Possible move to Gulfport - PreKindergarten? (Long Beach, Ocean Springs: rentals, insurance, house)

[pooky]

Hi all,

My husband is currently working a job down in the Gulfport MS area and we are going to visit him in a couple of weeks. We have talked about the possibility of moving down there, although we are not sure of how long his job will last (who does anymore?).
I am open to the idea of moving and want to look around the area when we come down. We wouldn't be looking to purchase any place as we don't feel that secure in doing so. Are there good choices for rentals or short term housing?

I have a small child, so of course, looking for somewhere that is family oriented and has great schools. She is currently in Pre Kindergarten and loves school. Are there Pre K classes through public schools or are they primarily private? Would want an area that has parks and activities as well as dance or gymnastics.

Also, know where I am jobs have been hard to come by nowadays, and have heard that it is worse down there. Is this true? For someone who has generally worked as an Administrative Assistant and in the insurance field, are jobs hard to find down there?

I greatly appreciate any advice!

[brickpatio]

The Coast is very diverse. Many people look to Ocean Springs as a nice suburban area as far as schools, parks, activities and a charming downtown. Gulfport has nice neighborhoods in town north of Pass Rd, just north of Bernard Bayou, and north of I-10. South of Pass Rd and west of Hwy 49 is more working class. Long Beach is quiet, safe, good schools, and affordable, by the beach. Pass Christian is historic and scenic with top rated schools, but not as many homes. Diamondhead is fairly new and centered around a golf course. I believe the unemployment rate on the Coast is around the national average.

[pooky]

Thanks for the information..I'll have to look at maps to see road's you are referring to.
In terms of schools, while you say they are top rated, is this early schools as well? Looking right now for Pre-K or Kindergarten, or is these districts as a whole top rated?

Also, are there any places that may offer short term house rentals? or partially furnished rentals?

If coming down the beginning of Nov (still trying to set date) is that still "beach weather" down there?

Thanks again for any input!

[brickpatio]

You probably can't go wrong with schools in Long Beach, Pass Christian, Bay St. Louis, Diamondhead, Ocean Springs, St. Martin and North Woolmarket. In mid-November, it's probably going to be in the mid 60s.