A residential community across the water from Ocean Springs
Gulf Hills is for everyone — but it was originally intended to be a “millionaires’ playground.” In the 1920s, a group of Chicago investors led by Harvey W. Braniger wanted to turn the area into a winter getaway for wealthy northerners, who would then retire there. The group got as far as constructing a few dozen homes and the Gulf Hills Hotel & Resort before the Great Depression slowed progress. The resort became a hangout for stars like Elvis Presley and Judy Garland, but it was also used by mob bosses to conduct business unbothered. By the 1960s, home construction was back up and running, though the “millionaires' playground” idea was abandoned.
Today, the census-designated place in Jefferson County has more than 8,000 residents, some of whom work in the healthcare, food service and accommodation industries. The residential community is next to the city of Ocean Springs, which provides enhanced shopping and dining opportunities. “Gulf Hills is on the north side of Old Fort Bayou,” says Mary Ann Clisby, a Realtor with Re/Max Real Estate Partners – Ocean Springs. “By being in the county, there are less restrictions and lower taxes.” Larger cities like Biloxi and Gulfport are also nearby.
Gulf Hills is a quiet family friendly community founded in 1925.
Enjoy a quiet stay at the Gulf Hills Hotel & Resort.
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New Traditional and ranch-style homes
Many New Traditional homes have been built in recent years, particularly in the Talla Pointe and Orleans Place subdivisions in the eastern half of the area. Other parts of Gulf Hills have ranch-style and split-level houses. Homes have a median price of around $300,000, higher than the state median.
Ranch style homes can be found when looking to move to Gulf Hills.
Split level homes can be found in Gulf Hills.
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A short drive to Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport
Gulf Hills is sandwiched between Interstate 10 and U.S. Route 90. Biloxi is less than 10 miles away and Gulfport is around 25 miles away. Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport has nonstop flights to several U.S. destinations. The Coast Transit Authority offers fixed-route buses from Ocean Springs to other cities in the area. Ocean Springs Hospital is a Level III trauma center.
Athletic facilities and access to Biloxi Bay
Gulf Hills has few public green spaces, and the few it has are built for athletics. The St. Martin Youth Complex has baseball and softball facilities, football and soccer fields, tennis courts and a playground. Gulf Hills Golf Club, across from Gulf Hills Hotel and Resort, is a nine-hole course with putting and chipping greens. Nearby Ocean Springs’ Percy Miller Park has a boat ramp onto Old Fort Bayou. There are also fishing and beach spots along Biloxi Bay. “It’s just stunning,” Clisby says. “Looking at the water, you feel like you’re on the edge of the Earth.”
The St. Martin Youth Complex has baseball and softball facilities to enjoy.
The Gulf Hills Golf Club is a nine-hole course with putting and chipping greens.
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Art galleries and annual Mardi Gras events
In Ocean Springs, the Walter Anderson Museum of Art showcases paintings and other art from Anderson, a midcentury artist who lived in the city for much of his life. Several other art galleries are spread throughout the community. The Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center hosts live music and other events. The area celebrates Mardi Gras with multiple gatherings throughout the spring, including a Masquerade Ball and a Night Parade. There is also a Christmas Parade each holiday season. “It’s a small community,” Clisby says. “When there’s an event, you go to that event. There are a lot of opportunities for free entertainment.”
In nearby Biloxi, several casinos offer gambling, golf and other entertainment options.
The Walter Anderson Museum of Art sit along historic Washington Ave near golf Hills.
The Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center hosts live music and other events.
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Local restaurants and shopping in Ocean Springs
Gulf Hills has a few local restaurants sitting along Washington Avenue, the area’s main north-south thoroughfare. Indian Delight serves authentic Indian cuisine. While there are some shopping centers and a Walmart Neighborhood Market along Washington Avenue, most retail stores are found in Ocean Springs. The Ocean Springs Fresh Market is held each Saturday and highlights regional produce, plants and flowers.
Enjoy authentic Indian cuisine at Indian Delight Restaurant in Gulf Hills.
The historic Ocean Springs train depot host the Ocean Springs Fresh Market and other events.
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The Jackson County School District aces the grade
Students are served by the Jackson County School District, which earns an A-minus Niche grade. The district serves around 9,000 students across 13 schools. St. Martin High School has an individual A score.
Ocean Springs Upper Elementary School is an excellent school to enroll your child.
St. Martin High School serves students 9th – 12th grade.
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A high risk of hurricanes
Summers are hot and muggy and can last more than half of the year. During winter, temperatures are mild. Jackson County is at a high risk of hurricanes and a moderate risk of flooding, tornadoes and wildfire. The area is served by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department. Crime data for Gulf Hills is not readily available.
Written By
Ryan Kohn
Photography Contributed By
Andrew Williams
Video By
Alex Finneran
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Timothy Switzer,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Gulf Hills, MS sell after 71 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Gulf Hills, MS over the last 12 months is $297,625, down 22% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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