Key Takeaways
- All three of those towns have a national rec recognition. Ocean Springs and Bay St. Louis are ranked number one and number two in today’s best coastal small town list. As of 2022. And all three were recognized by Southern living in 2024.
- Each town has their own significant feel. Ocean Springs is known for their culture and arts. Saint Luis for walks and activities. In New Orleans for the unique vibe. Pass Christian for a quiet and historical setting.
- Access is different in each of those areas. This can affect the building cost, insurance, and daily living.
- Thornhill builds in all three of these towns
- The best choice depends on where you want to live not just about how much it cost
The Mississippi Gulf coast is referred to as many places. Ocean Springs, Bay, St. Louis, and past Christian are quite different. Although they share all the same coastal line, strong value, and national recognition each attracts different buyers. They also offer different lifestyles and have their own type of waterfront experience.
If you are considering building a luxury waterfront home on the Mississippi Gulf Coast it is important to consider all your options and choose the right town. This guide gives an honest and clear comparison.
Ocean Springs: Arts, Culture, and the Gulf Coast’s Best-Known Waterfront Small Town
What Ocean Springs Is
The town Ocean Springs was named USA today’s number one coastal small town as of 2022 and southern living is the best small town in Mississippi as of 2024. This town was also recognized as one of the most charming main streets in America.
In this town, they also feature the Walter Anderson Museum that sits on the corner of the town’s art district. It’s going to be alongside Washington Avenue and Government Street. This area includes galleries, Studios, and small shops as well. If you’re looking for an amazing restaurant they have all those options for you. They definitely have a strong food scene.
Water Access in Ocean Springs
- Back Bay of Biloxi : this area is protected water with great access to boating and fishing. It is usually easier to flood zone conditions as well.
- Davis Bayou : located near the Gulf Islands, natural seashore. It also offers access to protected land in barrier islands.
- Front Beach and East Beach areas : this area is close to the beach often with lower land cost, but similar building cost.
Who Ocean Springs Is For
Ocean Springs is an amazing fit for buyers who want both waterfront living and walkable distance to town activities. It’s ideal for people who enjoy local restaurants, shops, and art scenes. It’s also a very strong starting point for buyers new to the Mississippi Gulf Coast because it continues to develop and add everyday amenities.
Bay St. Louis: NOLA Culture, Walkable Old Towne, and a Relaxed Coastal Lifestyle
What Bay St. Louis Is
This area was ranked USA today’s number two best coastal small town and was also recognized in southern living. It’s about 15 minutes out from New Orleans and has a strong culture. Very few crowds, traffic, or high costs.
Old town Bay St. Louis is definitely part of the area. It has a main street, local galleries, and waterfront restaurants that are high-quality. It’s one of the most walkable towns in the area of Gold Coast. They have frequent events on the weekends. Different local art scenes And every day community where you don’t have to drive much.
Water Access in Bay St. Louis
- Bay of St. Louis frontage — has open water with wide views. They do have higher land prices and stricter flood zone rules.
- Bayou and tidal creek areas — this area has more protected water,, condition conditions, and usually easier to build
- Beach-adjacent neighborhoods — this area is close to the beach without direct waterfront. It often has lower land cost in a strong community feel.
Who Bay St. Louis Is For
This area is a good fit for buyers who truly want a small town filled with a strong culture. It works amazing for people who want to visit New Orleans often, walk to restaurants, enjoy events, and art. It’s more appealing for buyers coming from large to who want less crowding in an active lifestyle.
Pass Christian: Historic Charm, Quiet Living, and Coastal Beauty
What Pass Christian Is
This town called Pass Christian has around 5000 residents. Its waterfront history goes back before the silver war. Many of the streets here are future classic well preserved homes. It was also nominated by southern living for the best small town in Mississippi.
You’ll experience a scenic drive in the towns of Maine waterfront Road and with the most beautiful drives in the south. Every home along it reflects a long history of the town. Today, buyers have the chance to build new homes in this well established area.
Water Access in Pass Christian
- Mississippi Sound frontage: is protected with water barriers that also offers boating, fishing, as well as beach access.
- Gulf Islands National Seashore access: you can reach this area by boat, it also has quiet beaches, Clearwater, and very little development
- Waterfront lots often have more favorable flood zones than open-bay areas, with land prices that are often lower than Ocean Springs
| Factor | Ocean Springs | Bay St. Louis | Pass Christian |
| USA Today 2022 | #1 Best Coastal Small Town | #2 Best Coastal Small Town | N/A |
| Southern Living 2024 | Winner | Nominated | Nominated |
| Primary Water Access | Back Bay, Davis Bayou | Bay of St. Louis, bayous | Mississippi Sound |
| Town Character | Arts, culture, walkable | New Orleans culture, festivals | Historic, quiet, established |
| New Orleans Distance | ~60 min | ~50 min | ~70 min |
| Community Size | ~18,000 | ~10,000 | ~5,000 |
| Land Cost | Higher (well-known area) | Moderate to higher | Moderate (best value) |
| Best Fit For | Arts-focused buyers | Culture + city access | Quiet, established lifestyle |
Building in Your Chosen Town with Thornhill Construction
Thornhill construction builds in all three communities. They build all across Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson Counties. They offer different options for buyers in each of the markets.
Coastal Collection: this option is a prepaid luxury plan starting at $600. These homes can be customized with different features in our design for all the different Gulf coast conditions.
Signature Series Luxury Homes: This option is a fully custom waterfront home. Each home is truly designed around the specific lot, chosen town, and details into this luxury property.
See all the homes complete in these area here, https://thornhillconstruction.com/gallery/
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit all three towns in one trip?
Yes, you were able to visit Ocean Springs, Bay St. Louis, and Pass Christian. All of these towns are within 45 minutes of each other and are along the golf coast. You can even visit them within a two or three day trip. Thornhill construction offers free consultation for qualified buyers. They can definitely schedule you in during the visit.
Which town has the most lots available right now?
All of the towns have availability, depending on type of water access, price range, and it can change quickly. Past Christian often have more options available. From price points they’ve got you covered. Thornhill trucks available. And is there to help you along the way to guide buyers on timing.
Do all three towns have the same hurricane code requirements?
Yes, all three of these Mississippi coastal building zones are the same. They all follow the same wind and hurricane coat standards. But as far as flood zones that can vary. Those differences affect elevation and foundation requirements for each area.
Your Next Step
It is best to visit these places in person. And decide where you envision yourself living. In which town is going to be right for you.
If you’re ready to build your luxury coastal home on the Mississippi Coast. Then definitely get in contact with Thornhill construction today for your free consultation, https://thornhillconstruction.com