The annual Southern Living list of 50 Best Small Towns in the South proves that big things definitely come in small packages. That is certainly true for the four Mississippi communities that made the 2023 list, which was recently unveiled on the Southern Living website in March.

The three Mississippi communities that made an appearance are:

Ocean Springs at No. 18

The community on the Mississippi Gulf Coast was touted for its thriving arts community, vibrant entertainment districts, delicious food offerings and unique small-town charm. The writers highlighted Aunt Jenny’s Catfish Restaurant and the award-winning restaurant Vestige as examples of the wide-ranging food options in the town.

Oxford at No. 22

Calling it the South’s quintessential college town, Southern Living writers highlighted the home of the Ole Miss campus for its literary and arts scene and said the community had a refined sense of Southern style.

Laurel at No. 25

The home of HGTV stars Erin and Ben Napier, Laurel has been turning heads of late. Southern Living says the town has become a Southern hot spot that has revitalized its downtown, thanks to the efforts of the Napiers and other locals. The writes say a trip to Laurel would not be complete without a visit to the Napier’s flagship store, the Laurel Mercatile Co.

Bay St. Louis at No. 47

Bay St. Louis blends the best of New Orleans with the cool vibes of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, according to Southern Living writers. The community, located less than an hour from New Orleans, was described as being a tried and true coastal town with a funky, artsy beat. The community offers beaches, water trails and a downtown with a French Quarter feel that can’t be beat, the writers said.

The list, which was compiled using recommendations by Southern Living readers, is highly coveted by small communities across the south, which use the ranking for publicity and marketing.

The complete list of 50 towns is below: 

1. St. Augustine, Florida
2. Beaufort, South Carolina
3. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
4. Dahlonega, Georgia
5. Blowing Rock, North Carolina
6. Fairhope, Alabama
7. Tybee Island, Georgia
8. Sanibel, Florida
9. Folly Beach, South Carolina
10. Fredericksburg, Texas
11. Beaufort, North Carolina
12. Hendersonville, North Carolina
13. Abingdon, Virginia
14. Helen, Georgia
15. Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, Alabama
16. Bluffton, South Carolina
17. Eureka Springs, Arkansas
18. Ocean Springs, Mississippi
19. Hot Springs, Arkansas
20. Mount Dora, Florida
21. Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
22. Oxford, Mississippi
23. Chincoteague, Virginia
24. Bardstown, Kentucky
25. Laurel, Mississippi
26. Berea, Kentucky
27. Leipers Fork, Tennessee
28. Wimberly, Texas
29. Middleburg, Virginia
30. Lewisburg, West Virginia
31. Broken Bow, Oklahoma
32. Natchitoches, Louisiana
33. St. Francisville, Louisiana
34. Guthrie, Oklahoma
35. Paducah, Kentucky
36. Fernandina Beach, Florida
37. Port Aransas, Texas
38. Mountain Home, Arkansas
39. Dunedin, Florida
40. Covington, Louisiana
41. Georgetown, South Carolina
42. Williamsburg, Virginia
43. Round Top, Texas
44. Jonesborough, Tennessee
45. Boone, North Carolina
46. Thomasville, Georgia
47. Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
48. Shepherdstown, West Virginia
49. Danville, Kentucky
50. Opelika, Alabama