Meridian
Meridian
is a relaxing town in eastern Mississippi. The residents enjoy
a life filled with music and art. Several lakes, nature trails
and a waterfall also contribute to Meridian's quality of life.
The Meridian Museum of Art hosts more than 30 annual exhibitions ranging from American Indian tribal works to contemporary paintings and photography. The museum also has permanent collections of European and American paintings and sculpture.
The Meridian Symphony Orchestra is the second oldest in the state. Performances
by the orchestra bring the soothing sounds of kettle drums and bassoons to
Meridian residents several times a year. The Grand Opera House of Mississippi
is the only grand opera house in the South. After being sealed for 60 years,
the opera house is now being restored and is open for tours.
Jimmie Rodgers, "The Father of Country Music," was a Meridian native. Every year the town hosts a festival in honor of "The Singing Brakeman" with performances by top country music acts from around the nation, and the Bonita Blues Festival chases everybody's blues away.
The Meridian Council for the Arts sponsors Arts in the Park which features arts and crafts, entertainment and rides on a treasured Dentzel carousel from the 1890s. Things really get cooking in the park during The Fourth of July Pig and Pops celebration.
When it's time to take it easy, Lake Okatibbee offers boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, hunting and more than 100 campsites. A wildlife refuge and a 65-foot waterfall once used as a power source to manufacture Stetson hats can be found at Dunn's Falls. Bonita Lakes Park is a 3,300-acre, city-owned park situated on three lakes. In addition to boating and fishing, the park also features nature trails, horseback riding and an 18-hole public golf course.
Meridian is a major health care center. The three area hospitals provide care
for much of eastern Mississippi and western Alabama.
Over 4,000 military personnel, dependents and civilians work and live at the
Naval Air Station Meridian base. Military retirees can take advantage of the
base exchange, medical facilities and even a riding stable.
The Lifetime Quest program at Meridian Community College offers terrific educational opportunities for any studious retiree. And when it's time for a study break, you can shop till you drop at the brand-new Bonita Lakes mall.
Read what people like yourself have to say about Meridian:
Robert and Dorothy Klimetz decided to settle in the eastern Mississippi town of Meridian.
Mississippi Living: It seems you just happened upon Mississippi. Tell us about your arrival.
The Klimetzes: The Navy transferred us here from Kodiak, Alaska. We liked Meridian so much, we decided to stay here for our retirement. The size of the town is small enough to get around easily and keep the cost of living down. Yet it is large enough to have excellent stores, parks and cultural events.
Mississippi Living: What were some other factors keeping you here?
The Klimetzes: Well, the hunting and fishing are excellent. We can choose from dove, turkey, whitetail deer and squirrel. There is plenty of freshwater fishing around Meridian, or we can go to the Gulf for great saltwater fishing. And those of us over 65 can hunt and fish for free!
Mississippi Living: Have you become involved in the Meridian community?
The Klimetzes: Well, it's hard not to. We're are members of the Retired Officers Association and the Retiree Group of Meridian, as well as being active with our church.
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Facts
and Figures |
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| Population: |
39,968 |
| Hospital Beds: |
1,448 |
| Physcians: |
270+ |
| Average cost of Home: |
$79,900 |
| Average
Cost of a New 2,000 sq. ft. Brick Home on a half-acre lot: |
$135,000 |
| Tax on $100,000 Home with Homestead Exemption: |
(under
age 65): $1,315 (65 and older): $622 |
| Places of Worship: |
200+ |
| Denominations Represented: | 40 |
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Commercial
passenger air and rail service available locally. Air: Delta Connection and Northwest Airlink; Rail: AMTRAK. |
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FOR MORE INFORMATION
City of Meridian
1901 Front Street
P.O. Box 1430
Meridian, MS 39302
Phone: 601-484-6848
1-800-585-3722
Fax: 601-484-6849
email:retire@meridianms.org
Website:www.meridianms.org
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