Mississippi Coast: top destinations and ongoing challenges

This collection of stories explores how the Mississippi Coast appears on national lists for both its achievements and ongoing challenges as the region moves into 2025.

Pass Christian stands out as a top retirement destination, while Ocean Springs and Bay St. Louis gain attention for their beaches and festivals. The region also attracts the spotlight for its food scene, with local BBQ and new hotels earning high ranking in Southern publications.

On the other hand, Mississippi lands among the worst states for women’s health and mental health care access, with Jackson highlighted as a focal point for national health policy debates. High grocery prices link Mississippi with states like California, and state leaders consider major tax reforms to address affordability issues.

Read the stories below.

The South has a healthcare problem. By Photo by Alex Green

NO. 1: MISSISSIPPI AMONG THE 5 WORST STATES FOR MENTAL HEALTH CARE ACCESS. HERE’S WHY

Mississippi ranks dismally for mental health care access. A new study reveals shocking lack of treatment and support for mental illness. | Published May 8, 2024 | Read Full Story by Mona Moore

The views from the outdoor patio at Bacchus on the Beach in Pass Christian, Mississippi. By Scott Watkins

NO. 2: THIS MS COAST TOWN RANKED AS 1 OF THE MOST COVETED RETIREMENT DESTINATIONS IN THE U.S.

Whether it’s for the pristine beaches or manicured golf courses, the Harrison County city’s popularity among the 60-plus set continues to rise. | Published May 31, 2024 | Read Full Story by Mona Moore

The price of produce at N.C. grocery stores would jump if Congress passes a Border Adjustment Tax. By Robert Lahser

NO. 3: MISSISSIPPI GROCERY PRICES ALMOST AS HIGH AS CALIFORNIA’S. WILL OUR LAWMAKERS DO ANYTHING?

The cost to buy groceries in the Magnolia State is third-highest in the nation. | Published June 9, 2024 | Read Full Story by Bobby Harrison

Labeled monitors display the various medications of a COVID-19 patient in the ICU at Memorial Hospital in Gulfport on Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021. By Hannah Ruhoff

NO. 4: MISSISSIPPI RANKS WORST IN THE U.S. IN WOMEN’S HEALTH ACCORDING TO NEW NATIONAL SCORECARD

The report evaluates states on health care access, affordability, quality of care and health outcomes. | Published July 22, 2024 | Read Full Story by Sophia Paffenroth

New businesses are opening in downtown Bay St. Louis, making parking sometimes hard to find. By Courtesy of Hancock County Port and Harbor

NO. 5: SOUTHERN LIVING RELEASES BEST IN THE SOUTH LIST FOR 2025. HERE ARE THE SOUTH MS WINNERS

Southern Living readers weigh in on the best cities, food and getaways in the South, and they’re impressed with South Mississippi. | Published March 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mary Perez

Michelin Guide to the American South will be available this year. It’s the first guide for a region of the country rather than major cities and Southern states will pay to help establish it. By Charlotte Observer photo

NO. 6: MISSISSIPPI PAYING TO BE IN MICHELIN RESTAURANT GUIDE. HERE’S HOW MUCH, AND WHY

The new guide will cover six Southern states, along with Atlanta. | Published April 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mary Perez

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.