Mississippi may be best known as the source of the Mississippi River, but the state is home to a variety of diverse landscapes including Gulf Islands, forests, and beautiful lakes. If you live in Mississippi and have always dreamed of owning a lake house, we’re here to help.
Here at Redfin, we’ve compiled this year’s list of the best lakes to live in in Mississippi. From bustling Lake Columbus to tranquil Lake Ferguson, each lake has its own unique charm. Let’s take a deeper look at which lake towns are on the list.
1. Lake Columbus (Columbus)
Nearest city: columbus mississippi
Median home sales price: $755,000
Average rent for one bedroom: $700
population: 23,000
Columbus, MS Homes for Sale
Apartments for rent in Columbus, MS
First on our list of livable lakes in Mississippi is Lake Columbus. Located northwest of Columbus, this lake offers an idyllic setting. Columbus Lake is the ideal place for your vacation Various leisure activities are available such as boating, fishing and leisurely picnics along the coast. Columbus is a bustling city with a charming downtown, where you’ll find the Riverwalk and local shops and restaurants. The city is also home to several parks, including the popular Lowndes Lake State Park, which offers hiking trails, sports facilities, and campgrounds.
2. Lake Enid (Water Valley)
Nearest city: mississippi water valley
Median home sales price: $260,000
population: 3,300
Homes for sale in Water Valley, MS
Apartments for Rent in Water Valley, MS
Enid Lake’s rural location is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. This vast lake is renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities (especially carp and bass) and ample space for boating and water sports. The surrounding area is filled with cozy cabins and waterfront properties, making it the perfect place for a weekend getaway or a permanent lakefront home. Water Valley has small-town charm and a variety of local restaurants, galleries and shops. Lake Enid’s natural beauty and welcoming community make it a hidden gem in Mississippi.
3. Lake Grenada (Grenada)
Nearest city: Grenada, Mississippi
Median home sales price: $130,000
population: 12,000
Homes for Sale in Grenada, MS
Apartments for Rent in Grenada, MS
Grenada Lake is Mississippi’s largest body of water and the focal point of the region. The lake is an angler’s paradise and has some of the best fishing in the area, with catfish, bass and carp plentiful. The vast lake is also ideal for boating, sailing, and water skiing, providing endless fun for water sports enthusiasts. Grenada is rich in history and vibrant community life, with historic sites, local dining and shopping set against a picturesque lake backdrop. The Grenada Lakes District is not only a great place to visit, but also a wonderful place to call home.
4. Lake Horn (City Wall)
Nearest city: Walls, Ms.
Median home sales price: $279,000
population: 1,300
Walls, MS Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in Walls, MS
Horn Lake is a tranquil lake and a local favorite for canoeing, canoeing and bird watching. The lake straddles Mississippi and Tennessee and is popular in both states. Wallstown has a rich community spirit and is just a short drive from the great city of Memphis, Tennessee, offering the best of both worlds. The area around Horn Lake is beautiful and offers many hiking trails and outdoor activities. For those looking for lake living in Tennessee, Horn Lake may be for you.
5. Lake Ferguson (Greenville)
Nearest city: greenville mississippi
Median home sales price: $45,000
Average rent for one bedroom: $725
population: 27,000
Homes for sale in Greenville, MS
Apartments for Rent in Greenville, MS
Lake Ferguson is adjacent to Greenville and is an excellent location for those looking for lakefront property. The lake is a popular spot for fishing, with a variety of fish species including bass, catfish and killifish. A city with a rich cultural heritage and a strong sense of community, Greenville offers a variety of events and amenities, from the Greenville Blues Festival to the Mississippi River Museum. The lake itself is picturesque and perfect for boating and picnicking, as well as stunning sunsets over the water.
6. Lake Okatibee (Collinsville)
Nearest city: Collinsville, Mississippi
Median home sales price: $95,000
population: 2,000
Collinsville, MS Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in Collinsville, MS
With its lush backdrop, Okatibbee Lake is a picturesque destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. This tranquil lake is great for fishing, with plenty of bass and carp, as well as water skiing and boating. The lake is surrounded by natural beauty and includes several walking trails and picnic areas, making it an ideal place for outings and weekend getaways. Nearby Collinsville offers a tranquil lifestyle and the charm of country living. Lake Okatibee is a great choice for those seeking a quiet rural setting and enjoying lakeside living.
7. Pickwick Lake (disgusting)
Nearest city: ms yuca
Median home sales price: $92,500
population: 3,000
Yucca, Mississippi Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in Yucca, MS
Pickwick Lake is a massive reservoir that connects Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama. It is a popular destination for those seeking waterside adventure and relaxation. Pickwick Lake is known for its excellent bass fishing and also offers a variety of water sports, including boating, jet skiing and swimming. The town of Yucca is rich in history and beautiful scenery, with a quaint lake as its backdrop, antique shops, local cuisine, and the famous Tishomingo State Park. The park features hiking trails and rock formations that add to the area’s appeal, making it a perfect place for nature lovers. The combination of Pickwick Lake’s recreational amenities and the charming town of Yucca makes it a great place for a lakefront home.
8. Ross Barnett Reservoir (Madison)
Nearest city: Madison, MS
Median home sales price: $489,250
population: 27,000
Madison, Mississippi Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in Madison, MS
Ross Barnett Reservoir, located near Madison, is Mississippi’s center for activities and recreation. This vast body of water is a favorite spot for sailing, fishing, and water skiing among locals and tourists alike. Located on the west side of the reservoir, Madison offers luxurious oceanfront homes and a variety of dining and shopping options. The area is also home to the Natchez Trace Parkway, which offers beautiful scenery and outdoor activities such as hiking and biking. Ross Barnett Reservoir integrates recreational amenities with Madison’s, making it one of the most livable lakes in Mississippi.
9. Sardis Lake (Oxford)
Nearest city: Oxford, MS
Median home sales price: $375,450
Average rent for one bedroom: $915
population: 28,000
Oxford, MS Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in Oxford, MS
Sardis Lake is just a short drive from the historic city of Oxford and provides a picturesque setting for outdoor recreation and lakeside living. This large reservoir is known for its clear waters, perfect for boating, swimming, and catching catfish and bass. The area around Sardis Lake is also known for its beautiful campgrounds and parks, such as John W. Kyle State Park, which features cabins, golf courses, and nature trails. A city full of Southern charm and rich literary history, Oxford is home to writers such as William Faulkner and Josh Grisham and offers a vibrant cultural scene. Centered around the University of Mississippi, museums such as Oxford’s Rowan Oaks and historic buildings are the perfect complement to Sardis Lake.
Please note that this list is not a complete list of all lakes in Mississippi. Median home sales price data from the Redfin data center in April 2024.
