Reasons to retire in Starkville... Located in the foothills of east central Mississippi, Starkville boasts the state's largest university, a national wildlife refuge and a nationally acclaimed golf course. Residents enjoy all the town has to offer while living in safe, quiet neighborhoods. The entire community of Starkville, and several thousand visitors, join together to root for the Mississippi State University Bulldogs whenever they play. Football days bring a sea of maroon and white tailgaters to town. Cheering sections for the baseball and basketball teams also fill quickly, so be sure to buy your tickets early. Great college athletics aren't the only thing MSU has to offer. Cultural events include several concerts and performances by visiting artists each year and performances by the Starkville-MSU Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. Off campus the Starkville Community Theater invites residents to step into the spotlight, or take a seat and enjoy the play. Continuing education programs are available through MSU, Starkville School District and Starkville Parks and Recreation Department, all of which offer courses of study for the curious as well as degree seekers. Festivals and events bring the Starkville community together. The annual Arts Festival, the Family Fourth of July Celebration and a community Christmas Parade give Starkville residents great opportunities to have a good time. Starkville also boasts numerous interesting social and civic clubs and organizations. These groups are always looking for someone with a little extra time or talent to take part. Starkville Facts & Figures Population: 21,868 Hospital Beds: 96 Physicians: 35 Average Home Cost: $136,000 Average new home cost (2,000 sq. ft. brick home with one-half acre lot): $180,000 Tax on $100,000 home with Homestead Exemption: Under Age 65-$987 65 years or older-$491 Places of Worship: 80 Denominations present: 14 Commercial passenger air service available at Golden Triangle Regional Airport (14 miles east). For those who really want to be active in the Starkville community, there are quite a few tennis teams that would be more than happy to add a new ace to their roster. Hunting, fishing, bird watching, hiking, boating, golfing and tennis are all great reasons to get out and enjoy the natural environment surrounding Starkville. Named one of the Top 10 Public Courses in Mississippi by Golf Digest, the MSU golf course was called "the best golf deal under $50" in the state by USA Today. Starkville is also just minutes away from Old Waverly golf course, ranked by Golf Digest as one of the 100 best courses in America. The Starkville Country Club also boasts a challenging, well-groomed course with many social activities for members and guests. The Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge encompasses two major lakes, nature trails, hunting areas and a 3,225-acre bird sanctuary. Other public and private lands also offer excellent hunting, and several area hunting clubs welcome hunters who want to share tips, good times and tall tales. Starkville area businesses are also eager to serve "retirees". For a complete list of senior citizen discounts, please see the Starkville Chamber of Commerce web site.