Before moving to the Coast, Dave and Kim Gibson lived about an hour from Colorado Springs. At an elevation of nearly 8,500 feet, homes were scattered throughout their mountain town. Large properties made it difficult for neighbors to chat, and the family missed feeling like part of a community. Add the long commute to Colorado Springs for work, and they decided it was time to move.
As a Realtor, Kim started the property search. She knew the homes in Colorado Springs were not within their desired price point.
“It was then that I started a Google search for ‘cheap beach towns.’ Gulfport popped up, so I started looking at houses for sale,” she says. “The home prices here were a pleasant surprise compared to what we could get for the same amount in other areas. This made our decision to move here easy.”
Kim’s dream of living in a home near the water started while living in a very affluent town in South Florida for 27 years. She explained that home prices and the overall cost of living made it almost impossible to live comfortably.
Dave grew up in San Diego and has lived over 10 places with the military. Now a retiree, he notes that while he and Kim were researching affordable beach towns, they also considered the taxes.
“Mississippi doesn’t tax pensions or Social Security,” he says. “It’s also the most relaxed and friendly place we have ever visited.”
Kim adds that while this was a consideration in planning their move to the Coast, the decision was mainly value driven. The cost of living and ability to afford a home by the beach were the most significant reasons for their relocation.
“We also appreciate the cultural diversity offered on the Coast; there’s a camaraderie with the people that we haven’t experienced anywhere else,” Kim says. The couple also enjoy the peaceful and well-kept beaches and watching dolphins from their porch.
Kim, a savvy Realtor, noticed an opportunity to own a house near the beach thanks to the affordable coastal properties in Mississippi. A year later, the duo fulfilled their dream of owning rental properties, which included a short-term rental for those vacationing on the Coast.
“We could never buy three houses in Colorado!” Kim says. “This move is helping us secure a better future for our retirement years.”
Kim and Dave enjoy many things on the Coast and look forward to sharing their experiences with family and friends when they visit. The location is one thing they appreciate about their home.
“The food is off the charts here, and we love that something is always going on in one of these quaint little towns,” Kim says. “You never run out of fun and exciting things to do. Plus, you’re just an hour from New Orleans and Mobile and only two hours from Florida.”
Dave thinks the Coast is perfect because of the farmer’s markets, restaurants, music venues, outdoor activities, casino entertainment and a relaxing atmosphere. Their love of art makes venturing to downtown Ocean Springs a favorite activity, especially during the festivals.
“We go out to eat all the time. We love seafood, and the food options here are incredible, including vegan and plant-based foods,” he says. “The number of great places to eat and the diversity of the food was a pleasant surprise.”
Dave and Kim agree that this is their favorite place to live, and they are excited to spend their retirement years here.
“The comfortable lifestyle is something we treasure. The Coast offers more than anyone realizes until they get here,” Kim says. “Those in larger cities who work remotely and those getting ready to retire should consider Coastal Mississippi, where their dollar will go much further.”
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