure for retirees.

What Is Not Special about Oxford

Hot, humid summers. The 1962 protests over of the admission of an African-American, James Meredith, to the University of Mississippi was a very ugly incident for Oxford and for the nation.

Climate and Physical Environment

The city of Oxford is located in northern Mississippi, 70 miles south of Memphis. It is located in the Mississippi delta which gives way to rolling hills. Sardis Lake is large and nearby. Google Maps for Oxford
Summers are hot and humid, winters are mild.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

There is a lively musical and literary tradition here, carried on in regularly scheduled festivals sponsored by the university and the town. The Powerhouse Community Arts & Cultural Center (with 140 seat theatre), Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts (a huge complex that is part of the University), Center for the Study of Southern Culture, the University Museum has several important facilities, including the J.D. Williams Library and Blues Archive (including the BB King Collection).There is also the Oxford Conference for the Book, a major 3 day event.

Crime

The crime rate is below the U.S. average.

Medical Facilities

Baptist Memorial Hospital - North Mississippi.

Transportation

Memphis International Airport is about 60 miles. University Oxford Airport is here in town.

Valuable Links

The City of Oxford

Wikipedia page for Oxford

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