Gautier

Sandwiched between Pascagoula and Biloxi-Gulfport on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Gautier is a quiet town surrounded by nature. Connie West, broker/owner of C West Realty, describes Gautier as a small, pass-through community. “If you go east, you’ve got local businesses and industries in Pascagoula, and to the west you’re running into Ocean Springs, D’Iberville and Biloxi,” she explains. It’s conveniently located to larger cities, just without all that hustle and bustle. Since Highway 90 passes through town and Interstate 10 is close by, you can get to those larger cities in about 15 minutes.

Real estate in Gautier is more affordable compared to cities like Pascagoula and Ocean Springs. Unlike Pascagoula, where homeowners need insurance because it’s a designated flood zone, not all parts of Gautier are in flood zones. “Neighborhoods are quieter and smaller, with access to the Gulf and rivers, if you’re into boating and fishing,” says West. Closing sale prices of recent listings range from $125,000 for a ranch-style house farther inland, to $595,000 for a ranch-style house on the water. More expensive houses tend to be newer, larger homes on the water. Houses less than $100,000 are either rental properties or those that need some work. House styles include different ranch style houses, split levels, Colonial Revivals, raised cottages, contemporary and waterfront houses. Other housing options include mobile houses and condos.

The Pascagoula-Gautier Public School District has an A rating from the Mississippi Department of Education Office of Accreditation, and includes 19 schools at the elementary, academy, middle and high school levels, and specialty school campuses. Students in Gautier can attend 1 of 3 elementary schools for Kindergarten-4th Grade, like Gautier Elementary, and then go on to attend Singing River Academy for Grades 5-6, Gautier Middle School and Gautier High School. Gautier High is graded B-plus on Niche and offers multiple academic opportunities like the Bridge Academies, which provides students with college and career preparation opportunities in 4 career fields. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College has a campus in town for those interested in pursuing post-secondary education.

When it’s time for shopping, you’ll find most stores along Highway 90, like Ramey’s Marketplace, DG Market and Belk. Shop locally at specialty stores and boutiques like Black Door Boutique, a feminine apparel store where you can pick out your next outfit. Gamers looking for cards to add to their decks, a new board game, or to join a community of other tabletop gamers can check out maCnarB Gaming. More shopping options are just a short drive away at cities like Ocean Springs.

At Aztecas Restaurant & Cantina, enjoy tasty, authentic Mexican dishes including a variety of street tacos, burritos and antojitos like tortas, carne asado and alambres. The Cornerstone Restaurant offers well-seasoned seafood dishes, with selections like crab claws, flounder and steamer specials. Country Gentleman, despite its name, offers Greek food options like gyros in addition to Southern cooking fare.

For some outdoor fun, head over to Martin City Park. Kids can play on the enclosed playground, filled with extensive climbing and play equipment, or cool off on the splash pad. The surrounding trees provides shade along with some coverings over the playsets, and the pavilion. You can get your steps in on the fitness trail, spend a leisurely morning fishing off the pier, or take a boat onto the Pascagoula River. From May to September, the Gautier Farmer’s Market is held here on the second Saturday of the month. Come by to get fresh produce, homemade jellies and jams, local art products and more. If you like roughing it outdoors, make a reservation at Shepard State Park, a 395-acre park filled with trees, wildflowers, and bike and nature trails. You can spend the day or camp overnight.

Plans are in motion to build another city park with an amphitheater north of the old Singing Mall Property. The old mall property is sometimes used to host local events like drive-in movie nights, where a large outdoor screen is set up for the evening to play a feature film. In October, Gautier has the Mullet & Music Festival, an annual 2-day festival with entertainment for everyone in the community. While kids have fun in the bounce houses, you can enjoy a variety of food and arts and crafts vendors, live music, and events like the pet parade, the car and motorcycle show, and the famous Mullet Toss. If a quiet town with easy access to water recreation and bigger cities sounds like your kind of place, make Gautier, Nature’s Playground, your new home.

Written By

Jessica Haddad

Photography Contributed By

Yanan Sun

Video By

Alex Finneran