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
Jayden Gillespie,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Diamondhead, MS sell after 52 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Diamondhead, MS over the last 12 months is $249,000, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Luxury meets convenience in this beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bath corner condo overlooking the 18th green of Diamondhead's Signature Pine Course. This spacious end unit, comes furnished (with limited exceptions), offers stunning golf course views and a private balcony, providing the perfect place to relax and enjoy the scenery. The completely renovated interior features custom cabinetry,
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
BACK ON THE MARKET THROUGH NO FAULT OF THE SELLER OR PROPERTY! 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
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
Great Getaway or Perfect for Maintenance-Free Living! Welcome to this beautifully updated second-floor studio condo in Lakeside Villa, ideally located within easy walking distance of the Diamondhead Country Club. Whether you're looking to enjoy dining, entertainment, or tee off for a round of golf, everything is just moments away. This charming studio has been thoughtfully renovated with numerous
Why wait to build when the upgrades are already done? Almost brand new, this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers 1,501 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space in desirable Diamondhead Lakes. The owners have added custom touches throughout, including upgraded lighting and hardware in the kitchen and baths, stylish accent walls in the primary suite, smart appliances, and
Price reduction. FABULOUS VIEWS of the Pine Golf Course #13 and #14 from a huge deck and wall to wall windows in living, dining and kitchen. TONGUE AND GROOVE VAULTED AND BEAMED CEILING THROUGHOUT. Fireplaces in Great Room and Master bedroom. ENTIRE HOME IS FLOODED WITH NATURAL LIGHT. Bathrooms have unique features i.e. heat lamps, extra lighting, oversized soaking tub and more. Master Suite also
Welcome to 7339 Anela Drive, a spacious and beautifully updated home in Diamondhead, MS offering 4 bedrooms, flexible living spaces, and approximately 2,400 square feet in one of the Mississippi Gulf Coast's most amenity-rich communities. A major highlight is TWO BRAND-NEW HVAC SYSTEMS WITH WARRANTIES, adding comfort and peace of mind for the next owner. Inside, you'll find fresh paint, updated
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
Welcome home, where space, location, and versatility come together! Offering approximately 2,700 square feet of well-maintained living space, this beautiful home is ideally situated just moments from Diamondhead Country Club, golf courses, and the many amenities that make Diamondhead one of the Gulf Coast's most desirable communities. Built in 2005 and meticulously cared for, this home offers
Southern Charm on the Pine Golf Course Welcome to a beautiful piece of "Art" in the heart of Diamondhead, Mississippi! This inviting Acadian-style 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home is ideally situated along the #3 hole of the Pine Golf Course, offering peaceful golf course views and a relaxed lifestyle. From the moment you arrive, the home's welcoming character shines through with its expansive covered
Property Id: 2859910 Welcome to this spacious 3,080 sq. ft. Diamondhead home offering 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, plus a versatile office that could serve as a 4th bedroom. The open kitchen and living area provide plenty of room for everyday living and entertaining, while the large primary suite offers a comfortable private retreat. Outside, enjoy a fenced backyard and covered patio, perfect
Wonderfully updated 3 bedroom, and 2 full bath home in Diamondhead.Open kitchen to dining area and living room. Laundry room off kitchen. Nice sized covered back patio, fenced yard.Ceiling fans, vinyl plank flooring, neutral paint throughout, blinds Master bedroom has a large walk in closet and private bath.Call for your appointment today.
Diamondhead Treasure! Single family home boasting 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car attached garage, storage shed, covered patio, and large, woods edged back yard, beautifully located on a cul de sac. Truly a must see property, call today for your private showing.
Welcome to 9534 Laa La Court in Diamondhead! This inviting rental offers a comfortable setting in a desirable community with convenient access to local shopping, dining, golf, and nearby amenities. Enjoy a peaceful residential setting while still being within easy reach of the Gulf Coast and surrounding areas. Tenant is responsible for all utilities and lawn care. Pets are welcome with a
Welcome to 9534 Laa La Court in Diamondhead! This inviting home offers a comfortable layout and a great opportunity to enjoy the relaxed lifestyle of the Diamondhead community. Conveniently located near neighborhood amenities, shopping, dining, and major roadways. Tenant is responsible for all utilities and lawn care. Pets are welcome with a $300 non-refundable pet deposit plus $25 per month, per
Experience the scenic views of Diamondhead Golf Course from the private balcony of your one-bedroom condo located in Lanai Village! While this unit does come with a stackable washer/dryer, it is also situated adjacent to the laundry facility. Recently refreshed with a new paint job and roof replacement in 2021, this property promises durability and aesthetic appeal. Water is included! Lanai
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