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.
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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
Paulette Snyder,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Diamondhead, MS sell after 50 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Diamondhead, MS over the last 12 months is $248,010, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
** MOTIVATED SELLER*** Step into this , ground-floor corner unit in Lanai Villa and enjoy fantastic natural light! This 2-bedroom, 2-full bath condo is perfectly situated steps away from the pool. You can breathe easy knowing the unit features a brand new air conditioning system! This stylish condo is ready for low-maintenance living. It features durable luxury vinyl flooring in the main areas
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
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
Need room to spread out without paying for unused bedrooms? This Diamondhead home offers more than 2,700 square feet of flexible living space designed for gathering, entertaining, hobbies, and everyday comfort. Enjoy a spacious recreation room with wet bar, conditioned sunroom, multiple living areas, wood-burning fireplace, and a layout that adapts to your lifestyle. Whether you're hosting family
Convenient and easy living beneath the massive oaks while enjoying beautiful golf course views. Wondering what it costs to live in a 3-bedroom Lanai? For just $545 per month, your dues include water and sewer, fire dues, garbage service, termite contract, exterior building maintenance, street lighting, liability insurance, plus pool and grounds maintenance. You simply pay for power and internet
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
Experience timeless elegance and custom craftsmanship in this one-of-a-kind golf course home, ideally situated on two spacious lots in the heart of Diamondhead. This 3-bedroom, 4-bath residence offers an expansive, thoughtfully designed layout ideal for both entertaining and everyday living. Step into the great room, where vaulted cathedral ceilings, dramatic skylights, and a stunning custom
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
Have you been dreaming of a cozy cottage feel without giving up space or modern comforts? This home offers the best of both worlds.Situated on a beautifully landscaped lot shaded by majestic live oaks. This property welcomes you with a circular drive and undeniable curb appeal. Inside, you'll find an open floor plan, perfect for both everyday living and entertaining.The home features 3
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 for its next
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
Build your dream home in the sought-after Diamondhead South community and experience a refined coastal lifestyle with deep water access, ideal for boating and waterfront enjoyment. This desirable water-access residential lot offers the perfect setting for a custom home designed to take advantage of the area's natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Located just north of Bay St. Louis,
Step into this gorgeous 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in the sought-after Diamondhead community. Boasting a spacious floor plan, this home features elegant granite countertops, luxury vinyl flooring, and sleek stainless steel appliances. With a prime location near shopping, dining, and entertainment, this is a home you won't want to miss. Schedule your private tour today!
: Beautifully renovated 2 bed, 2.5 bath home on the golf course in Diamondhead, MS! Rent includes HOA fees, giving you access to amazing community amenities like pools, a marina, 36 championship golf holes, hiking trails, a kayak park, tennis courts, a splash pad, basketball courts, and more! Don't miss this incredible rental opportunity!
AVAILABLE NOWOn the Golf Course! Beautiful 3 Bed, 2 Bath HomeLive the resort lifestyle in this immaculate 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home featuring an open layout and premium finishes.Location: Prime golf course lot with a nice size back deck.Floor Plan: Split-bedroom layout maximizing space and privacy.Flooring: Beautiful, durable luxury vinyl plank throughout.Kitchen: Full
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.
Pet Friendly, 2 story, 3 bedroom 3 bathroom home in Diamondhead, MS on the Golf Course. Home available in June 2026.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
Overlooking Pine Golf Course in Diamondhead's Lanai Village, this one bedroom, one bath unit has an open concept floor plan with living and dining open and semi-open to the small galley kitchen with all appliances. The grounds have beautiful landscaping, two area pools, plus a laundry facility and close to the Country Club and Pro Shop. Come enjoy the easy way of life in beautiful Diamondhead
Distinctive golf course home with dramatic windows, expansive entertaining space, and a private downstairs guest suite. This 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home offers over 3,200 square feet in Diamondhead. The main living level is the heart of the home, featuring a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the course, a large open-concept layout, a striking stone fireplace, built-in bookshelves, and
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