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
Barbara Campbell,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Diamondhead, MS sell after 53 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Diamondhead, MS over the last 12 months is $248,750, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Located in the desirable golf community of Diamondhead, this beautiful home sits directly on the 11th hole of the Pine Course, offering peaceful views and a prime location for golf lovers. This spacious property features: 4 Bedrooms 2.5 Bathrooms 2,329 Living Sq Ft 2-Car Garage Enjoy comfortable living with a well-designed floor plan perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. Large
Whitney HerrmannColdwell Banker Alfonso Realty-BSL
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
The Opportunity You've Been Waiting For! AVAILABLE NOWOne-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
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
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
Two beautiful, wooded lots totalling almost a half acre ready for you to exercise your imagination. Lots are being sold together but are not consolidated. Back of property borders woodlands, so no one can build behind you.
Smart-technology? Yes! Modern conveniences? Yes! Solid brick exterior? Yes! Welcome to this beautifully updated home featuring a private courtyard entry and thoughtfully designed indoor-outdoor living. The open-concept layout showcases a spacious living area with recessed lighting, crown molding, a striking built-in entertainment wall, and an electric fireplace. The kitchen is designed for both
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,
Rare Opportunities do come around. Here is your chance to live in Fairway Villas in Diamondhead. This spectacular home is available and ready to wrap you in the beautiful features and excellent flowing floor plan. From the welcome of a softly lit barrel ceiling in the foyer to the open and inviting living/kitchen/ dining combination. This home will charm you from the start. My favorite room in
+/- .51 AC lot located right off I-10/Main Entrance to Diamondhead. =/- 122' road frontage Zoned General Commercial and surronded by Offices, retail, medical and mini storage units.
This bijou wooded vacant lot offers a private, tucked-away feel and accepts mobile homes. A great opportunity for someone looking for a simple, low-maintenance piece of land to make their own
Spacious Brick Beauty in DiamondheadLooking for room to breathe? This expansive 3-bedroom, 2-bath all-brick home offers the perfect layout for privacy and comfort. Enjoy cozy evenings by the fireplace in the large family room or cook up a feast in the kitchen. The split floor plan tucks the primary suite away at the back of the house for ultimate peace and quiet. Complete with a two-car
3 Bedroom 2 Bath over 1500 square feet - with a large back yard and nice rear deck to enjoy the outdoors. Single car garage. Convenient location towards the front entrance of Diamondhead. Currently occupied, available for 12 month lease with application and approval around 5/15/2026.
STUDIO - FULLY FURNISHED...INCLUDES Water and Sewer: STUDIO - FULLY FURNISHED...1 year lease - $1100.00RENT includes Water OnlyCompletely remodeled and wonderfully furnished studio on the bottom floor at Lakeside Villa in Diamondhead.Appointment required -
Luxury furnished townhome at the end of a drive with not thru traffic. It is at the end of a group of 3 townhomes. Nestled between the 17th and 18th hole of the Cardinal Golf Course of the Diamondhead Country Club.This townhome is an an executive rental for someone that is relocating to this area for work.The property has many amenities including pools, tennis courts, golf courses,
3BR/2BA Corner Lot Home – No Carpet!Move-in ready split-plan home with an open living room, fireplace, and side-entry garage. Layout: 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, plus a dedicated dining area.Master: Walk-in closet, double vanities, soaker tub + shower.Flooring: Vinyl & ceramic tile (no carpet!).Outside: Corner lot with a small, easy-to-maintain yard (unfenced).Terms: Small pets
Charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment located above storage facility office, offering privacy and convenience. This well designed space features a comfortable layout with fresh paint and floors, plenty of natural light and a quiet setting, with private parking. Conveniently located with easy access to local amenities. Perfect for an individuals or a small family looking for a unique and private
Call for an appointment.This unit is updated... appliances, flooring, backsplash, bathroom and freshly painted, furnished 1 Bedroom Condo, Located In Molokai Village, back porch overlooks the pool. FULLY FURNISHED.....12 Month Lease Minimum, Water And Sewer Included.
Fresh, clean and ready for an occupant. Unfurnished upper level 2 bedroom 2 bath condo. This is an end unit with a great view of area pool and golf course.This unit has a stack washer/dryer and a refrigerator. Rent includes water/sewer.
Experience a total transformation! This home has been completely gutted and beautifully updated. Enjoy a large, open-concept living area that flows perfectly into a modern kitchen featuring a large island—perfect for morning coffee or casual dining. The home offers a spacious primary suite with a massive walk-in closet, double vanities, and a walk-in shower. Plus, find plenty of organized storage
Newer construction, available now. Call to set your appointment to see this 2 bedroom, 2 1/2bath townhome located in Highpoint of Diamondhead. With black fixtures and white cabinets, this unit pops. There are 2 bedrooms and 2 full baths up stairs. The living, kitchen and dining areas are down. The flooring is luxury vinyl plank and tile in the baths.
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
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