Mississippi Gulf Coast
True Small Town Living
Imagine the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. With 26 miles of white sand beach bordering the quaint towns and bustling communities of the MS Gulf Coast, it's an area with a personality all its own...not to mention affordable, convenient to amenities, fulfilling and fun.
The gulf waters are perfect for swimming and sailing. Saltwater fishermen will feel right at home among the speckled trout, red snapper and bill fish in the local waters. Charter boats are available year-round for deep-sea fishing, or simply cast your line from a pier or the shore. Rivers and two large bays provide great brackish-water fishing. Islands a little bit out from shore are great for beach combing, picnicking or camping. A cruise to historic Fort Massachusetts on Ship Island is perfect for an afternoon getaway.
Eleven casinos dot the coastline with their bright lights, gaming excitement, and Vegas-style fun. In addition to slot machines and games like blackjack and roulette, the casinos also offer world-class entertainment with first-rate dining, national entertainers and sporting events. Whether you're eating at one of the casinos or at any of the extraordinary restaurants on the MS Gulf coast, you will undoubtedly enjoy the freshest of gulf seafood. Giant oysters, shrimp and savory redfish are just a few of the region's specialties.
Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi and the Naval Construction Battalion in Gulfport are key additions to the community with over 17,000 military personnel, dependents and civilians working and living in the area. Retired military personnel can take advantage of medical, recreational, BX and commissary services on the bases or at the Biloxi VA Hospital.
The rich, diverse culture of the Mississippi Gulf Coast is highlighted during the many festivals throughout the year. For example, the region's French Catholic heritage is the foundation for Mardi Gras celebrations and parades, while blues and jazz festivals take it to the stage with their unique brands of music. The Oyster Festival, Crawfish Festival and Biloxi Shrimp Festival celebrate local delicacies.
The MS Gulf Coast enjoys a vibrant artistic presence. The local flora and fauna were the inspiration behind Walter Anderson's prints, and his work is showcased in the Walter Anderson Museum of Art. Numerous other galleries and events, including the Peter Anderson festival in the fall, highlight the talent of the artistic community, while the provocative Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art features world-renowned artists.
The MS Gulf Coast has more than 20 challenging golf courses designed by such famed course architects as Palmer, Pate, Nicklaus, and Love. Thanks to great weather, golf is one of the most popular sports on the coast, and the pleasant breeze blowing in from the Gulf of Mexico makes a great excuse for that problematic slice.
Now...imagine true Southern hospitality - on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi!
| Facts and Figures |
| Population: | 362,000 |
| Hospital Beds: | 1,700 |
| Physicians: | 1,100 |
| Average cost of Home: | $115,000 |
Average Cost of a New 2,000 sq. ft. Brick Home on a
half-acre lot: | $140,000 |
| Tax on $100,000 Home with Homestead Exemption: | (under age 65): $1,160
(65 and older): $520 |
| Places of Worship: | 600 |
| Denominations Represented: | 50 |
Commercial passenger air service available locally at Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport: American Airlines/American Eagle, Delta, United, US Airways and Vision Airlines.
*All figures are approximate and represent all 3 coastal counties. |