The site of French Louisiana's first permanent settlement, established in 1699, Ocean Springs later became a busy resort town. Today, this town on Mississippi's Gulf Coast is called the "City of Discovery," and tourists drawn to its buzzing art scene supplement the year-round population of 20,000. The Walter Anderson Museum of Art and Shearwater Pottery highlight the works of the Anderson family, and a walkable downtown and views of the Gulf solidify the city’s charm. “It’s got a nice historic downtown, with Spanish oaks lining the streets,” says Timothy Switzer, Realtor with Coastal Realty Group. “We call it the Golf Cart District because people drive their golf carts downtown and to the beach.”
Ocean Springs, MS is close to the Gulf of Mexico.
Living in Ocean Springs, MS is like living in a dream.
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Seafood and barbecue in downtown Ocean Springs
Shops, restaurants and art galleries fill downtown Ocean Springs. Seafood, southern comfort food and barbecue are common offerings, but several eateries along Government Street serve international cuisine. Ocean Springs is one of several Gulf Coast cities to enact a “go-cup law,” allowing bar patrons to walk around designated areas with alcohol in hand. Boutiques, local art galleries and antique shops characterize the downtown shopping scene, while big-box retailers and grocery stores are relegated to the area around Highway 90.
Since the casino industry hit its stride in Biloxi in the 1990s, demand for housing and commercial development has risen sharply. Hotels, condo buildings and restaurants are cropping up all over Government Street.
Chandeleur Outfitter in Old Downtown of Ocean Springs, MS is a great place to find your new styl
Old Downtown Ocean Springs, MS is a great place to find that special gift.
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Museums and events centered around the cultural arts
Ocean Springs hosts a full roster of seasonal events that boost tourism. The Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival, held each November, is Mississippi’s largest fine arts festival and welcomes about 100,000 people. The two-day celebration highlights more than 300 local artists, featuring live demonstrations, craft and food booths and kids’ activities. Other events include the Blueberry Festival, the Taste of Ocean Springs restaurant tour and Cruisin’ the Coast, a parade of classic vehicles that stops in several Mississippi Gulf Coast cities. The Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Arts Center is another jewel in the crown of the public art community, with galleries, a history museum and a performing arts theater.
Historic homes shaded by oak and magnolia
Dense canopies of oak and magnolia lend shade to residential areas. The median home price of $285,000 is well below the national median of $407,000 but slightly higher than in larger nearby cities. “It’s probably one of the hottest markets in the state,” Switzer says. “Lots of families want to move there because of the school district.” Prices start around $120,000 to $150,000 for inland condos and $175,000 to $200,000 for starter homes. The price range for a newer or well-maintained single-family home is $250,000 to $500,000, but historic homes along the waterfront are priced from $800,000 to $1 million. Luxury waterfront estates can cost $1.25 to $2.5 million.
Stunning farm style homes in Ocean Springs, MS are perfect for family gatherings.
Live in a cozy ranch style home in Ocean Springs, MS.
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The No. 1 school district in Mississippi
Ocean Springs School District earns an A from Niche, as do all six schools in the system. The Mississippi Department of Education ranked it the No. 1 district in the state for the 2022 and 2023 school years.
Oak Park Elementary in Ocean Springs, MS is a great place to enroll your child.
Ocean Springs Upper Elementary School is an excellent school to enroll your child.
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Fishing and kayaking on the Gulf Coast
A confluence of bayous and greenways makes kayaking, fishing and cycling popular pastimes in this coastal community. Beaches and waterfront parks make picturesque gathering spots, and the city’s recreation department encourages groups to rent out its pavilions and athletic facilities. Golf isn’t as prominent as the town’s preferred mode of transportation suggests, but there are a few courses nearby.
Ocean Springs, MS is a great place for ocean lovers.
The Chester M. McPhearson, Jr. Pier in Ocean Springs, MS is a great place to fish.
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Crossing the Biloxi Bay Bridge
Highway 90 is the town’s primary thoroughfare, leading 4 miles across the Biloxi Bay Bridge to the casinos and nightlife in Biloxi. A wide pedestrian path spans the length of the bridge to accommodate walkers, joggers and cyclists. Many residents also commute to Pascagoula, 17 miles east, where the Chevron Pascagoula Refinery and Ingalls Shipbuilding provide thousands of jobs. An ongoing construction project will add two new lanes to Highway 90 along the stretch from Highway 609 to Dolphin Drive in nearby Gautier. Commuters can expect the flow of traffic to be impeded until the project’s completion, slated for 2026. Public transport service Coastal Transit Authority runs a shuttle service with stops throughout Ocean Springs, including at Ocean Springs Hospital, another area employer. Five major airlines serve the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, 21 miles away.
Hurricanes, flooding and crime risk
Because Ocean Springs is on the Gulf Coast, many areas are prone to flooding. The risk is especially great during hurricane season, which runs from June through November. Drinking water safety is an ongoing concern, as the city’s wells may be susceptible to contamination due to pollutants from stormwater runoff. The Ocean Springs Environmental Alliance meets regularly to keep citizens informed.
According to data reported to the FBI, the risk of violent crime is generally low compared to state and national averages. While the number of property-related incidents reported is slightly higher, it’s still low compared to nearby cities like Pascagoula and Biloxi.
Written By
Adrienne Ryan
Photography Contributed By
Yanan Sun
Video By
TJ Wengert
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Tommy Reynolds,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Ocean Springs, MS sell after 51 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Ocean Springs, MS over the last 12 months is $275,000, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Welcome Home to 8809 Old Walnut Rd in Beautiful Ocean Springs! This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is tucked away in a peaceful, established neighborhood and offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. From the moment you pull into the driveway, you'll feel right at home!Step inside to discover a bright, open living space with a warm and inviting atmosphere—perfect for entertaining
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Built in 2022, this 5-bedroom, 3-bath home offers the perfect balance of builder upgrades and custom additional options. Set on an oversized lot with a peaceful, wooded backdrop that makes your backyard feel like a private retreat. With a thoughtful layout ideal for families, guests, or working from home, this home brings together style, comfort, and smart functionality. You're welcomed insided
Enjoy the perfect blend of charm and convenience in this thoughtfully designed home. Walk, bike, or cruise by golf cart to downtown shops, restaurants, festivals, and the beach in just minutes. Inside, you'll find a bright, open layout with plenty of natural light, ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. The modern kitchen features granite countertops, custom cabinetry, and stainless
Southern Living at Its Finest - Waterfront Paradise with Unmatched Views!Tucked away at the back of a National Park and just around the corner from the sparkling Gulf of America, this deep-water dream home defines coastal elegance. With unbelievable panoramic views of the Barrier Islands, this 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath elevated retreat is the perfect blend of luxury and laid-back Southern charm.Step
OCCUPIED: Appointment Only. Welcome to this adorable and affordable home in the St. Martin school district. This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home features a spacious open-concept layout that's perfect for modern living. The kitchen is a chef's delight, complete with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and plenty of room to entertain.Enjoy the convenience of nearby walking trails and the
The Sails Apartments, located at 1200 Deana Rd in Ocean Springs, MS, is a luxury apartment community built in 2023. Offering 1- to 3-bedroom units ranging from 779 to 1,225 square feet, each apartment features modern finishes such as granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, soft-close cabinets, walk-in closets, and in-unit washer/dryer hookups. Residents enjoy amenities including a
Beautiful, spacious 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath 2 story home in Gulf Park Estates! It has a walkway overlooking the open living area. A formal dining and eat in kitchen give you plenty of space for entertaining! A cozy wood burning fireplace and screened in back porch make every season enjoyable. The home has ceramic tile, vinyl plank, walk-in closets, and a large laundry room. There is also a 2 car
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