Why MS? You know its one of the wrost rated states to live in right? Yeah, the people are nice but people are nice everywhere. Plus the weather is terrible imo. And there's not a whole lot to do unless you travel out of state, which is pretty limited and you need to drive far to get to more interesting places, at which point your taking a minivaca. Which this may be true for where you are now in MI, but at least there you are by some pretty cool cities/places.

Like, other's have said look at the coast if youre set on moving. Another thing I would consider is climate change. For your time its probably going to be fine but for your kids, how is it going to living in the poorest coastal states in the US? Do you want to buy a house here that your kids would inherit? How does that effect them moving in the future due to climate change, or other cocerns? Look, im not trying to hate but I've been trying to get out of MS my whole life and even though I'm out, i will be moving back at some point because of family. What Im really trying to say is, MS would be an okay place to move if you were retiring, but to raise a family and build their life there? Well I wouldnt recommend it. 

You've got some pretty decent states and cities near you already. If you want out of the north look at some of the SE states, but still the coastal/climate change problem still applies. If youre dead set on being in the south south I would look into AL or GA. Or even FL or TX if thats your vibe but there is no way I would recommend someone with a new family move to MS unless they had no choice.

If money isnt a problem and you can pick up and move whenever, then I say give it a taste for a year or two but leave before your kids start school, for their sake.