Please tell me more about Ocean Springs... (Jackson, Gulfport: transfer, neighborhood)

[twinboysmomma]

Hello. My husband's job would love to transfer him to Ocean Springs, MS. (He'd be working in Pascagoula and it was suggested we live in Ocean Springs) I'm from California orginally, and I have to admit that my gut reaction is that there is no way in he** I want to move to the South. We currently live in Salt Lake, and though it took some getting used to, I like our neighborhood and there are lots of fun things to do. (we hike, camp, swim, etc)

I do see form this board that Ocean Springs sounds like a nice place. However, I am just very used to the West Coast----the mountains, the weather, food, etc...

I am VERY nervous the south because of bugs, snakes, gators, humid weather, different culture, racism?...but I am trying to get used to the idea.

Anyway, we have four kids and I was wondering--does Ocean Springs have a lot of fun things for kids to do? I am a SAHM and right now we spend a lot of time at parks, pools, kids museums, etc. We are an active family and love to get out and do things. Please let me know what ocean springs offers for children. Thank you so much!

[starla0531]

If you're an outdoor family, you'll love Ocean Springs and the Gulf Coast. You'll have easy access to water, fishing, swimming, kayaking, hiking, and dozens of parks. You'll also have many, many restaurant options in Ocean Springs.

Ocean Springs is thought of as the "artsy" city in Jackson County. There is a lot of emphasis on the arts, the environment, and supporting local business (which is easy because the restaurants are diverse, delicious, and plentiful and the local boutiques are full of charm.) It's more progressive than the rural areas, and you won't really have to worry about racism. Although, the school districts will be mostly white. The school district performs well each year on state tests.

There are also dozens of festivals each year in Ocean Springs, including family-friendly Mardi Gras parades! Your kids will love that! Live music is really big, too. And there's a great fresh market every weekend in Spring/Summer!

Retail is limited, but you'll find good malls and shopping very close in Biloxi/Gulfport and D'Iberville.

I live in Mobile, Alabama, but I work in Jackson County. If I were to move there, I would definitely go to Ocean Springs.

You're right about the bugs and humid heat. It's hotter than Satan's armpit down here, and mosquitoes will try to carry you off. But there's plenty of nice shade in our pretty landscapes, and we sell insect repellant on every corner!

As far as a different culture, you won't find a friendlier group of people. Nothing like southern hospitality, for sure! They can be a little nosy, though, so get ready for that. =)

Good luck to you and your family!

[starla0531]

Oh! The waterfront Fort Maurepas Park is also great for kids, as is the Mary C (The Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Center), which has TONS of programs and classes for the youngins! The Walter Anderson Museum of Art is also there, although it is less child-oriented.

[Chelsea Football Club]

I have lived in WA state, Seattle area, Vegas, Florida, and Biloxi/Gulfport. In my opinion the friendliest, real people that I have lived around were on the coast, I am mixed and never experienced any racism while living for 4 years in the Biloxi area, but I did in West Seattle, and Florida. Yes the heat takes some getting used to and the bugs etc, use some bug spray or skin so soft works, there are great beaches, and towns to visit all along the Gulf Coast, and New Orleans is close by. Ocean Springs is closer by a few miles to Pascagoula than Biloxi, though I would live in Biloxi that's just my personal preference. Anyway don't be scared and give it time, use the slower pace of life to absorb everything that the Coast has to offer. I am in AZ right now, but I plan on returning to the Coast in the next 6 months.