When the city of Picayune was established in the 1880s, its most famous resident selected its name. Eliza Jane Poitevent Holbrook Nicholson — better known by her pen name, Pearl Rivers — was the owner and publisher of The Daily Picayune, a New Orleans newspaper that morphed into the paper that still exists today. The newspaper was named for its price: a picayune, the Spanish coin worth about six cents. Pearl Rivers loved her paper like she loved her town, so she named the latter for the former.
Today, the Mississippi city of 12,000 is trying to make its own headlines. New road constructions and a revitalized downtown point to a city on the rise, maintaining its place as the largest city in Pearl River County. Many residents work in the coal, oil and power industries, and Stennis Space Center, a NASA rocket engine test facility, is about 10 miles south. “There are people here from all over,” says Martha Ford, a broker with Ford Realty Inc. “Sometimes work brings them here, but some want a part of the country life, to get away from the hustle and bustle."
Picayune is the largest city in Pearl River County.
Picayune is just 50 miles from New Orleans using Interstate 59.
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Convenient access to New Orleans and Hattiesburg
Picayune is about 50 miles from New Orleans and 60 miles from Hattiesburg. “You can go into the city for some of the best food in the world,” Ford says. “But you can also let your kids ride four-wheelers — and you can’t do that in the city.” Interstate 59 runs east of downtown, and the city recently got approval to construct a $3.4 million road parallel to I-59 that will lead to the city’s commercial center, easing highway traffic and drawing more people to downtown businesses. Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, 50 miles east, has nonstop flights to several domestic locations. The city has an Amtrak stop on the Crescent line, which runs from New Orleans to New York City. Highland Community Hospital is a 60-bed facility.
Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport is 50 miles east of Picayune.
Picayune has an Amtrak stop on the Crescent line that runs from New Orleans to NYC.
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A mix of New Traditional and older ranch-style homes
City homes have a median price of about $215,000, slightly below the state median. Homes stay on the market for 107 days on average. New Traditional homes built in recent years can be found in the eastern half of the city. Ranch-style homes built between 1970 and 2000 are prevalent throughout Picayune. There are also lots and large parcels of land available for building.
Ranch style homes are common throughout Picayune.
New Traditional homes can be found when looking to move to Picayune.
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West Canal Street is home to local shops and restaurants
Downtown Picayune is full of local restaurants, especially along West Canal Street. Betty K’s is a family-owned burger shop famous for its chili buns. The street also has several antique shops, clothing stores and furniture retailers. Away from downtown, Pine Tree Plaza Shopping Center has larger stores and chain restaurants.
Betty K’s is a family-owned burger shop famous for its chili buns in Picayune.
Picayune’s Pine Tree Plaza Shopping Center has larger stores and a fitness center.
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Protecting regional plant life at the Crosby Arboretum
Nearly half of Picayune residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, just under the U.S. urban median. Most of the city parks are designed for recreation. Friendship Park features the third-largest playground in the state, while the Crosby Arboretum has more than 100 acres of native plants split into three habitats.
Picayune’s Crosby Arboretum has more than 100 acres of native plants in three habitats.
Friendship Park has several baseball fields to play on.
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Museums and a downtown public art walk
The city has museums and historic buildings to explore. Inside the Picayune Train Depot, the Lower Pearl River Valley Transportation Museum chronicles local history and its many intersections with railroad development. A public art walk features murals and other art pieces placed around downtown. Each holiday season, the city hosts Christmas on the Rails, a free event with games, music and food held across multiple downtown locations. Twice a year, the Main Street Street Fair has craft and food vendors placed along Canal Street.
The Picayune Train Depot serves as a museum and functioning train station.
Picayune’s Lower Pearl River Valley Transportation Museum shows local railroad history.
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Two school districts serve local students
Most city students are served by the Picayune School District, which receives a B-minus from Niche. A small number of students are served by the Pearl River County School District, also rated B-minus. Pope John Paul II Catholic High School, a private school, earns an A-minus.
City students are served by the Picayune School District, which receives a B- from Niche.
Pope John Paul II High School is centrally located in Slidell, LA.
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A moderate risk of hurricanes and tornadoes
The city’s violent crime rate has fallen in recent years, while its property crime rate has remained steady. Summers can be long and humid, while winters are typically cold but short. The city has a high risk of hurricanes and tornadoes compared to the rest of the country.
Written By
Ryan Kohn
Photography Contributed By
Andrew Williams
Video By
Jason Jacot
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Philip Demoran,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Picayune, MS sell after 121 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Picayune, MS over the last 12 months is $185,950, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Our brand new "Preston" is now complete in Heritage Oaks. Experience modern living in a convenient location close to I-59, dining & shopping. Open-concept living, quartz countertops, tumbled marble backsplash, propane gas range, custom trim accent wall and ceiling and matte black finishes on a corner homesite with a fully fenced yard.
The perfect property does exist! This beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bath home is situated on a spacious, unrestricted 1-acre lot and features an impressive 3,360 sq ft steel superstructure. Inside the structure, you'll find 2,400 sq ft of workshop space with soaring 16' eaves and a 960 sq ft lean-to, the perfect spot for family gatherings, projects, RV storage or entertaining. But that's just the
A very nice home in Picayune, MS in need of some repairs and work. 3 Bedrooms 1 Baths. Being sold as is where is. HUD Case # 281-357147 ''HUD homes are Sold As Is'' www.olympusams-at.com www.HudHomeStore.gov
This large tract near Nicholson, Mississippi, offers a rare combination of river frontage, diverse habitat, and convenient access, making it a strong candidate for recreational use, hunting, and long-term land investment. With direct frontage on the Pearl River, this property provides a consistent water source that enhances wildlife activity and supports a variety of outdoor opportunities,
This CUSTOM built modern New Orleans style shotgun house has 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths. This property features so many extras!! No details were spared by this builder from crown molding, 8 ft interior doors, high end finishes, and so much more! The backyard view of large oaks, hole 13 of Millbrook golf course and a pond are absolutely exquisite, Spend your days on your back porch sipping tea
Step into modern comfort with this beautifully designed new home featuring 1,900 square feet of open-concept living space. Available for new construction in Picayune! The spacious layout seamlessly connects the living, dining, and kitchen areasperfect for entertaining or everyday family life. The kitchen boasts contemporary finishes, ample cabinetry, and a large island.The primary suite offers a
One of 2 waterfront lots left and available from the developer! Fronting on county paved road with community water available. There are Protective Covenants and Rules and Regulations for this community.
Welcome to this charming New construction 3 bedroom, 2 bath home offering 1,300 sq ft of living space. Home features a semi open layout, recessed lighting, and stainless steel appliances. Conveniently Located just minutes from the interstate, this property provides easy access to shopping, dining, and commuting. Move-in ready, Modern finishes and perfectly suited for comfortable everyday living.
This lot is located behind beautiful gated columns. Where paved roads lead through a covered bridge and many hardwoods this development is one of a kind.
Summertime fun is ready at this serene home that offers outside patio spaces, in-ground swimming pool, and private back yard. This home has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, exceptional storage spaces and a large laundry room. The living room is spacious with plenty of natural lighting, trey ceilings, wood burning fireplace for those chilly days and is centrally located for easy entertaining. The kitchen has
This residence in The Woods subdivision showcases a new market listing, a three-bedroom, two-bath home that spans 1900 square feet of heated and cooled living area. Distinguished features of this property include its spacious open floor plan, a living room with 18-foot ceilings and a fireplace, a sophisticated kitchen equipped with quartz countertops and a downdraft stove integrated into a center
Antha mitchellThe Smith Team Realty Group DBA The Smith Group Realty
Check out this charming home which is completely visible from HWY 11. This property is zoned C-3 (highway commercial) so would make an awesome location for a business to thrive with countless exposure on a daily basis. Key facts to point out include original hardwood floors- some areas need attention/repair. Master suite and a 2nd bedroom/bathroom. There is also a 3rd room that would make a great
Charming farmhouse set on 2 beautiful acres, surrounded by open fields and stunning oak trees. This 4-bedroom, 2-bath home features gorgeous wood-look vinyl plank flooring throughout, a spacious living room, and open kitchen. The home offers huge walk in pantry and mudroom, two car carport tucked behind the house for added convenience. Enjoy peaceful country-style living with plenty of space to
Apartments located in main area of Picayune, near cosby commons, churches, schools and goverment offices. Apartments have been totally renovated , Stainless steel , including refrigerator, microwave, stove/oven with wood and tile floors. Ceiling fans in all rooms. Large closets. Ample cabinet space. On-sight laundromat, off street parking, security cameras. Very quiet and safe. Trash pickup
Excellent 1 bed 1 bath studio apartment for lease in Downtown Picayune located within walking distance to local shops and eateries! Kitchen has all of your appliances and washer/dryer hookup available. Water and Electric utility included! Unit is located on the first level.
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