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.
Bay Waveland Middle School is a great school in Bay St. Louis, MS.
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.
This charming cottage in Bay St. Louis is delightful. With its recent remodel and prime location, its perfect for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in beach life. The proximity to the beach, harbor, and local amenities adds to its appeal. The layout with three bedrooms and two baths, including a primary en-suite, is ideal for families or guests. The large backyard is a fantastic feature
This home located in Diamondhead is ready for you to make it your home. The home is in move in ready condition. Features include an updated kitchen, new flooring throughout the first level, and an updated owners bath featuring a tile walk in shower. The updated kitchen includes cabinets with soft close drawers and doors. The backyard features a back porch, an open patio, and a wood fence.
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Beautiful home I’m Diamondhead. 3 bedroom 2 full bath. Split floor plan includes walk in closet in Master bedroom. Large open kitchen. Granite throughout house. Fenced private backyard. Refrigerator, dishwasher, garbage disposal, microwave, washer and dryer all included. $1800 deposit, $1800/month
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Source: Public RecordsDisclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
