Bay St Louis or Picayune for young kid (Gulfport, Biloxi: best schools, live in)

[blueridgemama]

We may relocate to the area of the Space Center and were wondering the benefits/drawbacks of Bay St Louis or Picayune to settle with our preschool child. We currently live in an area with wonderful services for young kids--free activities several times per month including festivals for families, library story time for kids, and playgroups. Which area around the western MS coast is best for families? We are rather liberal-minded and value education and not being intruded upon by a "close-knit" or "gossipy" community. What areas would you suggest?

[thiggy]

I hope it isnt too late. Bay St louis for sure. Nothing to do in Picayune for a young kid, unless your idea of fun is eating fried food and going to church.

[AreolaMay]

Originally Posted by thiggy

I hope it isnt too late. Bay St louis for sure. Nothing to do in Picayune for a young kid, unless your idea of fun is eating fried food and going to church.

I agree........ He might be pre-school now, but in 5 years - he'll want to do more than eat fried food and go to church!
Bay St. Louis - has a lot of festivals and things going on.

Picayune has............................
hm, well I've only been here for three months and I've seen: Oh The Crosby Aboretum is nice.

I"m looking to move closer to NOLA at the minute or even Gulfport/Biloxi way.

Best of luck with your travels!
Peace~
Hope

[Muhnay]

Stay out of Gulfport, the schools there are not very good. Ocean Springs is the best schools in the area.. Slidell also has nice schools and a great community.. when I worked for State Farm in Biloxi, we had 3 people who made the drive from Slidell to Biloxi daily.. so it can be done.

[ggluvbug]

If you are looking for things to do with your child, I would suggest the coast area. As far as Gulfport schools, there are some very good ones and ones that aren't as good....just like most districts in the area.

[prtyof4]

We live near Picayune and I have to say that it is not THAT bad...there are active pre-schools and moms that get together etc...and Slidell is close enough to get to for outings, etc. We have a nice large playground and very active ball clubs.