Quote:
Originally Posted by CrazyTiki
I spent three years in Mississippi, and while the people are genuinely wonderful, the state faces significant challenges. It remains the poorest in the nation, with glaring deficiencies in infrastructure and limited opportunities for recreation or entertainment. Unfortunately, it also holds the grim distinction of having the highest murder rate per capita in the United States.
In contrast, Florida adopted forward-thinking tax policies nearly a century ago, eliminating personal income taxes in the 1920s, along with inheritance taxes. The state is now exploring the possibility of abolishing property taxes for seniors, further enhancing its appeal as a destination for retirees. Given these advantages and Florida's proactive approach to development, the likelihood of Mississippi bridging the gap is virtually nonexistent.
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While you can't judge an entire state by statewide statistics, Mississippi doesn't have the amenities most retirees are looking for. Florida as you note, has been very forward thinking, and is in an enviable position to push much of its tax burden onto visitors with some creative programs - sales tax holidays in the off-tourism months being one of them. Also, being a peninsula state, it isn't like residents can just pop over to another state to take advantage of their lower sales tax, unlike Mississippi and other mostly land-locked states.