From New Hampshire to Brookhaven

The Hadley’s relocated to Brookhaven 3 days after Hurricane Katrina and discovered their new home would be without electricity for several days. In a community already burdened with refugees from the storm, friendly neighbors took notice and invited them into their home. This experience was confirmation that they had made the right choice.

When did you move here?

We moved in September, 2005 shortly after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast and New Orleans.

From where did you move?

Loudon, New Hampshire where we had lived for the past 20 years where I was a professor at a local university.

How did you learn about Mississippi?

Bob was stationed on the Mississippi Gulf Coast for a short time in the early 60’s while he served in the Air Force but he claims to be Mississippi bred because while his father was at Camp Shelby briefly in 1942 his mother came for a visit and shortly thereafter Bob was born. Fond memories of his time in the Air Force caused Bob to hope he might one day move back to Mississippi. But it was only after a conversation with a Brookhaven Amateur Radio enthusiast he had become acquainted with that the couple actually made the decision to visit the Brookhaven area.

What were your reasons for moving here?

When we arrived in Brookhaven after driving up from the Gulf Coast we were impressed with the friendliness of the people and we like its location, close to the Coast and New Orleans. Important in our decision was the low cost of living and the state income tax exemption on retirement income. Also we found that home prices are much more reasonable here than other parts of the country where we had lived. But most of all it was the friendliness of the people that convinced us to move here.

 What community activities?

Linda enjoys being a member of the ILR (Institute for Learning in Retirement) and works part time as a nurse at a local nursing home. Bob is an amateur radio enthusiast and a member of the Brookhaven Lions Club. He also spent a short time as a paramedic for King’s Daughters Medical Center in Brookhaven.

 What do you like about Mississippi and your city?

We have met so many people in such a short period of time and made so many new friends. Plus there is NO SNOW! We love living in a charming small town and even though our home is situated in the country we can be in town in just a few short minutes.

 What has surprised you about Mississippi?

We discovered cultural diversity yet people here seem to live in better harmony than any other place we have lived. Even though it was the friendliness of the people that impressed us initially, it was their overall genuineness and sincerity that impressed us even more after living here.

Other Comments:

The climate and community allow us to stay active and involved. Financial benefits of living in Mississippi are important but we feel that the friendliness of the people is the State’s greatest asset.

Bob & Linda Hadley

369 River Rd SE

Bogue Chitto, MS 39629

601-823-3583