Meggan Brown was apprehensive about moving to the Mississippi Gulf Coast after growing up in the bustling city of Houston, Texas. Her fiancé, Hayden Switzer, was a longtime coastal native and looked forward to returning to his roots. He knew that once Meggan experienced the fabulous lifestyle afforded by the Coast, she would love living there as well.
Once settled, Meggan became enamored with the area’s small-town charm. It took little time to adapt to the move, especially in the close-knit community.
“Everyone knows each other, and the people seem more friendly and hospitable,” she says. “They gave me a warm welcome and made me feel like a member of their family.”
To Meggan’s surprise, the Coast has many more amenities than one would expect in a smaller town. The slower pace of life, with less traffic, noise and pollution than a large city, was something Meggan found enjoyable. Fewer cars on the road and smoother navigation made commuting a delight compared to struggling with big- city, rush-hour traffic.
“When we go to dinner or an event, I love that we don’t have to wait an hour or more in line as we did in Houston,” Meggan says.
She quickly applied for an executive assistant position with a local home-building company and began working in Gulfport, America’s most affordable beach town. Meggan uncovered the excellent home values in Mississippi’s coastal areas and soon started searching for a home. After realizing how much property they could afford with the lower cost of living on the Coast, the couple built a beautiful house in Ocean Springs. Hayden and Meggan relish spending time in downtown Ocean Springs at one of the many wonderful restaurants and bars after a day of shopping.
After leaving her position with the home builder, Meggan became the executive assistant to Ocean Springs Mayor Shea Dobson. In her role, she continued to give back to the community through her volunteer work with the Mayor’s Youth Council and Mississippi Heroes. Fishes and Loaves, a local nonprofit that partners with churches and civic organizations to serve meals to those in need, was also important to her.
As summer approaches, Meggan looks forward to spending time in the water, whether the ocean or a local river. She notes that a Deer Island adventure is not to be missed, and a trip to Gulf Island Water Park for a trip down the Horn Island Blaster is another must-do.
Meggan and Hayden have two beautiful dogs they love to walk while chatting with their friends throughout the neighborhood. Hayden often reminds his wife of her newfound appreciation of peace and relaxation since moving to Coastal Mississippi.
“Despite my initial concerns about leaving behind the fast-paced city, I’ve found that I don’t miss the chaotic lifestyle,” Meggan says, “I love the tranquility and sense of calm our home provides me with. Apart from that, if I long for a more hectic life, our central location makes a short drive or flight from Gulfport International Airport a visit the perfect option.”
The Switzers are thrilled that they can do more together as a family because of the lower cost of living on the Coast. “Come home to Coastal Mississippi,” Hayden says, “where you can live your best life for less, too!”
