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far northeastern corner of Mississippi, close to Alabama
and Tennessee, the small town of Iuka (population 3,000)
is built on the site of an old Chickasaw Indian village
and is named after one of its chieftains. This is a
rural spot in the deep South and has an older population
(nearly half the citizens are age 45 or better). It
is also home to Pickwick Pines Resort, a large, pretty, planned
community that is open to all ages but attracts retirees and "second
home" families. This development was named as one of
the "Fabulous 50 Communities in the South," and it is easy
to understand why. It is an appealing place with
excellent amenities, access to popular lake recreation and
affordable homes. |

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There are seven model homes from which to choose, with
prices starting at $99,500 for "The Cottage," a 600 sq. ft.,
one bedroom, one bath dwelling with decorative dormer windows, a
metal roof with a 50-year warranty, vinyl siding with a 50-year
warranty, a landscaped lawn, covered front and back porches,
recessed lighting, tiled floors, Berber carpet, French doors, bay
windows, ceiling fans, an open kitchen and a step-in shower (but no
garage). Not bad for less than $100,000.
The most expensive model is "The
Country," priced at $259,500, with 3,000 sq. ft., three
bedrooms, three and a half baths, a separate formal dining room, an
eat-in kitchen, a study, a game room/bonus room and a
porte-cochere. There is even an in-ground fountain on the back
patio. Between "The Cottage" and "The
Country" are five more models ranging in price from $129,500 to
$199,500. Ten
percent down is required to secure a lot and lock in
a home price as this is a growing development, and all residences
are custom-built, site-built homes, not
manufactured homes. Visit www.pickwickpinesresort.com for more
information.
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HOA
fees are approximately $1,800 annually ($150 per month) and include use of all
facilities and upkeep of common grounds, which are extensive and
spread across 160 acres. There is also an annual
membership fee of $300, and an additional $600 per year is
optional for homeowners that would
rather have the community take care of their lawn mowing and
fertilizing. Utilities are each homeowner's
responsibility, but the rates are some of the lowest in the
country. Pets are allowed (but must
be kept on leases). This is a private,
gated development, and the amenities enjoyed by residents are
impressive. They include a 7,500 sq. ft. resort lodge
(fireplace, dining area, grand piano and live entertainment on the
weekends), a 14,000 sq. ft. activities center (gym, tanning beds,
auditorium), 20' x 40' swimming pool, several smaller pools, tennis
courts, boat storage, nature trails and well-lighted
streets. There are monthly potlucks, pancake breakfasts,
holiday celebrations and more, all contributing to a welcoming sense
of community. Pickwick Lake is just
a mile away and beckons to people throughout the
region. Camping and water skiing are favorite
activities, as is fishing (the lake is noted for its
smallmouth bass and catfish). A private marina is also
in the works. The nearby Tennessee River is known as a
great fishing destination as well. Shiloh National
Military Park is a must for history buffs (Iuka itself was
the site of a significant Civil War battle), and four nearby
golf courses (within 20 miles), including the Shiloh Falls
Golf Course (which hosts the annual St. Jude's Charity Golf
Tournament), give retirees plenty of opportunities to hit the
links.
Iuka is safe, peaceful and
has a cost of living 25% below the national average. The
surrounding area is pretty, with hills, woods and morning mist. The closest city with a population of
at least 50,000 is Jackson, Tennessee, 70 miles to the
northwest. Tupelo, Mississippi has about 35,000 people and is
roughly 70 miles to the southwest. Several small
towns are within 10 to 20 miles of Iuka.
Summer temperatures are in
the 80s and 90s; winter temperatures are in the 30s and 40s.
Average humidity is high, settling in around 70% in the afternoons,
with 5 to 7 inches of rain per month. Tornadoes occasionally
occur.
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Communities Newsletter is published daily and weekly by
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responsible for information that has changed since this
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if you have questions or comments. View our privacy
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estate agents.
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