9 Best Lakes in Mississippi to Live on in 2024
Mississippi might be most well-known as home to the Mississippi River, but the state has a variety of different landscapes from the Gulf Islands, forests, and beautiful lakes. If you’re living in Mississippi and always dreamed about owning a lake home, we’re here to help.
At Redfin, we’ve collected a list of the best lakes in Mississippi to live on this year. From the bustling shores of Columbus Lake to the peaceful retreats by Lake Ferguson, each lake has its unique charm. Let’s dive in and see what lake towns are on the list.
1. Columbus Lake (Columbus)
Nearest city: Columbus, MS
Median home sale price: $755,000
Average 1-bedroom rent: $700
Population: 23,000
Homes for sale in Columbus, MS
Apartments for rent in Columbus, MS
Starting our list of lakes in Mississippi to live on is Columbus Lake. Located in northwestern Columbus, this lake has an idyllic setting. Columbus Lake is the perfect setting for a variety of recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and leisurely picnics along the shore. Columbus is a bustling city with a charming downtown where you can find the River Walk Trail and local shops and restaurants. The city is also home to several parks, including the popular Lake Lowndes State Park, which offers hiking trails, sports facilities, and camping sites.
2. Enid Lake (Water Valley)
Nearest city: Water Valley, MS
Median home sale price: $260,000
Population: 3,300
Homes for sale in Water Valley, MS
Apartments for rent in Water Valley, MS
Enid Lake is a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts and those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, as this lake is located in a more rural area. This expansive lake is renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for crappie and bass, and its ample space for boating and water sports. The surrounding area is dotted with cozy cabins and waterfront properties, making it an ideal spot for a weekend getaway or a permanent lakeside home. Water Valley, with its small-town charm, offers a variety of local eateries, galleries, and shops. Enid Lake’s natural beauty and the community’s welcoming atmosphere make it a hidden gem in Mississippi.
3. Grenada Lake (Grenada)
Nearest city: Grenada, MS
Median home sale price: $130,000
Population: 12,000
Homes for sale in Grenada, MS
Apartments for rent in Grenada, MS
Grenada Lake, the largest body of water in Mississippi, is a focal point in the area. This lake is a paradise for anglers, with some of the best fishing in the region, with an abundance of catfish, bass, and crappie. The lake’s vast expanse is also perfect for boating, sailing, and water skiing, offering endless fun for water sports enthusiasts. Grenada, with its rich history and vibrant community life, provides a picturesque backdrop to the lake, with historic sites, local dining, and shopping options. The Grenada Lake area is not only a great place to visit but also a wonderful place to call home.
4. Horn Lake (Walls)
Nearest city: Walls, MS
Median home sale price: $279,000
Population: 1,300
Homes for sale in Walls, MS
Apartments for rent in Walls, MS
Horn Lake is a peaceful lake and a favorite among locals for kayaking, canoeing, and bird watching. This lake spans across Mississippi and Tennessee – and is popular in both states. The town of Walls has a rich community spirit and is just a short drive from the larger city of Memphis, TN, offering the best of both worlds. The area around Horn Lake is characterized by its scenic beauty, with numerous hiking trails and outdoor activities available. For those looking for a lake in Tennessee to live on, then Horn Lake may be for you.
5. Lake Ferguson (Greenville)
Nearest city: Greenville, MS
Median home sale price: $45,000
Average 1-bedroom rent: $725
Population: 27,000
Homes for sale in Greenville, MS
Apartments for rent in Greenville, MS
Lake Ferguson, located adjacent to Greenville, is a great location for those looking for a lakeside property. This lake is popular for fishing, with a variety of species including bass, catfish, and bream. Greenville, a city with a rich cultural heritage and a strong sense of community, offers a wide range of activities and amenities, from the Greenville Blues Festival to the Mississippi River Museum. The lake itself is a picturesque setting for boating and picnics, with stunning sunset views over the water.
6. Okatibbee Lake (Collinsville)
Nearest city: Collinsville, MS
Median home sale price: $95,000
Population: 2,000
Homes for sale in Collinsville, MS
Apartments for rent in Collinsville, MS
Okatibbee Lake is a picturesque destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts with its lush backdrop. This tranquil lake is ideal for fishing, with abundant populations of bass and crappie, as well as for water skiing and boating. The lake is surrounded by natural beauty, including several walking trails and picnic areas, making it a perfect spot for outings and weekend retreats. Nearby Collinsville offers a peaceful lifestyle with the charm of country living. For those seeking a quiet, rural setting with the benefits of lakefront living, Okatibbee Lake is a great option.
7. Pickwick Lake (Iuka)
Nearest city: Iuka, MS
Median home sale price: $92,500
Population: 3,000
Homes for sale in Iuka, MS
Apartments for rent in Iuka, MS
Pickwick Lake is a sprawling reservoir touching Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama. It’s a popular destination for those seeking adventure and relaxation by the water. Known for its excellent bass fishing, Pickwick Lake also offers a wide range of water sports, including boating, jet skiing, and swimming. With its rich history and scenic beauty, the town of Iuka gives a quaint backdrop to the lake, offering antique shops, local dining, and the famous Tishomingo State Park. The park, with its hiking trails and rock formations, adds to the area’s appeal, making it a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts. Pickwick Lake’s combination of recreational opportunities and the charming town of Iuka make it an awesome place for a lakeside home.
8. Ross Barnett Reservoir (Madison)
Nearest city: Madison, MS
Median home sale price: $489,250
Population: 27,000
Homes for sale in Madison, MS
Apartments for rent in Madison, MS
Ross Barnett Reservoir, situated near Madison, is a hub of activity and leisure in Mississippi. This expansive body of water is a favorite among locals and visitors for sailing, fishing, and water skiing. Madison is located on the west side of the reservoir, offering luxurious waterfront homes and a variety of dining and shopping options. The area is also home to the Natchez Trace Parkway, providing scenic views and outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling. Ross Barnett Reservoir’s blend of recreational amenities and Madison’s make it one of the great lakes in Mississippi to live on.
9. Sardis Lake (Oxford)
Nearest city: Oxford, MS
Median home sale price: $375,450
Average 1-bedroom rent: $915
Population: 28,000
Homes for sale in Oxford, MS
Apartments for rent in Oxford, MS
Sardis Lake, located a short drive from the historic city of Oxford, offers a picturesque setting for outdoor recreation and lakeside living. This large reservoir is renowned for its clear waters, ideal for boating, swimming, and fishing for catfish and bass. The area around Sardis Lake is also known for its beautiful campgrounds and public parks, such as John W. Kyle State Park, which offers cabins, golfing, and nature trails. Oxford is a city steeped in Southern charm and rich literary history, home to authors ranging from William Faulkner to Josh Grisham provides a vibrant cultural scene. With the University of Mississippi at its center, museums like Rowan Oak, and historic buildings, Oxford is the perfect complement to Sardis Lake.
Note, this list is not comprehensive of all the lakes in Mississippi. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during April 2024. Average rental data from Rent.com April 2024. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
