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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
Written By
Adrienne Ryan
Photography Contributed By
Clayton Hurst
Video By
Luke Basinger
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Vicki Estapa,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Diamondhead, MS sell after 52 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Diamondhead, MS over the last 12 months is $248,500, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to your private retreat! Nestled on a sprawling property in a secluded setting, this stunning home offers a perfect blend of elegance, comfort, and natural beauty. As you step through the front door, you're immediately welcomed into a vast open-plan living space, where an abundance of natural light create a warm, inviting an amazing atmosphere. The spacious living and dining areas boast
MOTIVATED SELLER! Spacious and well-maintained home located in the heart of Diamondhead featuring generous living areas, multiple bedrooms, and an ideal layout for entertaining or multi-generational living. Major recent upgrades include TWO brand-new HVAC systems with warranties, providing peace of mind and energy efficiency for years to come. Conveniently located near golf, boating, dining, and
Custom Golf Course Home on Over Half an Acre with Room to Make It Your Own If you've been searching for a home with generous living space, quality construction, and a premium golf course setting, this one deserves a look. Situated on over half an acre in Diamondhead, this custom-built, single-story home offers 3,423 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and a spacious floor plan that's becoming
Located in the highly desirable community of Diamondhead, this beautifully maintained home offers approximately 2,969 square feet of living space with 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, all situated on approximately +/- 0.65 acres. From the moment you arrive, the property makes an impression with its generous setting, mature surroundings, and sense of space and privacy that is hard to find in such a
Relax—You're Home: Pristine Custom Contractor-Built Cottage Experience the perfect blend of coastal charm and high-end craftsmanship in this "like new" custom gem. Originally built by a contractor as a personal residence, no detail was overlooked in creating this pristine, open-concept sanctuary. From the moment you arrive, the welcoming front porch invites you to slow down and enjoy the peaceful
PRICE REDUCTION! MOVE-IN READY + SMART HOME + PRIVATE COURTYARD + GOLF CART LIFESTYLE. Beautifully updated 3BR/2BA home offering an open floor plan, custom built-ins, smart-home technology, and a private courtyard perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Located in Diamondhead's golf-cart-friendly community with access to golf, pools, walking trails, dining, and more. Thoughtfully updated and ready
Beautiful French Acadian charm meets coastal living in the heart of Diamondhead! This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home offers the perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and neighborhood lifestyle. Inside, you'll find a thoughtfully designed floor plan with a versatile flex space ideal for a butler's pantry, home office, mud room, or hobby area. The home also features permanent holiday lighting... adding
Spacious three-bedroom, two-bath home on a generous lot in Diamond Head. This home features a versatile den/office off the primary bedroom, which includes a garden tub and double sinks. Recent updates include new flooring, fresh paint, new cabinets, new appliances, and a metal roof. Enjoy Diamond Head community amenities--golf course, tennis courts, multiple swimming pools, shopping, grocery
Pristine and completely updated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home featuring modern upgrades throughout. The spacious kitchen offers beautiful granite countertops and all-new fixtures, creating a fresh and inviting atmosphere. Enjoy the private, lighted backyard complete with a gazebo, perfect for entertaining or relaxing in the evenings. This move-in ready home has been thoughtfully updated and is ready
Step into your own tropical retreat with this fun and unique Polynesian-style home full of character and charm! This spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath property offers plenty of room to spread out, both inside and out, sitting on almost 3/4 of an acre in an X flood zone for added peace of mind. Inside, you'll find warm and inviting spaces including a cozy wood-burning fireplace, custom plantation
Welcome to this beautifully remodeled home, in a quiet cul-de-sac in the Diamondhead community. Step inside to a bright, open living area featuring a fireplace, luxury Pergo flooring, fresh interior paint, and large windows that fill the space with natural light while overlooking the backyard. The renovated kitchen features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, spacious soft-close
Tucked away in Kapalama Cove, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath patio home offers a comfortable one-level floor plan with +/- 1,485 square feet. The front entry opens into the main living room, with the kitchen situated at the center of the home featuring huge a breakfast bar, pantry, and new stove. Just off the kitchen is an additional den that can also serve as a breakfast room, giving the home two
FURNISHED UNIT - Ground Level...1 Bedroom, 1 Bath, Furnished Unit. Washer and Dryer as well.This Townhome Sits On The Golf Course In Diamondhead, MS. Close To
This luxury furnished townhome is at the end of a drive with no through traffic. It is the last of a group of townhomes. The location is very quiet and peaceful. It is nestled between the 17th and 18th hole of the Cardinal Golf Course of the Diamondhead Country Club. The townhouse is located on Highpoint drive in the city of Diamondhead, MS. The townhome is in a quiet, secluded area of
This 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom Garden home is located in the Pelican Cove community of Diamondhead.The property features a large back deck overlooking the golf course. The updated kitchen includes stainless steel appliances, updated cabinets, countertops, and a large sink .This unit comes with a washer and dryer.Also included is a separate detached garage for vehicle parking or extra storage
This 3 bedroom 2 bath offers simple elegance. It is a split bedroom plan home with a small sitting area on the front of the house that ca be used as a sitting, dining or office space. The kitchen offers a breakfast bar, eat-in area, stainless appliances, granite countertops, tile backsplash, updated goldtone fixtures and cabinet pulls.There is a washer and dryer in the laundry room that has
Beautiful Fully Renovated Golf Course Townhome for RentRare opportunity to rent one of the nicest updated townhomes in the neighborhood! This beautifully renovated 2 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home sits directly on the golf course between two golf holes and offers peaceful views, modern finishes, and an open-concept layout.Features include: Double master bedroom layout with private
Occupied - Appointment Required Beautiful Construction, built in 2020. ABSOLUTELY NO PETS!!!2 bedroom 2 bath lower level unit within walking distance to the country club in Fairway Villas of Diamondhead. This home offers extra patio space, screened in porch, granite counter tops, high ceilings, golf cart garage, beautiful colors & an awesome floor plan.
Property Id: 2729108 Four bedroom two bath with attic storage.semi fenced in backyard. One car garage which can be heated and cooled and is insulated. Close to interstate in Diamondhead.
Step into this roomy 3 bedroom, 2 bath home and make it your own! A rental in Diamondhead with a 2 car garage and a fully fenced yard is hard to come by!
Property Id: 2481182 Beautiful 2 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath Townhome - Move-In Ready! Looking for a place that feels like home? This freshly updated 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome is ready for its next tenants! Features You’ll Love: * Freshly painted throughout * Brand-new carpet * Spacious floor plan with two large bedrooms * 2 full bathrooms upstairs plus a convenient
Pet Friendly, 2 story, 3 bedroom 3 bathroom home in Diamondhead, MS on the Golf Course. This beautiful home is located on a golf course. Bedrooms with cathedral ceilings, wonderful walk out balcony, french doors, all closets have wood shelving, built ins, gas cooktop, stainless appliances in kitchen, interior shutters, vaulted ceilings, spacious back yard (the deck was removed). So many
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.