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Last updated on November 28th, 2023 at 04:44 pm
The City of Biloxi is a great place to live/visit 2024. One of the best things about Biloxi is that it is affordable not just for living there but for visiting as well. With beautiful beaches and a small city feel, it’s the ideal place if you want to leave the rat race of big metros. Yes, Biloxi is a nice place to live to answer a question often asked on Google.
The next few paragraphs will discuss Biloxi as a place to visit. After you get a good understanding of the city, the second half of the article will dive into Biloxi as a place to live. [Listen to the Podcast at the end of this article]
Some articles are created by bots this is not
You can read other articles about Biloxi which are created by bots gleaning information from the United States Census Bureau. I am here to tell you as one who crosses the Biloxi Bay Bridge nearly every day of the week that it’s one of the best places I know of to live and be entertained. I know many people who live in Biloxi and they will back up the comments in this article. If I seem to rave about the variety of restaurants or outdoor activities it’s because I have experienced many of them.
No bots here. I have left out charts on population and other details which you can read if you want by clicking here. I will hopefully put the story into the numbers. How can the Census Bureau measure culture? How can those numbers express the feeling you get when meeting a local who will address you as Mr. xx (using your first name) or Miss xx (using your first name)?
Numbers are just part of the story, I want you to see further into the Biloxi story. Read on to the pros and cons section.
Divide Biloxi into three districts
To start, the population of Biloxi is about 50,000+ based upon the 2021 estimate contained in the U.S. Census facts. This is just to give you some perspective about how small the city is.
I divide the city of Biloxi into three districts when discussing the portion of the city that most visitors see. Above is a map of the area. The portion of Biloxi that is South of the Back Bay is the original Biloxi. The expansion has moved North of the Back Bay and then North of I10. A significant portion of the expanded area is not shown at the top of the map.
The City is bordered on the East by Ocean Springs and on the West by Gulfport. Just after crossing from Ocean Springs over the Biloxi/Ocean Springs bridge, you come to three casinos. The Golden Nugget, Resort, Place Casino Resort, Harrah’s Casino Resort, and Margaritaville. These casinos are all clustered together. They are all located in small marinas.
Drive further West and you reach the next section of Biloxi where the Beau Rivage Resort and the Hard Rock Hotel are located just across from downtown Biloxi. This core includes a major hospital lots of restaurants and another marina. One of my favorite restaurants McElroy’s is located on very high pilings in the marina next to the Hard Rock resort.
The next part of Biloxi going West is a cluster of restaurants located on the beach side of Beach Blvd. Across the street is a large entertainment complex with bowling, paint guns, and more. This is where the Biloxi boardwalk starts. Just a few blocks further west is the last casino on Beach Blvd, the Treasure Bay Casino. These three are the primary areas of entertainment in the City.
I can tell you Biloxi is a good place to live
Living in such proximity to Biloxi, I have met many residents including elected officials and city employees. I came from California and I can tell you that Biloxi is a good place to live compared to the issues that I left behind in my former home state. Biloxi is home to Keesler Air Force Base. This means that many active duty Air Force members live in the City along with retired military members. Why would they come back to Biloxi after living in many areas of the nation to retire?
Biloxi Mississippi is a great place to live/retire [2024]
The cost of living in Biloxi is one of the lowest in any city of its size in the nation. In one survey a few years ago, it was named the 3rd most affordable small U.S. beach town. One of many distinctions that they have earned over the years. Biloxi has a long history going back to the time when the French landed and claimed about 1/4 of the U.S. as their property. Biloxi was the early capital of the French possessions in North America. I was surprised to find a French Club operating in the City.
Biloxi is home to the Jefferson Davis Presidential Library. The Jefferson Davis home is a fascinating place to visit. The main house was built in the 19th century and served as his summer home. Jefferson Davis was president of the Confederate States of America. The library and museum are must-see places in Biloxi.
Regardless of your position on the Civil War, if you want to see history this is the place to be. Don’t forget to walk around and see the cemetery full of sons of the South. I was surprised to see a veteran buried there from the Revolutionary War. As it happens, that person was related to Jefferson Davis.
The Biloxi Lighthouse is a Mississippi landmark
Biloxi’s history is just one of the reasons to at least visit. The Biloxi lighthouse located in the center of U.S. 90, Beach Blvd, is another Mississippi landmark you should see. It has withstood its share of storms since it was built (in Baltimore and shipped to Biloxi in 1848) in the 19th century. Just across the street from the Biloxi lighthouse is the Biloxi Visitors Center where you can find anything you need to know about Biloxi’s history.
The visitors center is a good place to start your tour of the area. The nice people there can direct you to many places of interest.
Biloxi Mississippi is a great place to live/visit [2024]
If you are interested in art, you must visit the George E. Ohr Gallery (Ohr-O’keefe Museum of Art) on Beach Blvd near Harrah’s Gulf Coast casino. This is just one art museum of the several in the city. While you are on the East side of the City, visit the Maritime History Museum. The area has undergone a tremendous change since Hurricane Katrina when Biloxi was primarily a fishing town.
Many fish processing plants lined the beach and bay before the storm. The Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum captures the area of canneries and the large fishing industry located on Point Cadet which was once a U.S. Coast Guard facility, you can walk around the park and see the large submarine model.
The buffet at the Palace Casino is the best
There are two casinos in the immediate area The Golden Nugget and the Palace Casino Resort (smoke-free). We frequent both since they are closer to where I live across the Biloxi/Ocean Springs bridge. The buffet at the Palace is, in my opinion, the best in Biloxi and the best on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. While the buffet is the best if you want all-you-can-eat crab, go to the Island View Casino also in Biloxi. Back to the East part of town.
One of the most popular venues for young people is the Margaritaville resort Biloxi located adjacent to the Golden Nugget Casino. At present, there is no casino but people have a great time with all of the arcade games and the lazy river swimming pool.
Visit the old Biloxi Cemetery located on Beach Blvd. I have often wondered why the cemetery was located so close to the beach until I found that most of the early city was built along the coast road. After you visit the old Biloxi Cemetary, stop at one of the several restaurants located on the sand. They have a beautiful view of the Gulf from their decks. After you eat, you can walk along the boardwalk or on the sandy beach.
Many events occur during the year
In addition to the fixed venues, Biloxi Mississippi is host to many events during the year. It seems everyone wants to come to the beach so a convention center was built that is host to some of the biggest events on the coast. Conventions constantly bring people to the area. New Orleans is the closest city but it does not have any beaches so Biloxi often wins the events at the convention center. Biloxi is ground central for Mardi Gras.
Many people think that New Orleans is the only place to celebrate Mardi Gras, not so. Many Crews put on parades during the season along with balls and other events. The largest Mardi Gras carnival celebration takes place in Biloxi. Check out the Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras Museum.
July 4th is a big date on the Biloxi calendar. This is when one of the largest fireworks shows on the Mississippi Gulf happens. Check out our Best Guide to July 4th on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
How can I discuss this great small city without talking about the water? Some of the fun things people do are jet ski in the gulf. You can rent a jet ski at one of several places along the beach. If you have never ridden a jet ski, your next visit would be the perfect time to try it. The water where the jet skis go is very shallow, usually under 8′ deep. More often it’s only four or five feet deep. You can stand up if you fall off.
Take a charter boat for deep-sea fishing
Recreational fishing is very popular from one of the many city-owned piers on Biloxi Beach. Rent a boat and fish in the Biloxi River, back bay, or the Gulf of Mexico. Take a charter for deep-sea fishing. If you just want to cruise along the water, take the Betsy Ann Riverboat located at the Golden Nugget Marina. I attended the annual Billfish event this year in June. Lots of excitement. We had the best time watching the fish being lifted to be weighed.
Over 70 beautiful boats participated for a purse of almost $2,000,000. This is just one of many events held during the year and another reason why Biloxi is such a wonderful place. FYI, on a smaller scale take the Biloxi shrimping trip. Learn to shrimp-like Bubba Gump.
I need to discuss the islands. Deer Island is located just across from several casinos. Take a boat over to the island and explore its small forest and beach. You can take a boat to Ship Island and spend the day looking at the old fort and the beautiful beaches. Horn Island is just a bit further East but easy to reach from Biloxi. Horn is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Join the summer boaters on Horn Island for some great fun.
Free concerts are offered during the summer in the park
This coastal city offers concerts with live music during the summer months in its park across from the Hard Rock casino. Vacation rental properties are booked solid along with hotels during the summer season. Many people think their best beach vacation was experienced in Biloxi and they keep coming back every year. Lots of people living out of state buy vacation homes in Biloxi.
Of course, you can go to a golf course or shooting range. There are many choices for both. The Biloxi area is located in Harrison County which permits 24/7 use of the beaches. When I lived in California, we had to leave the beach at dusk or 10:00 PM. No overnight stays or fires after they closed. Not so for the Biloxi beaches which are always open. Sleep on the beach if you want to
I spoke with a city official today about several topics and I learned that the fishing industry was the primary source of employment long before Hurricane Katrina. The original casinos were required to sit on a federal waterway so most were on barges anchored to the beach. When Katrina came they were destroyed.
As a result, the state of Mississippi changed the law permitting a casino to be built within 1,000 feet of the water. This permitted the casinos to rebuild with confidence that they could withstand another Katrina-type event.
Deer Island don’t miss it
Deer Island is just across from Biloxi Beach. This is a primitive island right in the heart of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. You can tent camp there at no charge. You do not even need a permit. Have a campfire on the beach at night. See the large variety of birds, bottlenose dolphins, and other animals that inhabit this 400-acre island. Read our article about Deer Island here.
Let’s hit the cost of living in Biloxi
It’s time to get serious about Biloxi. Let’s hit the cost of living in Biloxi. Starting with the median cost of a house at $166,500 according to the U.S. Census Bureau in 2021. Prices have gone up as they have everywhere. I suspect the median price is closer to $180,000 in 2022. To make a comparison, I looked up Anaheim, CA the home of Disneyland. Given that both cities are popular tourist destinations, it seemed like a good idea.
You need to spend about $602,400 using the same data source which is probably up to $690,000 now. What a difference. You can buy almost 4 houses in Biloxi for the cost of a single one in Anaheim.
How about rent? Pay $865 in Biloxi and $1,743 in Anaheim. Now for the real comparison, money. The median income in Biloxi is $27,872 compared with $30,122 in Anaheim. Do you see a problem here? If the cost to buy a house is four times higher in Anaheim would you think that the income should be four times higher as well? Even though the rental properties are double in Anaheim the income in both areas is nearly identical.
One last comparison of the two cities. Anaheim is crowded. More than 6,747 people live in each square mile of the city. Only 1,152 people live in a square mile of Biloxi. Anaheim has traffic helicopters, but Biloxi has none. Which place do you think has the best standard of living? Biloxi Mississippi is a great place to live/visit [2024]
More than 10% of Biloxi residents are veterans
One last thing about the two cities and I will move on. More than 10% of Biloxi residents are veterans. Less than 2% of Anaheim residents are veterans. This is hard to believe considering that there were in recent years three military bases very close to Anaheim. There must be some reason why veterans prefer Biloxi to Anaheim.
A question asked on Google is whether Biloxi is a poor city. That’s a great question. If you look at statistics alone and compare it to Anaheim, for example, it appears on the surface that Biloxi may be a poor city. Not so. The cost of living in Biloxi is approximately 35% lower than in California according to one study and the facts in the Census Bureau bear this out. When you try to compare what people are paid in any two areas you need to consider the cost of living.
Do people in Biloxi earn what someone in a big metro earns, the answer is not on average. Compare the cost of living in Biloxi to that of other metro areas just as we have done above. Put this into perspective. The cost of rent in Biloxi compared to Anaheim is 55% less. The median income in Biloxi is only 8% less. Which area would you call poor?
About those crime stats
Another point I want to address head-on is that of crime. Most people pull up a Google search and view numbers on crime. They even compare them to other cities. All you see are numbers. Try to find some narrative behind those numbers. You won’t. Those articles and websites just reproduce the same numbers they obtain from national databases. If you want the real story, here it is.
Biloxi and the surrounding area were a great place to live (still are, bear with me) before Hurricane Katrina. People lived in Biloxi for many generations. Streets are named after families that have relations all over the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Everyone knew everyone. Sundays at church were the perfect beginning of the new week.
The crime was something that happened elsewhere. Then Katrina hit and wiped out hundreds of homes. The population was in flux, many left and never returned. As the city began to rebuild, neighborhoods lacked the cohesive bonds that had existed before Katrina.
The aftermath of Katrina left more than damaged houses
For a while, there may have been only a couple of houses on the street. Government agencies relocated many people to Biloxi from other areas. A number of the newcomers brought their bad habits along with them. Some of these initial rebuilding efforts put a bandaid on the problem that crime was creeping in. Multi-family complexes took the place of former single-family houses. These higher-density housing projects brought in higher rates of crime.
It’s now about 17 years later and the transition is still ongoing. New owners now occupy former government-built Katrina houses. This transition has been improving the City in many ways. Neighborhoods have and are establishing themselves again.
Some of the crime numbers include events in and around the casinos where criminals from other areas were taking advantage while passing through. The basic crime rate has been dropping for many years as the recovery effort has gained considerable momentum. All of this has contributed to a revitalized community.
Those major disruptions that have taken place in the biggest cities and metro areas did not occur in Biloxi or the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The tremendous homeless problem combined with the snatch-and-grab thefts has not occurred in Biloxi. One reason why people are moving from those big cities and metro areas is the fact that Biloxi has not suffered from that needless destruction of property and injury to residents.
The continuous process of reinventing Biloxi is cause for celebration
This continuous process of reinventing Biloxi is cause for celebration because where adversity once ruled the day, it’s now about opportunity. Even with a larger number of people coming to Biloxi to retire, they are making the move in large part because they love the culture that has survived every disaster that has befallen the city over the hundreds of years of its history. Biloxi now has a minor league team called the Biloxi Shuckers with its stadium.
The public schools are some of the best in the state and the nation. Kids can learn manual arts as well as prepare for college. I recall that in Southern California most of the schools closed down the manual arts classes e.g. auto mechanics, woodworking, etc. The manual arts skills are in high demand in Biloxi and on the Coast. The schools in Biloxi were open for in-person instruction during that dismal period in the recent past. Parents know what their kids are learning in Biloxi.
About housing for those of you who may consider living in Biloxi, you have many choices. Let’s start with some nice areas that I like which of course does not mean that there are not many more that you may like. I love some of those 19th-century houses on streets that end at U.S. 90. Many of them have been lovingly remodeled and while modern in most aspects continue to exhibit that charm of a house built in 1900. Street after street of these beautiful homes gives a great feeling of community.
Older neighborhoods along U, S, and 90 are my favorites
These older neighborhoods stretching from I110 West for a distance below the railroad tracks and north of U.S. 90 are among my favorites. If you are not a fan of older homes, there are other areas. Take for example Florence Gardens. This is an enclave of custom homes that sell for among the highest prices in the City. Florence Gardens is located north of I10 several miles from the coast.
Another area I love is almost any empty lot on U.S. 90-facing beach. Some of the most beautiful homes on the Gulf Coast are located there and those empty lots will soon contain new homes. The building is brisk along Beach Blvd. Anyone wanting to build in front of the beach should acquire their lot soon.
New homes are under construction as developments in several areas of Biloxi usually north of I10. The area south of I10 is considered the older area of the city and the areas north of I10 represent the expansion of newer homes.
Other areas include the back bay and Biloxi River
There are other areas that I like as well which are located on the back bay or the Biloxi River. These stately homes many with boat docks are perfect if you like living on the water. Tell me where in many other states can you live on a saltwater bay that connects with the Gulf for less than $400,000. Housing prices in Biloxi vary greatly from less than $100,000 to over one million dollars for a water view. If you are an investor, there is an entire area of Biloxi near three casinos that is perfect for building homes. The lot costs are very low in this area.
OK, what are the pros and cons of living in Biloxi? I had to include this because this article has to have some balance. If all you heard was that Biloxi is just the perfect place to live, perhaps you may be skeptical. Forget its rich history let’s get into it.
Pro- Lots of things to do
Con – Gets cold in January down to 32 degrees for a couple of days
Pro – Low cost of living
Con – State charges tax on casino jackpots
Pro – Housing prices are very reasonable with lots of options
Con – Needs a great Chinese restaurant
Pro – Lots of jobs available
Con – City streets are closed for some events making it hard to get around
Pro – Plenty of medical venues e.g. hospitals and clinics plus VA hospital
Con – No Starbucks on every corner (there are a few in Biloxi)
Pro – You can retire in Biloxi on Social Security
Con – No one sits at the sushi bars. There are seats there but they are for show. I think this is strange, I like sitting at the sushi bar and talking with the chef
Pro – Zero state tax on all retirement income
Con – Most of the buffets have closed. There are three or four remaining.
Pro – Warm weather most of the year
Con – No waves on the beaches. The barrier islands prevent waves. However, you can go to the islands for waves.
Pro – Great place to retire from the military because of the two bases and the VA facilities
Con – Too many people driving around with U.S. flags on their vehicles, hard to see around them.
Pro – Schools focus on education, not nonsense
Con – No cruise lines operate from the city, you have to drive to New Orleans
Pro – Great crawfish and shrimp
Con – Crawfish season is too short
Pro – Tent camp on Deer Island at zero cost, no permit required and you can have a campfire on the beach.
Con – You can only stay 7 days on Deer Island at one time.
Of course, I could go on listing the pros and cons of Biloxi but those listed above should be sufficient to give you an idea of what to expect when you visit or move to Biloxi.
| QUESTION | ANSWER |
| What is it like to live in Biloxi | Slow pace, little traffic, good schools, lots of events, friendly people, and more |
| What’s the cost of living in Biloxi | Lower than most of the nation with housing being the most affordable aspect |
| Were the schools open during C… | Yes for most of the time except for the few weeks beginning |
| Is Biloxi Conservative or Liberal | Primarily conservative, Republicans are in the majority |
| What is the population of Biloxi | About 50,000 and growing |
| Is Biloxi worth visiting | There are more activities in Biloxi than in most beach communities including Casinos |
| The cost of living in Biloxi is much lower than in other areas requiring lower incomes | The cost to live in Biloxi is much lower than in other areas requiring lower incomes |
| Are beaches nice in Biloxi? | Wide, white sand beaches for miles. Yes, they are beautiful and clean |
| What is the Weather in Biloxi | Warm most of the year. Warm in winter compared to most of the country moderate rain |
| Is there an airport in Biloxi | The city is served by the Gulfport International Airport a few miles to the West |
| What is there to do in Biloxi? | Swimming, fishing, boating, gaming, eating, shooting, golfing, concerts, parades, events |
| Origin of the name Biloxi | From the Biloxi tribe of Native Americans |
| Why is the water brown in Biloxi | The area is fed by several rivers, the silt is contained by the barrier islands |
| How many casinos in Biloxi | 8: Beau Rivage, Hard Rock, Treasure Bay, IP, Boomtown, Harrahs, Palace, Golden Nugget |
World-class resorts, amusement parks, and more
The next time you visit Biloxi you will understand that within the city limits, you will find everything you desire. World-class resorts, amusement parks, the Biloxi tour train, and a good time. Two last things that I want to clear the air on. First, it’s not true that there is a Waffle House on every corner. I believe it’s every other corner. Second slot machines payout.
An entire article and no real mention of those 12 casinos on the Mississippi Gulf Coast except for listing some located in Biloxi. The casinos provide a substantial amount of income to Biloxi and the State of Mississippi but they are far from the only large employers in the area. How can you complete a discussion of an area without discussing “show me the money”?
While the casinos are a large employer, the Military bases are a very big source of jobs in the area. The fishing industry makes its contribution as does the Port in Gulfport, the refineries, and the shipbuilding yards in nearby Pascagoula.
Add to all of that employment the jobs created by the tourist industry outside of the casinos and you can see that the area has a vibrant economy. Then we come to the very large number of retirees living on income provided through Social Security and retirement funds. Jobs are always available in Biloxi in a variety of industries. This is particularly important to military families where the civilian member of the household often seeks employment when they arrive in Biloxi.
A young couple can afford to buy a house in Biloxi
One thing I love about Biloxi is the fact that a young couple with entry-level jobs can afford to buy a house before they are in their 30s. The couple can raise a family in a safe and secure environment free from all of the issues that plague big cities and large metros. The average military family can buy a house in Biloxi.
About the culture of Biloxi
An about the culture of Biloxi. There is deep patriotism in this community. Flying an American flag on your house, boat, or car is considered routine here. Veterans are respected with discounts everywhere. Lowes offers parking spots by the door for veterans. Active duty members of the Navy and Air Force who are stationed here know what I mean.
They tell me that this is one of a few bases they can be assigned to where they can afford to buy a house. I was laughing on time when a Navy friend of mine was telling me what it cost to live off base in San Diego. I am from California, I already knew.
This July 4th, I plan to be with my family in Biloxi to view the fireworks display the City offers to its residents and visitors. Mississippi allows the sale of actual, real fireworks to the public. The beaches will be full of families lighting off fireworks to celebrate the 4th. Our family is coming from California to see what they can not see on the beach they live near. What a shame that other Californians can not see this exhibit of patriotism.
If you have not already formed an opinion about Biloxi from this article, I apologize for leaving something out. It would help me and others if you would comment below about this article. Please read a companion article about “Why you need to retire on the Mississippi Gulf Coast”. See the live camera feed from the Biloxi Light House click here
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Resources
Example of houses for sale: Click here
Recent Biloxi housing market update: Click here
22 things to do on the Mississippi Gulf Coast: Click here
City of Biloxi website: Click here
NOTE: This article reflects my opinion of various topics. As with any opinion article, you should verify the facts independently. Should anything that I have written not be accurate, please let me know by commenting below. I have tried to be as accurate as possible. The fact that I do not live in the City of Biloxi has no bearing on this article. Unlike the big sites bot articles, I spend a great deal of time in Biloxi
