Vicksburg, MS

Perched on the high bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, Vicksburg combines classic riverfront scenery with an easygoing, small-town atmosphere. Home to about 21,000 people right across the border from Louisiana, the community is famous for its pivotal Civil War history and quiet, historic neighborhoods. Brick streets, preserved architecture, and the sprawling Vicksburg National Military Park give the town a distinctive character, offering miles of green, rolling hills right in the middle of the city.

Beyond tourism, the local economy has a surprisingly strong research and engineering backbone. The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center is headquartered here, bringing in scientists and specialized professionals from all over the country. Between steady federal jobs, a walkable downtown overlooking the water, and affordable real estate, Vicksburg has a lot to offer anyone looking for a relaxed Southern river town.