Your'e Opinion of Living on the Gulf Coast (info please) (Long Beach: renters, insurance)

[MS Intrigued]

Coming down to the Gulf Coast - finally - to check it out as we plan to move within the next year or so. It's a long trip for us but I think definitely worth it. Lived on the Atlantic a few miles inland in Florida before moving way up north so I am not coming completely blind.

For a family what do you think about Long Beach. Schools? Crime? Can you get a decent place to rent (at first) for $800-$950? How much would basic renters insurance cost. Most of all, do you like it? Is it laid back, not too expensive with just enough to do? What do you think? We would really like an opinion before we get there. Thanks.

[Southern man]

I know nothing about Long Beach, but I lived in Ocean Springs 3 years and it is a nice town.
One thing you need to consider about living on the coast. Hurricanes. During my time on the coast, we had Katrina and that ruined living on the coast for me.

[MS Intrigued]

Originally Posted by Southern man

I know nothing about Long Beach, but I lived in Ocean Springs 3 years and it is a nice town.
One thing you need to consider about living on the coast. Hurricanes. During my time on the coast, we had Katrina and that ruined living on the coast for me.

Thanks for answering. Lucked out in the hurricane arena. The only one that ever came close was Floyd and it turned out to sea about 10 miles before it came so the disruption was minimal. Andrew destroyed the homes of a lot of co-workers further south and they suffered terribly.

Do you think the area has recovered in the past seven years? I assume you left, do you miss it?

Still looking for opinions about living on the coast.

[Southern man]

Originally Posted by MS Intrigued

T

Do you think the area has recovered in the past seven years? I assume you left, do you miss it?

The coast is recovering. Ocean Springs is probably close to 100%. I did leave and I do miss the area. But I have gotten old and I don't want to have to worry about hurricanes from June to November.

[ShekelsInAtemple]

I have family all over the coast, hurricanes are a variable, but so are very very nasty tornadoes across the plains and the south.....at least the coast is WARNED- so let's put that aside

Ocean Springs is coming back so is Pass Christian, living in coastal MS is not like living anywhere else in MS, it might as well not be in MS in my opinion...don't overlook AL coast and Orange Beach area, or the Panhandle of FL

Coastal living can be super, coastal areas tend to attract people from all over, from different disciplines and cultures as well, which can be a good learning experience every day

My opinion

[MS Intrigued]

Originally Posted by ShekelsInAtemple

I have family all over the coast, hurricanes are a variable, but so are very very nasty tornadoes across the plains and the south.....at least the coast is WARNED- so let's put that aside

Ocean Springs is coming back so is Pass Christian, living in coastal MS is not like living anywhere else in MS, it might as well not be in MS in my opinion...don't overlook AL coast and Orange Beach area, or the Panhandle of FL

Coastal living can be super, coastal areas tend to attract people from all over, from different disciplines and cultures as well, which can be a good learning experience every day

My opinion

Thank you for your thoughts. We are looking at coastal FL but it seems to have a different flavor and something about MS keeps calling out. I'm not quite sure what it is but I will see if I can find out when we get there.

Any insight into things such as schools on the coast, crime, housing (rental at first) and if insurance for renters is available and/or semi-reasonable.

Anyhow, here we come (to visit for now)! Your thoughts are appreciated.

[jhadorn]

Originally Posted by MS Intrigued

We are looking at coastal FL but it seems to have a different flavor and something about MS keeps calling out.

Before Katrina the Mississippi coast had a very different flavor than the Florida panhandle. Instead of condos, Highway 90 had grand old houses, beautiful trees, and more character than the Florida panhandle. It seemed more real and down to earth instead of a tourist trap. That isn't to say that Florida or Alabama coastal towns are bad, just different.

Maybe the little bit of unique character that is left is what you are picking up on.

[maxmodder]

If you're into cars, there's event called Crusin' the Coast which happens every year in October. Best event in MS hands down.