Meridian, Mississippi | City Guide for Travel Healthcare Pros

Welcome to Meridian, MS

Known as the “Queen City,” Meridian is a hidden gem in eastern Mississippi, rich in Southern hospitality, music history, and revitalized downtown charm. 🎷 With its affordable living, scenic parks, and a growing healthcare community, Meridian offers a peaceful yet engaging spot for your next assignment.

💰 Cost of Living

Meridian offers a very low cost of living—about 20% lower than the national average, making it an excellent choice for travel nurses looking to stretch their stipend.

• Median rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $800/month

• Average utilities: Around $150/month(source: bestplaces.net, rentcafe.com)

🌤️ Weather by Month

Meridian features a humid subtropical climate with long summers and mild winters. Expect warm temperatures most of the year with plenty of sunshine! ☀️

Month	Avg High	Avg Low	Description
January	57°F	35°F	❄️ Cool and crisp; occasional frost.
February	61°F	38°F	🌤️ Mild with early signs of spring.
March	69°F	45°F	🌼 Warm and breezy; spring blooms.
April	77°F	52°F	🌸 Beautiful and mild; great outdoor weather.
May	84°F	60°F	☀️ Warm and sunny; humidity increasing.
June	90°F	68°F	🔥 Hot and humid with afternoon storms.
July	92°F	71°F	☀️ Very hot; ideal for lakes and rivers.
August	92°F	70°F	🌞 Peak summer heat and humidity.
September	87°F	65°F	🍂 Slowly cooling off; still warm.
October	77°F	52°F	🎃 Crisp mornings and perfect afternoons.
November	66°F	43°F	🍁 Mild fall weather with a chill.
December	59°F	37°F	❄️ Cool and festive with light rain.

(usclimatedata.com)

🏡 Furnished Housing Options

1. The Woodlands – 4501 Hwy 39 NorthLocated in a tranquil, park-like setting, The Woodlands offers fully furnished 1-3 bedroom apartments. Each unit features upscale furnishings, fully equipped kitchens, spacious closets, and in-unit washer/dryer connections. Community amenities include a swimming pool, tennis court, clubhouse, and playground. High-speed internet and basic cable TV are included, making it ideal for extended stays. ShortTermHousing+4Churchill Living+4Churchill Living+4

2. Downtown Meridian Furnished ApartmentsExperience urban living with luxury, fully furnished 1-bedroom apartments in the heart of downtown Meridian. These unique units come complete with all necessary amenities, offering a comfortable and convenient stay within walking distance to local attractions and dining. downtownmeridian.org

3. Furnished Finder Listings – Various LocationsFurnished Finder provides a selection of furnished rentals in Meridian, including:

• A spacious 4-bedroom home with flexible living options at $2,300/month.

• A private room rental at $950/month, including utilities and Wi-Fi.

• A 1-bedroom downtown apartment at $1,850/month, offering convenience and comfort.These listings are tailored for travel nurses, with utilities included and flexible lease terms. Furnished Finder+4ShortTermHousing+4ShortTermHousing+4Furnished Finder

4. Redbud Village – 4907 Shumate RdRedbud Village offers affordable, furnished 1-2 bedroom apartments starting at $695/month. Units include essential furnishings, and the community is pet-friendly. Located in a quiet neighborhood, it's a short drive to local hospitals and shopping centers. Zillow+1Trulia Real Estate Search+1

🏨 Extended Stay Hotels

Prefer hotel amenities? These are some great extended stay options:

• MainStay Suites MeridianFull kitchens, laundry, pet-friendly, and free breakfast.

• Candlewood Suites MeridianSpacious suites, equipped kitchens, and weekly housekeeping.

• Home2 Suites by Hilton MeridianModern extended stay hotel with full kitchenettes and a fitness center.

🚐 RV Parks

For those traveling with RVs, Meridian offers several parks with various amenities:

• Benchmark RV Park: Conveniently located near the interstate with full hookups, Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities.

• Bonita Lakes RV Park: Peaceful location next to Bonita Lakes, offering shaded sites, trails, and quick hospital access.

• Meridian East/Toomsuba KOA Journey: Well-maintained KOA with pool, dog park, and large pull-through sites.

• Lazy Acres Campground (Chunky, MS – ~20 min drive): Scenic wooded campground with fishing, walking trails, and a quiet, family-friendly vibe.

🎉 Fun Things to Do in Meridian

Plenty of off-shift fun awaits you in this historic and artsy town:

🎭 MSU Riley Center for Performing ArtsA stunning historic venue with concerts, plays, and community events.

🐘 Meridian’s Highland Park & Dentzel CarouselVisit the beautiful city park and ride one of the country’s oldest hand-carved carousels!

🎷 Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (The MAX)An interactive museum celebrating Mississippi's artists and musicians—great for a weekend visit.

🛍️ Downtown MeridianRevitalized and full of charm—coffee shops, boutiques, art murals, and weekend events.

🚣 Bonita Lakes ParkEnjoy fishing, hiking, kayaking, and scenic views—perfect for outdoor lovers.

🧳 Nearby Weekend Trips

🌲 Okatibbee Lake – Just 25 minutes north for swimming, boating, and camping.

🎰 Philadelphia, MS – Home to the Silver Star and Golden Moon Casinos (45 min drive).

🎨 Laurel, MS – About an hour south—famous for HGTV’s Home Town and quaint Southern charm.

🎡 Jackson, MS – The capital city is 1.5 hours west with museums, the zoo, and great eats.🏖️ Gulfport/Biloxi – Coastal fun, casinos, and beaches—about 2.5 hours south.

🧭 Summary

Meridian, MS is a friendly and affordable spot to take your next assignment. With its mix of outdoor recreation, historical charm, and a calm pace of life, it’s a peaceful place to reset and recharge between shifts. 🌳🎭

✅ Very low cost of living

✅ Mild winters and warm, sunny weather

✅ Cultural attractions and local arts scene

✅ Easy RV and furnished housing options

✅ Weekend access to lakes, casinos, and the Gulf Coast

Disclosure: The information provided in this guide is what I use to send my travelers and is obtained through ChatGPT, utilizing prompts I frequently use as a travel nurse recruiter. The content is designed to help travelers make informed decisions about potential destinations.