Moss Point

Welcome to Moss Point, the only Gulf Coast city with a riverfront, thanks to its position on the Escatawpa and Pascagoula Rivers. This small city rests only 4 miles from Jimmy Buffet’s hometown of Pascagoula and 21 miles from the casinos of Biloxi. So, not only is the Gulf Coast just minutes from your doorstep, but specialty shopping and dining are nearby, too. Moss Point got its start in the early 1800s when settlers moved to the area to take part in the burgeoning lumber business. The surrounding forests provided the raw materials the British, French, and Spanish needed to build their warships. By the 1890s, the industry had completely taken over the town, as at least a dozen sawmills operated along the river. You'll find aspects of this history today, and homes ranging from historical to modern.

Homes in this tightly knit community are traditional for the most part. You’ll find very few contemporary house designs in this historic area, and downtown is filled with buildings dating from the 1870s to the present day. If you’re looking for something more this century, there are plenty of established houses from the 1940s through the 1960s. Ranch-style residences are common in Moss Point but doubles, farmhouses, and more can also be found amongst the tree-lined streets. Houses are considered more affordable here than in other parts of the Gulf Coast, and homes needing a little extra love start around $50,000 and continue to $375,000 for an estate-style home with five bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.

Children will have their choice of private or public schools living in Moss Point. Kreole Primary School strives to empower pupils to reach their full potential as students and leaders while being part of dances, musicals, field trips and other special activities. Magnolia Middle School concentrates on learning through action and creating partnerships between the students and faculty. At Moss Point High School, teachers, staff and youth work toward excellence in academics, athletics, and other activities such as the Naval JROTC.

One thing Moss Point doesn’t lack is green space. The town surrounds the Escatawpa River Marsh Coastal Preserve and is close to the DeSoto National Forest. It also has the Sue Ellen Recreation Center, a community meeting space found in Sue Ellen Street Park. The center hosts the River City Summer Camp among three baseball fields with covered seating and a concession stand. There’s a walking track, basketball and even tennis if you’d like to hit the courts or trail. Children will enjoy the playground while fitness enthusiasts might gravitate towards the gymnasium’s fitness zone.

Nearby, the Pascagoula River Audubon Center offers educational programs like guided walks or classes throughout the 10-acre complex’s campus. The area was once part of a trolley line that carried lumber, mail and passengers through the Pascagoula River’s watershed. Today, the center invites you to experience nature while strolling the scenic bayou walkways and taking in the wetlands from one of the observation decks. There’s also a nature play garden and interactive exhibits to keep children of all ages interested.

If you find yourself hungry after exploring the river, why not stop into Hacienda San Miguel? Opened in 2005, the restaurant features Mexican food and architecture including a patio for dining outdoors. Featuring live music on the weekends, the eatery also has a lively happy hour, fajita nights and their own Taco Tuesday. The salsa is made fresh daily as are tasty treats like Mexican-style street corn, birria tacos, mole poblano and flautas.

Moss Point provides residents with quiet days, comfortable nights and everything you need in between.

Written By

Hannah Rainey

Photography Contributed By

Andrew Williams