Columbus Mississippi area real estate?

My husband and I are being stationed at Columbus AFB Mississippi. We are looking to purchase our first home as it is our last base and close to our original home. I was wondering the best areas of Columbus OR the best small neighboring towns to live in? We are from very small towns so small town life isnt a bad thing for us, so population doesnt matter...just looking for somewhere with low crime because my husband is a fireman and gone for a day at a time.