Latimer offers rural living near Ocean Springs and Biloxi
The community of Latimer offers buyers country suburban reprieve. Latimer sits in rural Jackson County, surrounded by grassy wetlands, pine forests and bayous. With the Tchoutacabouffa River to the west and Biloxi Bay to the south, slow bayous and tranquil streams creep into the land. The area, which has a population of about 6,400, is also desirable due to its position close to major cities. "It's in the country, but in the middle of Vancleave, Ocean Springs and D'Iberville, so it still offers access to commercial areas," says Realtor Jacki Thornburg with Exit Realty. In addition to its location, the availability of new construction, acreage and well-rated schools continues to draw buyers out to Latimer.
Mix of home styles with rural acreage and newer builds
Latimer has a mix of home styles and eras, with the median sale price at $351,900. Latimer primarily has manufactured, ranch-style, New Traditional and farmhouse-style houses that often offer the opportunity to spread out and have small acreages, between one and five acres. Some contemporary subdivisions provide the chance to own more recent construction. According to the FEMA National Risk Index, Latimer has a relatively high risk of impact from hurricanes. Residents should consider this when purchasing homeowner's insurance and follow the evacuation protocol in an emergency.
Education through Jackson County School District
Latimer is served by Jackson County School District, which has nearly 9,000 students enrolled and has an overall A-minus rating on Niche. Students in Latimer attend schools near Saint Martin. Saint Martin North Elementary earns an A, and both Saint Martin Upper Elementary and Saint Martin Middle score a B-plus. Saint Martin High receives an A. Students can take career and technical education classes, including marketing, business and culinary arts.
Latimer has boat launches, trails and a splash pad
Residents of Latimer are a short drive from the Tchoutacabouffa River and the numerous bayous that branch out from it. There are several boat launches and public access points, like Riverside Park, where visitors can boat, fish, swim or float. Latimer is also about 7 miles from various boat launches on Biloxi Bay and 10 miles from beaches like Ocean Springs Beach. The Latimer Community Center offers a walking track, playground and splash pad. Residents can book public tee times at Gulf Hills Golf Club,6 miles away, or bring kids to Little League games at Saint Martin Sports Complex, 8 miles away.
Residents travel for restaurants, retail and entertainment
There are limited dining and retail options available in Latimer. Along Tucker Road, there are small businesses, repair shops, churches and a Domino's. Residents may go to nearby areas like Ocean Springs for dining and retail. "One of the biggest benefits is that it's close to places like Ocean Springs," Thornburg says. "It's an eclectic area and an artsy community with a lot of shopping, restaurants and nightlife." Residents may also visit D'Iberville, a large commercial area with big box stores like Walmart and Target. Supply shops, clothing stores, medical offices, and a trampoline park are in this area. Restaurants include chains like Sonic and local spots like Quickly Asian Fusion Cafe and Pedro's Taco and Tequila Bar.
Monthly country market features crafts, food and live music
The Latimer Community Center hosts the Latimer Country Market one Saturday a month, which includes craft vendors, farm produce, live music and food vendors. There is also Christmas at the Latimer Country Market, which has food vendors, music and over 25 craft and art vendors. Residents can also go to other communities for events like Ocean Springs. Each October, the Ocean Springs Art Association Art Show exhibits and sells local and visiting artists and artisans.
Interstate 10 connects Latimer to Biloxi and D’Iberville
From Latimer's major roads, residents may access Interstate 10, which creates the community's southern boundary. Interstate 10 joins 110, providing access to communities across the region, including D'Iberville and Biloxi. The closest medical center is Memorial Hospital Biloxi, 9 miles away. The nearest airport is Gulfport-Biloxi International, 20 miles from Latimer. Biloxi is also home to an Amtrak station, which recently debuted a service between Mobile, 60 miles away, and New Orleans, 90 miles away.