Coldwater, MS

Coldwater is a quiet, tight-knit community of about 1,400 people in Tate County, Mississippi. Sitting right along Highway 51 and just off Interstate 55, it gives residents a relaxed rural atmosphere while keeping the Memphis metro area an easy 40-minute drive north. It is the kind of place where daily life moves at an unhurried pace and neighbors genuinely know one another.

ATTRThomas R Machnitzki (thomas@machnitzki.com) / CC BY 3.0

The town has a fascinating claim to fame: in the 1940s, the entire community was picked up and moved a mile south to make room for Arkabutla Lake. Nowadays, having that reservoir just down the road is a huge plus for anyone who enjoys boating, fishing, and weekend camping. With local schools right in town and plenty of open space, Coldwater offers simple, affordable living with easy access to both outdoor recreation and bigger-city amenities.