Mississippi is a great place to live. You might not have always felt that way, though – and that’s okay. There are some things about living in Mississippi that can take some getting used to, especially if you moved to the Magnolia State later on in life. Can’t think of anything you thought you’d always hate about Mississippi, but have learned to love? We thought you might feel that way; however, if you read on, we have a feeling that you’ll change your mind.

  1. Mild (or, sometimes, non-existent) Winters

Natalie Maynor/Flickr White winters are pretty rare in Mississippi, and for some, that can be a tough pill to swallow. There is a bright side, though. Mississippians don’t have to deal with the stresses that come along with blankets of snow (i.e. shoveling driveways, waiting out blizzards, etc.)

  1. Small Town Life

Kent Kanouse/Flickr For a city dweller, a visit to small town Mississippi is sure to be a bit of a culture shock. However, it doesn’t take long for outsiders to realize there’s a lot to love about small town life, including incredible hospitality and great eateries.

  1. Die-hard Football Fans

Roger Smith/Flickr At first, the love Mississippians have for football might seem insane, but then you quickly realize it’s all in good fun. And if the football doesn’t win you over, the tailgating that comes along with it should do the trick.

  1. Boiled Peanuts

pratt/Flickr The thought of boiled peanuts makes some people’s stomachs turn. However, don’t knock them ‘til you try them, but we don’t have to tell you that.

  1. Crawfish

Phil Darnell/Flickr Let’s face it; crawfish don’t look very appetizing, which is why most people avoid them. For most, though, the aversion is cured after the first bite.

  1. Mardi Gras

Visit Mississippi/Flickr Mardi Gras – and the parades that come along with it – draw some pretty big crowds, which can be somewhat of a nuisance for locals. Most residents have discovered the key to getting past the congestion, though, and it’s to simply let the good times roll.

  1. Back Roads

Whatknot/Flickr Driving along seemingly-deserted, poorly-lit country roads is a scary concept for newcomers. However, the lonely roadways quickly turn into a blessing, providing a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

  1. Slower-Paced Lifestyle

Jimmy Smith/Flickr The calm, slower-paced lifestyle enjoyed by most Mississippians might take some getting used to, but once you do, you can’t imagine living any other way.

  1. Wide Open Spaces

Earl McGehee/Flickr Many assume that, because Mississippi boasts an abundance of rolling pastures and wooded areas, there’s nothing to do – but it’s the opposite, actually. The vast expanses of land in Mississippi provide a prime setting for a wealth of recreational opportunities. Within the state parks alone, you can do everything from hiking and canoeing to fishing and rock climbing.

So, do you agree? Have your learned to love these things about Mississippi? What else would you add to this list? Tell us!

Natalie Maynor/Flickr

White winters are pretty rare in Mississippi, and for some, that can be a tough pill to swallow. There is a bright side, though. Mississippians don’t have to deal with the stresses that come along with blankets of snow (i.e. shoveling driveways, waiting out blizzards, etc.)

Kent Kanouse/Flickr

For a city dweller, a visit to small town Mississippi is sure to be a bit of a culture shock. However, it doesn’t take long for outsiders to realize there’s a lot to love about small town life, including incredible hospitality and great eateries.

Roger Smith/Flickr

At first, the love Mississippians have for football might seem insane, but then you quickly realize it’s all in good fun. And if the football doesn’t win you over, the tailgating that comes along with it should do the trick.

pratt/Flickr

The thought of boiled peanuts makes some people’s stomachs turn. However, don’t knock them ‘til you try them, but we don’t have to tell you that.

Phil Darnell/Flickr

Let’s face it; crawfish don’t look very appetizing, which is why most people avoid them. For most, though, the aversion is cured after the first bite.

Visit Mississippi/Flickr

Mardi Gras – and the parades that come along with it – draw some pretty big crowds, which can be somewhat of a nuisance for locals. Most residents have discovered the key to getting past the congestion, though, and it’s to simply let the good times roll.

Whatknot/Flickr

Driving along seemingly-deserted, poorly-lit country roads is a scary concept for newcomers. However, the lonely roadways quickly turn into a blessing, providing a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Jimmy Smith/Flickr

The calm, slower-paced lifestyle enjoyed by most Mississippians might take some getting used to, but once you do, you can’t imagine living any other way.

Earl McGehee/Flickr

Many assume that, because Mississippi boasts an abundance of rolling pastures and wooded areas, there’s nothing to do – but it’s the opposite, actually. The vast expanses of land in Mississippi provide a prime setting for a wealth of recreational opportunities. Within the state parks alone, you can do everything from hiking and canoeing to fishing and rock climbing.

Loving Mississippi is easy! If you’re not there yet, click here for 11 reasons Mississippi is the best and everyone should move here.

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Address: Mississippi, USA