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
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Andrew Williams
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Picayune, MS sell after 125 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Picayune, MS over the last 12 months is $192,000, up 7% 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.
Welcome to luxury waterfront living! Situated on a beautifully landscaped 1-acre lot, this stunning custom-built estate offers approximately 4,600 heated and cooled sq ft with breathtaking waterfront views and upscale finishes throughout. Featuring 4 spacious bedrooms, including a private mother-in-law suite, plus a large flex space above the garage that could serve as a 5th bedroom, game room,
Tucked away in the county on 12.3 picturesque acres, this unique property offers the perfect blend of privacy, space, and versatility. A creek winds through the land, creating a peaceful, natural setting ideal for those seeking a quiet retreat or a place to spread out and enjoy country living. The 2,247 sq ft brick home features 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, with a functional layout designed for
Charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in the desirable Berrywood Estates 55+ community. This inviting home features a spacious floor plan, comfortable living areas, a private primary suite, and a covered screened-in back patio perfect for relaxing or entertaining year-round. Enjoy low-maintenance living, a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, and convenient access to shopping, dining, and healthcare.
Charming 4-Bedroom Home Close to Town! Welcome to this well-maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bath home ideally located just minutes from town, offering both comfort and convenience. Featuring a 3-year-old HVAC system, you'll enjoy energy efficiency and year-round comfort. The spacious layout includes a bright living area, functional kitchen, and four bedrooms perfect for families, guests, or a home office
Great potential in Picayune, MS in need of some repairs and work. 3 Bedrooms 1 Baths. Being sold as is where is. Property is owned by the US Dept. of HUD. Case # 281-357147. FHA Insurable w/escrow. "IE, Subject to Appraisal" Seller makes no representations or warranties as to property condition. Buyer is responsible for connecting utilities at their expense. Managed by www.olympusams-at.com.
5.9 approx acre lot and very private, Mobile home is in need of renovation. 3 Bedrooms 2 Baths. Being sold as is where is. HUD Case #281-440796 ''HUD homes are Sold As Is'' www.olympusams-at.com - www.HudHomeStore.gov
Charming home on a desirable corner lot just steps from the golf course! Enjoy relaxing mornings on the inviting front porch. This well-maintained property features 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 full baths, along with a bonus room off the foyer--perfect for an office or flex space. Interior highlights include new carpet and original wood floors in the kitchen and dining area, adding warmth and
Country Living at Its Finest on 2.1 Acres! Escape to your own private retreat with this spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offering plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Nestled on a beautiful 2.1-acre parcel, this property combines comfort, nature, and endless possibilities. The home features generous living spaces, a large covered carport, and a backyard designed for
Welcome to this beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bath home! Situated on a spacious .86-acre lot with a privacy fence, it offers both comfort and room to enjoy outdoor living. Inside, you'll find an open and airy layout with durable wood-look flooring, tray ceilings, abundant natural light, and a cozy fireplace that creates the perfect gathering space in the living room. The spacious kitchen and dining area
14.82 Acres of some of the prettiest land in Pearl River County and perhaps all of South Mississippi! As you enter the property, you're welcomed by a breathtaking avenue of majestic live oaks estimated to be over 100 years old. The winding driveway carries you through a stunning grove of oaks, past your own private pond, and leads to a like new 40' x 60' shop that was thoughtfully designed by the
Pearl River Co., MS, 415 +/- acres, $913,000!! Wild and woolly recreation tract! Old sand mine lakes, and river bottom hunting land in Picayune! Easy access off I-59 and Hwy. 111 S onto Jackson Landing Road. 8600 feet of frontage on the Pearl River!! Great family legacy tract! Call or email Mike Newsome for details.
12.49 Acres of beautiful, high and dry land located on F Z Goss Road just outside of Picayune, Mississippi. This picturesque property is highlighted by majestic mature live oaks that are scattered throughout the landscape, creating multiple stunning homesites and providing the perfect setting for your dream home. Whether you're looking to build a private country estate, a family homestead, or a
Property Id: 1922886Newly renovated home with new flooring, paint, fixtures and other items repaired/remodeled. Photos will be uploaded however Floors, Fixtures, Countertops, Appliances all replaced. Easy to get to via Exit 1 or Exit 4 in picayune.. Showings are done via appt. only , must complete pre-screener (Free) and upload drivers license and 2 most recent pay stubs. Anyone
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
This is a 2-bedroom 1 bathroom duplex on a dead-end street in the Picayune city limits. Duplex will rent for $1100 a month and pets are allowed with a $300 deposit.
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.
Enjoy the space, privacy, and comfort of country living in this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath brick home for rent in Picayune, Mississippi. Situated on approximately one acre, this well-maintained property offers plenty of room to spread out while still being conveniently located near local shopping, dining, schools, and everyday amenities. Inside, you'll find a functional floor plan with
Energy Efficient home sits on 1.4 Acres and is ready for its new Tenants. The house has 3 bedrooms 2 baths with utility room off of garage. Open/split floor plan with granite countertops & custom cabinets, stainless steel appliances and washer/dryer included. Lease term 1 year minimum. No pets. No smoking. Must fill out application, provide proof of income & copy of updated Credit Report. Deposit
Former Discount Auto Parts warehouse now available for lease! This versatile commercial property offers a functional layout with a combination of warehouse/storage space, retail/showroom potential, office areas, and easy access for business operations. The property is well-suited for automotive-related use, distribution, contractor space, storage, light industrial, service business, or other
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