A flourishing downtown area captures the spirit of West Point. The town’s historic buildings, old-fashioned Main Street and beautiful, wooded parks are the heart of civic pride. Add a giving, can-do community attitude and a strong sense of togetherness, and it’s little wonder West Point has twice been named in Norman Crampton’s 100 Best Small Towns in America. What more could you ask for in a retirement community?
Activities in West Point focus on getting out and enjoying the town. An abandoned railroad converted to a walking trail, The Kitty Bryan Dill Memorial Parkway joins five city parks along its route. Picnic areas, arbors, gazebos and a windmill dot its path.
The usually serene grounds of Sallie Kate Winters Park swell with 30,000 visitors for the Prairie Arts Festival – repeatedly listed as one of the top 20 events in the Southeast. Shoppers arrive early to browse the wares of over 600 vendors.And if you feel like spending more than a day with Mother Nature, head to Town Creek Recreation Area, stake out a camping site along the Tombigbee River, then take off on the hiking and biking trails.
Golfers will rejoice when they approach the first tee of Old Waverly and its beautiful residential community, listed by Golf Digest as one of America’s 100 greatest golf courses. Bob Cupp and Jerry Pate incorporated the natural beauty of the local rolling hills when designing the course; it’s not unusual to find a deer grazing near your lie.
For a fascinating look at local history, visit Waverley Mansion. Waverley was built in 1852 and served as home to the original builder’s family until the last descendent died in 1913. The mansion sat vacant for nearly 50 years before it was purchased and completely restored by a local couple. Today, it’s hard to believe this opulent tour home was once an abandoned ruin. With its unique octagonal cupola and striking, free-standing twin staircases, Waverley is an outstanding example of antebellum architecture.
Read what people like yourself have to say about West Point as a retirement community:
Dr. Bill East and his wife Mary describe West Point, their home of two years, as both “the smallest place we’ve ever lived” and “a community that has it all.”
Mississippi Living: What made you choose West Point?
The Easts: Our children and grandchildren had relocated from Meridian to West Point, so when it was time for us to retire, we decided to join them here.
Mississippi Living: How are you involved in the community?
The Easts: We volunteer with Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers. As members of the Clay County Genealogical Society, we’re helping research a book on veterans from Clay County. Bill is head of the Clay County Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Mississippi Living: What are some of the qualities you like the most about West Point?
The Easts: West Point is a lovely, clean, patriotic town. There’s a real can-do spirit here – everyone who in the community seems to genuinely be interested and involved in the community. The residential properties are very well maintained, the downtown park system is a focal point and neighbors are always ready to help each other out. There’s excellent police visibility here, so we always feel safe. People of all ages know each other, from retired folks to young families with small children. You could honestly compare West Point to Mayberry, USA.