Oxford News

Oxford may still be a "college town," but it was recently given a distinction of just the opposite nature.

The city of Oxford was ranked No. 4 on TopRetirements.com in an "unannounced popularity contest," according to the Web site's president, John Brady. From Jan. 1 through Aug. 1, each time a visitor to the site viewed a certain city's profile page, a "vote" was recorded.

Asheville, N.C., Paris, Tenn., and Old Saybrook, Conn., were ranked first, second and third, respectively.

City of Oxford Mayor Jerome Conley said the ranking demonstrated Oxford was more than just a college town.

"It points to the fact that this is a wonderful community," he said. "It's not just for the retired or the students, but for both."

Conley attributed the high ranking to Oxford's many offerings to the community.

"We have various amenities, like the cultural arts or performing arts," he said. "We have a beautiful park in our community, and we try to maintain a high quality of life here. And it's a relatively safe community."

Oxford Chamber of Commerce President JoNell Rowan said the ranking was an indicator of Oxford's uniqueness.

"It proves (this) is a great place to live," she said. "We need to promote (this distinction) as much as we can," she said.

As America's Baby Boomers continue to get older, Conley said he hopes many will find Oxford to be a welcoming home.

"I hope we continue to retain seniors in our community," he said. "With upgrades to senior living here, like at the Knolls of Oxford, there is a great future."

Rowan also said citizens will see Oxford more and more as a place to call their own.

"I think people will continue to look here as a place to live versus larger cities," she said. "It's a place to settle down, raise children, and retire."