anyone know of the best towns on the Ms coast (Gulfport: cliquey, insurance)

[braylenhollingsworth]

My Family And I Are Planning To Move To The Ms Coast In A Couple Of Months, And I Need To Know The Best Towns To Live In, Especially Since I Have 4 Kids. My Youngest Has Autism, And He Needs Special Services. Thanks In Advance For Any Suggestions.

[DB3]

What are you looking for in terms of living conditions and what town will you be working in (for travel distances). Ocean Springs is probably one of the more family-oriented towns on the coast and has excellent schools, among the top in the state. But if you're looking for acreage, you'll probably want to go inland. D'Iberville, Gautier and Gulfport have more immediate access to shopping. Hopefully another poster will be able to guide you with more info. about services available for your little one with autism. If not, once you narrow your search down to a few towns, I'd recommend you call the school district offices to get some guidance there.

[darylwi]

Ocean Springs probably tops the list. If you want to live a little inland and maybe looking for some land, try north of Bay St. Louis, towards Kiln or on Hwy 43 between Kiln and Picayune. There is some beautiful land over there and the elevation is pretty high for still being so close to the coast. The distances aren't so bad when you get used to it. I have family there and they make drives into Gulfport/Biloxi almost daily. It's not that far to NOLA either, but they don't drive there often.

[owllisa]

My family and I moved to the Gulf Coast about a year and a half ago. We absolutely love it! I am a Jersey girl that never imagined living in the Deep South or any place south of Delaware. My family thought we were bonkers and would come right back. We won't move back. I ahve two girls and we live in Ocean Springs, near Biloxi and Gulfport. OS is a quaint town with a Main Street (Gov't st), arts festivals and the like. The people are polite & helpful. There isn't the poverty that exist in other parts of MS, so the schools are at the top...level 5. I would not say that they compare with the top schools in the NE, but they are the best that MS has to offer. Education is key for me. Also, you can't beat the weather. I don't know where my coat is because I have not worn it. A jacket is people are a bit "cliquey" and stand-offish but only a very few. YOu will love it! needed a few days in the winter. Anyway, good luck. One last note, some

[prtyof4]

Close to the coast but without the high taxes / insurances fees due to possible hurricanes. Pearl River Central schools are pretty good, check great schools.net for more info. Homes are reasonable, and they are a wide mix of people with Stennis Space center close by.

[al-hc2009]

I have lived in Gulfport, MS for a while and I love it. Both the Harrison County and Gulfport School Districts are extraordinary. The Orange Grove area is great for families. You can easily find something to do that all members of your family will enjoy. If you want a lot of land, try the Saucier or Lizana area, it is a little further from the beach, but it is great. I would definitely look for somewhere in Harrison County.

[MrBiloxi]

I have just moved from MS Coast after living in D'Iberville (on the north shore of Back Bay of Biloxi) for 1 1/2 years. Ocean Springs is tops on the coast. It has topped ranked schools, and a beautiful downtown/beach front area. It lacks the amount of tourists you will see in Biloxi/Gulfport so it makes for a more family friendly area. I believe, too, its probably one of the few towns that has some affluence...it has many beautiful, high end neighborhoods, so if you can afford it, Ocean Springs is the way to go.
Also...it is very clean, unlike MS in general. Mayor Connie Moran is very progressive in keeping it looking neat and clean. I left MS because it is so dirty...but Ocean Springs, by MS standards...is pretty clean.
Mind you...Im very fussy. I'll take Milwaukee's cold and snow, and orderly, neat and clean communities over the nice weather anyday. Just a choice...but I do envy you somewhat...MS Coast can be a wonderful place to live. Hopefully, one day I can reach a point of financial success where I can just live there in the winter! Good Luck!

[tyeebeacon]

Well, I am moving back to Waveland, lived there 20 plus years before katrina, schools are pretty good not as commercial in Bay waveland as biloxi gulfport area. People were alway wonderful much more friendly than biloxi/gulfport area who to me are more like city folk, but, if you are from the city you may like that quick pace mentality. Ocean Springs yes, I hear is better though.

Bay St Louis used to have a great art community, I am hoping it is still alive after Katrina, I will soon find out as my house is finally completed after 3 years.

[Jmlstocks]

Long Beach has the highest ranked schools, lowest crime rate, and a nice small town atmosphere. Also nice neighborhoods and an awesome new sports complex. Choose Gulfport if you prefer a large city, or choose Ocean Springs if you prefer the artsy fartsy stuff.

[missylyn]

here is a link that might help out with children for autism they could help you out i'm sure:

PUT-Mississippi Parent Support Groups