In the late 1960s, a keen-eyed developer noted how Mississippi's Gulf Coast was gaining traction as a vacation spot. With an eye to the future, he built a resort community about 20 miles west of Gulfport. The land he chose for his vision was on Bay St. Louis, the highest elevation on the low-slung Gulf Coast. As such, the development was named Diamondhead, after the towering volcano on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Island vibes influenced everything from the architecture to the names of the roads. Today, the town is part of the Gulfport-Biloxi region, but its 9,000 residents dance to their own drumbeat. “The thing about Diamondhead is that they have their own set of rules,” says Erica Young, broker and owner of Haus of Bonaparte Realty. “When you sell a house over there, you can’t put a sign in the yard. They want to stay aesthetically pleasing — no signs, no junk. It’s a very well-maintained area.”
The architecture of Diamondhead was intentionally designed to replicated a Hawaiian town.
Diamond head sits on the shores of the Bay of Saint Louis, a vacation destination.
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A-frames with Polynesian-style elements
Polynesian influence echoes through the architecture in Diamondhead’s residential areas. Structures with A-frames or wide-hipped roofs pepper the winding streets, sharing space with newer Acadian-style and contemporary builds. “It’s faded a bit over the years, but we try to hold on to that Hawaiian history as much as possible,” says Jon McCraw, Diamondhead’s city manager. “Any new streets we build, we try to create a Hawaiian name for it.” The median home price is currently $275,000, well below the national median of $416,700, and homes tend to stay on the market for about a month longer than the national average of 44 days. Condo prices start at $150,000 to $250,000, while starter homes fetch prices in the $200,000 to $250,000 range. Larger or newer builds sell for $275,000 to $400,000, but custom-built luxury homes and waterfront estates command prices from $500,000 to $2 million.
Hawaiian style homes help make up the diverse homes styles that exist in Diamondhead.
Find the timeless Arcadian style homes throughout Diamondhead.
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Bordered by the Jourdan River and Bay St. Louis
With access to Bay St. Louis, the Jourdan River and Rotten Bayou, opportunities for water recreation are abundant. Kayak launches are positioned along the bayou and Diamondhead Marina, and charter fishing companies offer guide services. Pelicans and cormorants feed at the Jourdan River Preserve, another boating spot occasionally visited by anglers and hunters. Public swimming pools and Twin Lakes Pavilion and Park keep the water groove rolling.
Launch your kayak or canoe from the Diamondhead Bayou Dr Kayak launch in Diamondhead.
Charter a fishing excision on from the Bay of St. Louis near Diamondhead.
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Jobs in health, plus high marks for Hancock County School District
The area draws a lot of retirees, but residents still in the workforce can find jobs in healthcare, social assistance and education. Several healthcare centers are set up in Diamondhead, and the nearest major medical facility is Ochsner Medical Center-Hancock, about 12 miles away. Another prominent area employer is NASA’s Stennis Space Center, America’s largest rocket propulsion test site. The Hancock County School District is based in Kiln, the next town inland. Students from Diamondhead, Pearlington, Waveland and Bay St. Louis also attend schools in the district, which earns a Niche grade of A-minus.
NASA's Stennis Space Center employees many residents in and around Diamondhead.
Hancock High School earned a high A-grade from Niche.
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Clinking glasses on Kapalama Drive
Diamondhead’s commercial activity mostly centers around the Interstate 10 corridor, where chain restaurants, supermarkets and dollar stores cover the basics. A few local bars and roadhouses gather alongside a small shopping center on Kapalama Drive in the northeastern corner of town.
Catch up with good friends over drinks at Grog's Bar in Diamondhead.
Diamondhead residents can pick up grocery's from the local Rouses Market.
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Taking I-10 to New Orleans
Diamondhead is home to Mississippi’s largest buffered bike lane, which goes on for 8 miles. However, this is a car-dependent town, as no public transportation is available. Interstate 10 passes through its center, connecting to major cities along the Gulf Coast. It’s about 20 miles to Gulfport and the nearest major airport, Gulfport-Biloxi International, which is served by six airlines. For an exciting weekend getaway, New Orleans lies 60 miles southwest. A project is underway to widen the interstate into six lanes between the Diamondhead and County Farm Road exits. While the project should eventually reduce congestion, it will have an adverse effect on area traffic until it’s completed in 2027. Three new roundabouts are also being installed at Diamondhead’s I-10 interchange, a project due to be completed in 2026.
Blessing of the Classics
Diamondhead hosts the “Blessing of the Classics” during October’s Cruisin’ the Coast event. Classic vehicles cruise in a parade around town and join the “blessing circle,” after which each car receives a non-denominational certificate, and drivers join the block party. Other town events include Paddle Paradise in September and the BBQ and Brews Veteran’s Day Parade.
Important things to consider
Summers in Diamondhead are hot and sticky, and winter temps rarely stray below 30 degrees. Hurricane season runs from June through November and threatens the entire region. The area suffered significant damage when Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005. Since FBI crime data reflects the offenses reported for the whole of Hancock County, crime risk is difficult to pin down. However, the data does suggest that the risk is slightly higher than the national average.
Enjoy a peaceful kayaking trip along the waters of Diamondhead.
Rivers wind like veins through the marshes of Diamondhead, MS.
Disclaimer: 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.
