Last updated on January 11th, 2024 at 08:42 pm
Live along the coast with other military retirees who benefit from local military bases. You can afford to live on the Mississippi Gulf Coast with your military retirement pay. Active duty military is located on several local bases. This is the best coast for military retirees and veterans. Our 25 reasons why this is the best coast are listed below.
The Mississippi Gulf Coast is a great place with a low cost of living. Many active military members live in the community along with those who have seen years of service. A primary reason why the high quality of life attracts retired military is due to the proximity to the VA facilities and on-base outpatient clinics.
Do not forget that none of your social security benefits or military benefits are taxed by the State of Mississippi. There is a military tax exemption for real estate taxes. State taxes for any second career income are among the lowest in the nation. Your retirement benefits will go further along the Gulf Coast. Military veterans have been retiring in this area for decades. Did I mention the VA medical center?
The Best Coast
Bordering the United States is the West Coast, the East Coast and the Best Coast. The Best Coast is located at the far southern end of the United States between Louisiana and Alabama. It’s called the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The reasons why it’s the best coast are obvious to anyone visiting.
Love to Golf, this is the place
Retirees can shop alongside military members who take advantage of the base facilities at Keesler AFB and the Navy Sea Bee Bases. The U.S. Coast Guard is stationed here along with reserve units and the National Guard. You will be around people who understand you. If you golf, you have come to the right place, we have lots of golf courses around the area.
The affordable cost of living attracts many to our area. VA home loans are available and lenders in this area know how to manage them. With the large military community come military families. I often meet people who were either in the military or their parents were stationed here when they were young.
These former military dependents came here to live and retire after having seen areas in New York, San Diego, Virginia Beach, and South Carolina. Some of the best cities in the country are located along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Did I mention that state income taxes are not charged on any retirement income including your 401k and any civilian retirement income? Articles are often written about Mississippi being one of the best states to buy a house.
Our mild climate is a draw
Our mild climate is among several factors that draw people to the area. The good news is that the Mississippi Gulf Coast has everything you desire including abundant recreational opportunities.
The Mississippi Gulf Coast is just a good place to live. Without a doubt, this is the best coast for military retirees and veterans. The United States Census Bureau just indicated that the population in Mississippi specifically in two coastal counties has increased over the last few years. This is due to the large influx of retired military and veterans who have decided to make this area their home.
You should know that this is one of the few duty stations where the active-duty military can buy a house with their military pay. The coast has one of the few Armed Forces Homes for retired veterans located right on the beach.
Great economic environment
The economic environment here is terrific. Shipbuilding, oil refining, the port, 12 casinos, and the fishing industry provide jobs and wealth for our residents. Most employers including Engalls offer priority hiring for former military members. There are many job opportunities if you would like to supplement your retirement income. Restaurants offer discounts to active duty, retired, and veterans. Even the car wash that I use offers a discount.
The unemployment rate is very low, it’s fairly easy to get a part-time job if you are a retiree who wants something to do. Work at a hardware store helping DIYers. This is also a great place to start a new business. For less than $60 you can create an LLC. Buy a fishing boat and take people out on charters.
Open a restaurant specializing in ethnic food e.g. German. Go to college for free if you are over 65. There are lots of ways to supplement your income here. Or, just have fun, and enjoy your retirement.
Religious practices here are diverse
Every religion is represented here, some more than others. The Mississippi Gulf has a long Catholic heritage from the French and Spanish. You will find Catholic churches and schools all over the Gulf Coast.
This is part of the “bible belt” as some call it. Many Baptist churches are located almost within walking distance of your home. While the area has a predominantly Christian culture, there are other faiths represented as well.
A fair-sized Vietnamese community developed here after the Vietnam War and these refugees made their home on the coast and erected temples. The Mississippi Gulf Coast has a rich religious heritage, many people belong to congregations that contribute a great deal to the well-being of the coast. During periods of adversity e.g. hurricanes, church congregations banded together and helped the recovery effort.
Join a Yacht Club
Why not join a yacht club? There are many along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Most cities have their yacht club facility located on the Gulf. These clubs are hubs of activity all year. They sponsor yacht races, dances, and other events. They have full bars and most have restaurants.
You need not own a yacht or even a boat to join. Military retirees are always welcome as a large number of members are retired from the armed forces. Read this article about yacht clubs.
Health Care is excellent
From a personal perspective as a veteran, I think that the health care here is excellent. I came from California where people think they have good care. The care here is better. I love the fact that so many of the doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers left the area to obtain their degrees and then returned. These local doctors take great care of their patients. Clinics abound for those of you who do not use VA hospitals.
This is it if you are considering relocating to a more military-friendly area. Military pensions go far here. This is one of the best places in the country to retire for just anyone but for military retirees, it is exceptional. You have everything you need here. We have many restaurants and things to do. I mentioned 12 casinos for entertainment.
Fishing is a great sport that many retired people take up. Buy a boat and set out for the day to catch some big fish in the Gulf. Or, just cruise around in the bayous. Read our article about Gulf Coast health care.
About that new house on the best coast for retirees and veterans
About that new house, you want to buy. Your military career will afford you the VA loan program which allows you to buy your new home without a down payment. Many people from the West and Pacific Northwest land here when they see how little a house will cost. For example, you can buy a 3 bedroom, 4 bathroom house within one mile of the beach for less than $350,000 (actually far less if you want).
The 100% disabled veteran property tax exemption means you pay zero property taxes. Even if you are not disabled, you can qualify for a large exemption when you hit age 65.
Active duty military personnel buy a house and when assigned to another base they retain their house and rent it. There are few places in the country where you can buy a house, rent it, and make money after you move. This helps relieve stress knowing that they need not sell their home before they move.
Many military retirees buy larger homes
Many military retirees and veterans moving here from other areas expect guests and a small home just will not usually work. Not a worry, there is a large assortment of homes at even better prices available. If you want to live on a beach or a bayou, no problem. There are some beautiful homes located on the beach (U.S. Highway 90). Some equally beautiful homes are located on one of our bayous or rivers complete with docks.
If I neglected to mention that housing on the Mississippi Gulf Coast is very affordable. Numerous articles have discussed how much lower in cost of a house is on the Mississippi Gulf Coast compared to Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and most of their suburbs. A three-bedroom, two-bathroom home on the cost can be purchased for less than $300,000 (as low as $100,000).
You can buy a house within walking distance of the beach for less than $400,000. If you want to live on the beach, you can sell your $1 million Southern California house and pay as little as $700,000 for a beachfront house. These prices of course are estimates. I suggest that you go to Logan & Anderson, Gulf Coastal Realtors’ website to see for yourself.
The largest employer here is the Military
The largest employer in the area is the combined military installations. I wish we had a Marine Corps based here as we have the Navy and Air Force. There is an Army installation about one hour north of the Gulf Coast if you are retired Army and want to visit. There are other military installations not far from here. NAS Pensacola is a two-hour drive along with a couple of Air Force Bases in the Florida panhandle.
One of the largest employers is the shipyard companies that build ships for the U.S. Navy. It seems that the defense industry has made its mark on the Gulf Coast. In a recent study, Mississippi residents join the U.S. Military at a rate way out of proportion to the population. You will see Old Glory flying proudly all over the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Former service members and retirees return and marry locals
I mentioned the number of former service members who have decided to return to the area after their discharge. They loved it here when they were in the military service and now in civilian life, they find jobs here and marry locals.
Being close to New Orleans is a draw for many. While the Gulf Coast has virtually everything you would need at our shops and restaurants, you may want to visit the French Quarter. About the same distance, East is the City of Mobile.
There are many local cultural attractions not including the many parades and Mardi Gras celebrated all over the coast. Walk around downtown Ocean Springs at the art shops and do the same thing in Bay St. Louis. Other downtown areas are coming alive including Gulfport and Biloxi.
Access to the Best Coast – Gulfport International Airport
Military retirees and veterans receive lots of guests here. Many of us (I am a veteran) have moved here from somewhere else and left family and friends behind. Due to our great climate, the beaches, and all of the other activities available here, most want to come to a visit. It’s not difficult to convince your family members to drop by for a week or two.
One of our secrets is the Gulfport International Airport. This modern facility is not crowded even though it is served by at least four airlines. The airport is located near the center of the Mississippi Gulf Coast just off of I10. When my visitors can not find the schedule they want, they fly into New Orleans.
With New Orleans receiving many non-stop flights and the Mobile airport, it’s easy to get to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The fact that we are located on I10 and U.S. 90 makes visiting easy.
Time to check the boxes
It’s time to check the boxes and summarize why this is the best coast for military retirees and veterans.
- Great Weather – Mild winter, warm summer, spring, and fall
- Green all year long – Live oak trees hundreds of years old, pine and other trees and shrubs always green
- Golf – Many opportunities near where people live and work
- Transportation – Airport, I10, U.S. 90
- Shopping – All the big box stores, outlet malls, supermarkets, and new car dealers including Mercedes, BMW, etc.
- Medical Care – 6 hospitals including the VA and on-base medical care. Dozens of clinics affiliated with hospitals, U.S.-educated doctors, and health care providers (some retired military doctors)
- Education – Seniors attend Gulf Coast Community College FREE. Jr. Colleges and the University of Southern Mississippi are on the Gulf Coast.
- The Mississippi Gulf Coast is not the West Coast or the East Coast, it is the Best Coast for military retirees and veterans.
- Schools – Some of the highest-rated schools in Mississippi and the nation
- Restaurants – A wide variety of local specialties is served including shrimp, crab, crawfish, etc. Cajun and Creole foods
- Entertainment – 12 casinos on the Las Vegas system, real games, refreshments, and restaurants
- Zero state tax is charged on any retirement income if you are over 59.5 years old. That’s zero including 401k withdrawals
- Low state tax – The top tax rate is 5% on earned income over $10,000 not on retirement income. In 2023 zero taxes on the first $10,000 of earned income. Tax rates will continue to drop through 2026 to a 4% maximum on earned income.
- Property tax exemption – 100% disabled pay zero property tax. Over 65, special partial exemption. Under 65 homestead exemption can apply. Property taxes are assessed on a four-year cycle.
- Inheritance and Estate Taxes: NONE
- Social Security: No taxes on Social Security
- Fishing license – Freshwater free, Saltwater $7.29 both lifetime. 100% disabled military regardless of age, free fishing and hunting license.
- Vehicle registration – 100% of disabled veterans pay $1 per year for their vehicle registration and receive a DAV license plate.
- Commissary – Two local bases have commissaries that retirees may shop at.
- Base exchanges – Two local bases have local exchanges
- Military discounts – Many restaurants on the Gulf Coast give military discounts. Several other businesses give military discounts as well.
- Lowes parking – Veteran parking slots are located near the door.
- Lowes-Home Depot military discount – Both give 10% off, you must sign up
- Housing – among the lowest-priced housing in the nation. Most sellers accept VA financing.
- Gulf Coasters Love our Military – You will never find a place more supportive of active duty, retired, and veterans than the Mississippi Gulf Coast. You will become family here.
- You fill in the blank: ________________________________________
Are you ready to retire on the best coast for military retirees and veterans?
The list above should convince you that the Mississippi Gulf Coast is the best coast for military retirees and veterans. Of course, a visit to the area would help confirm what you just read. I strongly suggest that you visit the area if you have not been here before. If you have been here but it’s been years, come back. Check out this article on the City of Biloxi, one of the several great cities along the Gulf Coast. Another is the best places to live on the Gulf Coast, click here
Stay in a vacation rental to give you the feeling of living in a home here. Go to ChristiesGulfBeachRentals.Com to locate a great house. Just drive around on U.S. 90 from Waveland to Pascagoula. Stop and eat at one of the many local restaurants. Visit one of our casinos.
Take a drive North to look at our more rural areas with large acreage and big houses. This will give you a feel for the area. Contact Logan&Anderson, Gulf Coastal Realtors to see a home or five or ten. Bill and Sean can direct you to a loan broker to get an idea of what you can afford. Possibly build your own home on the beach or bayou. Don’t forget to visit ActiveDutyRealty.com for more resources.
Please leave comments about this article. Read other articles on this site as well. Our most popular article is “Why I decided to retire in Ocean Springs, Mississippi”. Another article on the same topic is ” https://retirecoast.com/why-you-need-to-retire-on-the-mississippi-gulf-coast/. Remember, the Mississippi Gulf Coast is the best coast for military retirees and veterans.
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