Baby boomers will enjoy Mississippi. From the refreshing breezes of the Gulf of Mexico to the cool, relaxing shade of sweet-smelling magnolias, it's easy to enjoy life in Mississippi. Across the state you'll see scenes that Norman Rockwell could have painted. Giant shade trees. White painted houses, yards freshly mowed. Brilliant sunsets and lightning bugs at dusk. Here, you'll find millions of acres of timberlands, water and wildlife. Year-round golf, hunting and fishing. Fabulous cultural and educational centers, and world renowned medical facilities.

As you drive through Mississippi exploring your retirement opportunities, your tires will hum along pavement that winds through some of the prettiest countryside you'll ever see. Take your time and drive slow enough to appreciate all the small towns you pass through along the way.

The environment of Mississippi offers priceless treasures. Just take a deep breath and notice how clean the air is. Or go on a hike through the woods -- more than 60% of Mississippi is covered in forests -- and catch a whiff of loblolly, slash or longleaf pine. Or admire the millions of acres of wetlands, lakes, streams, reservoirs and ponds throughout the state. Baby boomers moving to Mississippi will enjoy an environment known for its diversity.

Mississippi is named for the Mississippi river which forms its western boundary and empties into the Gulf of Mexico. The name roughly translated from Native American folklore means "Father of Waters." The most well-known nickname for Mississippi is "The Magnolia State." This nickname honors the stately beauty of the Magnolia Trees of Mississippi. The Magnolia is Mississippi's official State Tree and the blossom is Mississippi's official State Flower.

Mississippi is the birthplace of America's music. Blues, country, rock 'n roll - they all started right here. From blues legends Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters and B.B. King to the king of rock 'n roll, Elvis Presley, to the father of country music, Jimmie Rodgers - the only place you'll find the history, heritage, legends and folklore that surrounds the sounds of America's music is Mississippi.

Famous Mississippians include Jefferson Davis, the President of the Confederacy, authors William Faulkner, John Grisham, Walker Percy, Tennessee Williams, and Eudora Welty, and the entertainer Elvis Presley. Famous football stars include: Walter Payton, Brett Favre, Jerry Rice, Archie Manning, and Steve McNair. Also, former Senate Majority Leader and Senator C. Trent Lott, Sr..

Borden's Condensed Milk was first canned in Liberty. Root beer was invented in Biloxi in 1898 by Edward Adolf Barq, Sr.. David Harrison of Columbus owns the patent on the Soft Toilet Seat of which over 1,000,000 are sold every year.

Mississippi's Gulf Coast is bouncing back from the impact of Hurricane Katrina and many of the attractions visitors have come to enjoy including world-class golf courses, casino gaming and outdoor recreational activities such as sport fishing are open for business.

South can still be felt with the scents of the magnolia blossom floating on the warm, moist breeze. Stately antebellum mansions are preserved across the state, hosted by women in billowing hoop skirts during the spring and summer months. Mississippi is a state that is proud of its history and works hard to preserve the memory of the Old South.

Mississippi has everything a baby boomer needs to start a brand new journey. You can choose from quaint towns or settle in a more metropolitan area. You have waited a long time to enjoy your retirement. Deciding where to retire boils down to finding a friendly place that just feels like home, Mississippi.