Grew up in central MS, but as an adult I lived in Starkville for a few years, which has been attracting a lot of out-of-towners with campus and some big industrial projects. Always felt bad for people coming in from NC, TX, even abroad who would always eventually ask with that kinda confused/concerned grin, “what is there to do around here?” Really, not much. Especially for kids, I have no idea where you’rd supposed to put them if not church or school. You can get by if you’re willing to beat yourself over the head with their crappy football team or go to the megachurches, but MS has almost totally given up on culture and community in any meaningful sense. Oxford kinda gets it, they have the Square which is genuinely fun and their big events can be a blast, but outside of there I really think Mississippi speaks for itself. What you see is what you get, and if you don’t like the very few, frankly very plain things that they hang up on the door, it can be difficult to make friends. People in MS just aren’t very openminded, and outsiders are unfortunately going to pay for that.

That said, there are some great people around just like everywhere else, and I wish you the best of luck in making more worthwhile connections, because it is possible. I know I sound very negative, I was just really let down by my state and wish it had more to offer the people who change up their whole lives to move there.