The ‘best small town in the South’ is luring new residents with low-cost living perks — and it’s not in Florida

New York Post - Apr 24th, 2025

Starkville, Mississippi, home to Mississippi State University, has been named the top small Southern town by USA Today for the second year in a row. Known for its southern charm and vibrant community, Starkville boasts economic vitality and cultural richness. The town has a growing population exceeding 25,000 and appeals to a diverse demographic, including young professionals and retirees. Its affordable housing market, coupled with a low cost of living, makes it an attractive place to settle. Starkville's economy thrives on the university, which provides a robust job market, along with emerging healthcare and technology sectors. The town's lively downtown area offers a mix of youthful vibrancy and sophisticated charm, further enhancing its appeal.

The town's educational partnerships with Mississippi State University provide unique academic opportunities for local students, strengthening its attractiveness to families. Cultural and recreational offerings, such as the Starkville Community Theater and the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library, enrich community life. Starkville’s community spirit is especially notable during Mississippi State’s football season, uniting residents in a vibrant social scene. The town epitomizes a broader trend of small Southern towns gaining recognition for their quality of life, setting itself apart with its blend of economic opportunity, cultural depth, and affordability. Its evolution reflects the potential of small-town living to rival urban centers, as advocated by figures like HGTV stars Ben and Erin Napier in nearby Laurel, Mississippi.

Affordable Living Starkville, Mississippi Mississippi State University Usa Today Colin Krieger Southern Towns Economic Vitality Cultural Richness

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article offers a positive portrayal of Starkville, Mississippi, highlighting its recent recognition as the top small Southern town by USA Today. Its strengths lie in the clear presentation of Starkville's economic and cultural appeal, supported by quotes from a local realtor. However, the article could benefit from a more balanced perspective, additional sources, and greater transparency about the data and methods used. While timely and engaging, the piece leans towards promotional content, potentially limiting its impact and depth. Overall, the article provides an informative yet somewhat one-sided view of Starkville's attractiveness as a small-town destination.

Accuracy

The story about Starkville, Mississippi, being named the top small Southern town by USA Today for the second consecutive year appears accurate based on corroborating sources. However, the claim that Starkville's population exceeds 25,000, the housing price range, and rental costs should be verified with current data from local real estate or census sources. The assertion about the economic sectors thriving due to Mississippi State University and the growing healthcare and technology sectors aligns with known information but requires further data for precision. While the story is generally truthful and precise, some specific claims need additional verification to ensure full accuracy.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on the positive aspects of Starkville, highlighting its economic vitality, cultural richness, and community spirit. While this paints an appealing picture, it lacks a balanced view by not addressing any potential downsides or challenges the town might face, such as economic disparities or infrastructure issues. The perspective is largely supportive of the town's growth and attractiveness, potentially omitting critical viewpoints that might offer a more nuanced understanding of life in Starkville.

Clarity

The article is clearly written, with a logical structure that guides the reader through different aspects of Starkville's appeal. The language is straightforward and informative, making the content accessible to a wide audience. However, the tone is somewhat promotional, which may affect the perceived neutrality of the piece. Overall, the clarity of the article supports reader comprehension, although a more neutral tone would enhance objectivity.

Source quality

The article cites a local RE/MAX realtor, Colin Krieger, as a primary source, which lends some credibility to claims about housing and community aspects. However, the reliance on a single source, particularly one with a vested interest in promoting real estate, may introduce bias. Additional sources from local government, independent real estate data, or academic perspectives would enhance the reliability and depth of the article's claims.

Transparency

The article lacks transparency regarding the methodology behind the claims, such as how USA Today determined Starkville's ranking or the basis for economic and demographic assertions. There is no disclosure of potential conflicts of interest, especially considering the realtor's input. Greater transparency about how data were collected and analyzed would improve the article's credibility and allow readers to better assess the validity of the information presented.