Two of Mississippi’s college towns have once again earned recognition from USA Today.
Starkville, home of Mississippi State University, was voted “Best Small Town in the South” for the second consecutive year as part of the publication’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Commonly referred to as “StarkVegas,” Starkville topped small-town destinations such as Lewisburg, W. Va., Inverness, Fla., Clemson, S.C., and Orange Beach, Ala.
“Though it’s home to Mississippi State University, Starkville is much more than just a college town,” USA Today editors wrote. “You’ll find a thriving arts scene, multiple historic districts, many opportunities for birdwatching, and plenty of great food. Be sure to check out the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library, a treasure trove of artifacts and correspondence.
Mayor Lynn Spruill called the honor well-earned, especially considering she already believed Starkville to be the best small town in the South.
“The USA Today results are incredibly exciting,” Spruill said. “I have always believed that Starkville deserves to be recognized as a great place to live, work, play, and learn. It is especially rewarding to see that so many others believe it to be as well.”
100 miles northeast, Oxford is also celebrating being part of USA Today’s annual awards. Home to the University of Mississippi, or Ole Miss, Oxford notched the runner-up position for “Best Small College Town in the U.S.”
“Oxford, Mississippi, may not be on your radar, but it should be!” USA Today editors wrote. “Just 90 minutes outside of Memphis, the charming live oak-laden home to…the University of Mississippi holds a classic town square where you’ll find the iconic two-story Square Books anchoring a corner with its wide veranda. Dining options include James Beard chef-helmed eateries, soul food, and comfort food served at gas stations. The college campus is a mere stroll away from downtown.”
Visit Oxford MS executive director Kinney Ferris said she and others who work to attract visitors to Oxford were thrilled to see the town recognized for its charm.
“What an honor for Oxford to be recognized as one of the best small college towns by USA Today 10Best,” Ferris said. “We are always thrilled to receive national recognition of Oxford’s unique charm and welcome the spirit that Ole Miss students bring to enhance our thriving community.”
In 2024, Oxford took home the title of “Best Small College Town in the U.S.” but was ousted this year by Florence, Ala., home of the University of North Alabama. The publication referenced the town’s live music scene, which reflects a long history of artists performing in the area that Florence Alabama Music Enterprises (FAME) and Muscle Shoals recording studios call home.
The full list for the 2025 USA Today Readers’ Choice Awards can be found here.
