In Bay St. Louis, life moves at the speed of a golf cart, and not a second faster. Located about 50 miles from New Orleans and only 15 miles from the John C. Stennis Space Center, this small, coastal Mississippi city is “definitely a great, slowed-down, relaxed place compared to fast-paced places like Gulf Shores or Pensacola,” says Bill Lawler, a local Realtor with Century 21 Busch Realty Group, who has spent more than two decades on the Gulf Coast. “Besides the fishing and down-home feel, small-town charm is what attracts people here.” Although it’s also home to the impressive Hollywood Casino & Resort, Bay St. Louis is best known for its white sandy beaches, golf cart-friendly streets, neighborhood parks and historic downtown area, known locally as Old Town. Beyond the antique stores, galleries and museums, though, Bay St. Louis celebrates its cultural history by maintaining buildings like the mural-adorned 100 Men Hall, which was built in 1922 and is part of the famous Mississippi Blues Trail. Events like art walks, Mardi Gras celebrations and antique car shows might bring busy crowds to the quiet streets, but at the end of the day, residents can let go and enjoy an easy-going coastal lifestyle in Bay St. Louis.
Exploring historic Old Town
Just off South Beach Boulevard, Old Town combines Southern hospitality and charm with art, history and a bon vivant lifestyle. The district is filled with dozens of specialty retail stores, antique shops, museums and local galleries, which often participate in events such as the Second Saturday Artwalk. Permanent installations include meaningful works such as The Angel Tree, which portrays three angels carved from the branches of a tree that sheltered survivors during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The city’s strong connection with art is also illustrated by popular restaurants like Mockingbird Café, which is filled with local paintings. Often called the “Living Room of the Bay,” this restaurant was established in 2006 in an 1868 building just two blocks from the beachfront and is well-known for its commitment to sustainability and reducing plastic waste. In July, an annual Frida Fest brings a host of Frida Kahlo look-alikes to the café to celebrate the life of this famed Mexican artist.
Bay St. Louis, MS has amazing food choices to choose from.
Experience The Angel Tree in Bay St. Louis, MS.
Enjoy the rich history of Old Town Bay St. Louis, MS and support local shops.
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Essential shopping at Marketown
When it comes to shopping for groceries, many residents will head to Marketown Shopping Center off U.S. Route 90. Less than a mile down the road, Bealls is a one-stop shop for home goods and clothing. And for even more retail opportunities, residents can make the short drive west to the Walmart Supercenter and Lowe’s Home Improvement in neighboring Waveland.
From beachfront bungalows to midcentury models
As part of the Mississippi Sound, Bay St. Louis is renowned for its miles of beachfront properties. Neat lawns border colorful homes with cozy, covered front porches, some of them adorned with vintage rocking chairs and potted plants. Although many of the community’s more historic homes were irreparably damaged during Hurricane Katrina, Victorian architecture still makes an appearance, and new builds often stick to traditional styles instead of leaning into contemporary lines. Buyers will find everything from simple two-bedroom cottages for $350,000 to spacious midcentury models and newly constructed four-bedroom homes in the $500,000 to $800,000 range, making this community accessible for a host of different budgets. “It’s very affordable compared to other Mississippi beach towns. Your dollars will go further down here,” Lawler says.
Traditional style homes in Bay St. Louis, MS creates history within the town.
Cozy brick cottage style homes in Bay St. Louis, MS are perfect to retire in.
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Bay Waveland Middle’s creative spark
As part of the Bay St. Louis-Waveland School District, students benefit from attending highly rated public schools that all maintain grades of A-minus or better on Niche. Many students will start at North Bay Elementary before moving on to Bay Waveland Middle, which follows an art-focused curriculum and is one of the top 20 standout middle schools in Mississippi, according to Niche. At Bay High School, students can participate in dual enrollment courses in connection with the Pearl River Community College.
Cruz-in’ around town
Coast Cruzr, an on-demand bike share program that uses solar-powered stations, makes it easy for locals and visitors alike to explore the streets of Bay St. Louis. Many residents also enjoy cruising around town in their golf carts. As the city’s main thoroughfare, U.S. Route 90 connects commuters with Henderson Point across the bridge and Interstate 10 to the west, passing by major employers such as Ochsner Medical Center.
Spend a day on bikes in Bay St. Louis, MS.
Enjoy the beauty of nature living in Bay St. Louis, MS.
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Photography Contributed By
Yanan Sun
Video By
Jarrod Bock
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On average, homes in Bay Saint Louis, MS sell after 80 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Bay Saint Louis, MS over the last 12 months is $341,885, up 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautiful brick home in the heart of Diamondhead Mississippi. Only minutes from shopping, salons and the Diamondhead airport. High ceilings, a fourth bedroom that can be used as an office. A huge bricked patio in the backyard with built in fire pit. A cozy living area with a wood burning fireplace. Come see what the updated kitchen with quartz and newer flooring has to offer you.
Back on the market at no fault to the seller! This Updated End Unit Townhome boasts additional heated/cooled sq footage including the dining area on the lower level and the enclosed upstairs balcony overlooking the golf course. This space can be utilized as an office, craft room, or sitting area. Enjoy some fresh air and the fantastic view from the screened-in back porch or host a bar-b-que on
WELCOME HOME! This beautiful well maintained home sits on a double lot in the vibrant coastal community of Diamondhead, Mississippi where there are amenities galore! Step inside to find find an open floor plan, luxury vinyl plank flooring, granite countertops, tiled showers, newer appliances, large laundry room (with tons of storage & a sink), newer paint, and so much more. There are 3 spacious
The Opportunity You've Been Waiting For!One-bedroom units like this are rarely available — and this one stands out from the rest. Overlooking the community pool, this move-in ready home offers thoughtful extras throughout. Inside, enjoy a spacious living and dining area with an upgraded electric fireplace insert — all the ambience with zero wood to carry. The well-designed kitchen provides
A Neighborhood Full of Love & Laughter Bring bicycles, yard toys, and join in the fun—or simply bring your favorite coffee mug and enjoy peaceful mornings on the back deck, surrounded by natural greenery. This well-loved brick home has welcomed many happy families over the years. The split bedroom plan brings smiles in the mornings and restful peace in the evenings. At the heart of the home, the
Adorable Camp-Style Home complete with 5 Lots!Welcome to your new getaway! This charming camp-style home sits on a roomy double lot and includes 4 additional lots, giving you plenty of space to spread out and enjoy. With covered parking and a relaxed layout, it's the perfect spot to unwind after a day of fun.You'll love being so close to local entertainment, recreation, beaches, and
The Ensign Loft is a 1 bedroom condo at Farragut Lofts, blending modern style with coastal charm in the heart of Old Town Bay St. Louis. Parking for one vehicle. Turn-key living offered Furnished or unfurnished, this thoughtfully designed residence features premium finishes throughout, including Fisher and Paykel appliances and Brazilian quartzite countertops. Enjoy onsite amenities such as a
This property is managed by Beztak, 2025 recipient of the US Best Managed Companies for the sixth year in a row, sponsored by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal. Call and let us tell you why!Your new home awaits at Bay Crossings Apartments, an inviting community that answers your need for a comfortable, charming, and centrally-located home in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.Designed with the
Luxury Furnished Townhome - Downtown Bay St. Louis Fully furnished 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome located in a charming downtown Bay St. Louis setting. Walk to the beach, dining, shopping, and local attractions. Features ample parking, access to a community pool, and a stylish, move-in-ready interior ideal for extended stays. 30-day minimum. $250 cleaning fee. No Pets Enjoy effortless coastal
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