Top Neighborhoods
Gulfport isn't just one place. It's a beach town, a port city, and a suburban sprawl all fighting for your security deposit. The difference between a quiet street and a noisy week can be just a few blocks, and if you don't know where to look, you'll end up overpaying for a view of a parking lot or stuck in bridge traffic for an hour.
Quick Compare: Top Neighborhoods in Gulfport
| Neighborhood | Vibe | Rent Range | Best For | Walk Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Beach | Touristy, lively | $1,200-$1,800 | Young professionals, short-term renters | ~65 |
| Orange Grove | Suburban, family-focused | $950-$1,350 | Families, military families | ~45 |
| Downtown/Tradition | Walkable, up-and-coming | $850-$1,400 | Budget-conscious, urban explorers | ~70 |
| West Gulfport | Quiet, residential | $800-$1,200 | Retirees, long-term locals | ~35 |
| Lakeshore | Affluent, secluded | $1,400-$2,200+ | High-income professionals | ~50 |
East Beach
Overview: This is the postcard strip. High-rise condos, vacation rentals, and the sound of waves. It runs along Beach Boulevard from I-10 to the Jones Park area.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $1,200 - $1,800/mo (1BR) | $1,600 - $2,400/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $250k - $400k (condos dominate)
- 🚗 Commute: 8 min to downtown | 15 min to Crossroads/Port area
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~65 (Walkable to beach, bars, and parks)
Local Intel: Parking is a nightmare during summer weekends. If you live here, get a place with a dedicated spot. Traffic on Beach Blvd crawls from 10 AM - 4 PM on Saturdays from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The best hidden gem is the Boardwalk for a sunset walk, but avoid it during spring break if you hate crowds.
Who Thrives Here: Remote workers who want a vacation vibe daily, and young professionals who prioritize being near the action over square footage.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ True walkability to the beach, restaurants like Shaggy's, and Jones Park
- ✅ Strong short-term rental market if you want income potential
- ❌ Tourist chaos 6 months a year; expect noise and traffic
- ❌ Highest rent per square foot in the city; older buildings have maintenance issues
The Verdict: Move here if you want to live where others vacation and can handle seasonal chaos. Avoid if you need quiet, predictable neighborhood streets or have a strict 9-5 schedule needing reliable commute routes.
Orange Grove
Overview: The quintessential Gulfport suburb. Quiet cul-de-sacs, chain restaurants, and big-box stores. It's anchored by the Orange Grove Shopping Center and is heavily influenced by Keesler AFB proximity.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $950 - $1,350/mo (1BR) | $1,150 - $1,600/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $160k - $220k
- 🚗 Commute: 15 min to downtown | 12 min to Keesler AFB
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~45 (Car-dependent)
Local Intel: The area around Seaway Road has the worst traffic around shift change at the base (7-8 AM, 4-5 PM). For groceries, the Walmart Supercenter on Pass Road is the main hub, but the smaller Kroger on Highway 49 is less crowded. Hidden gem: The Orange Grove Community Park is a solid, uncrowded playground spot.
Who Thrives Here: Military families, young families wanting a fenced yard, and anyone who needs predictable suburbia without leaving the city.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Best value for 3BR rentals and home purchases in the city
- ✅ Very low crime rates, especially in the neighborhoods north of I-10
- ❌ Zero walkability; you will drive for everything
- ❌ Can feel cookie-cutter; no distinct local culture or nightlife
The Verdict: Perfect for families prioritizing space and safety over nightlife. Avoid if you want to walk to coffee shops or hate driving everywhere.
Downtown/Tradition
Overview: The city's attempt at a revival district. Older, historic homes mixed with new infill development. Roughly bounded by Highway 49, 15th Street, and the railroad tracks.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $850 - $1,400/mo (1BR) | $1,050 - $1,600/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $130k - $190k
- 🚗 Commute: 5 min to downtown core | 10 min to port
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~70 (Most walkable in Gulfport)
Local Intel: This area is block-by-block. Stick to the streets north of 15th Street for better upkeep. The area around the Gulfport Premium Outlets is seeing new development, but it's still gritty. Traffic is light except for the train that blocks multiple crossings daily. The best local coffee is at Krewe Coffee on 14th Street.
Who Thrives Here: Budget-conscious renters who want character, artists, and urban pioneers who don't mind a little edge.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Cheapest rent for actual walkability to downtown restaurants/bars
- ✅ Close to the Gulfport Sports Complex and Jones Park
- ❌ Inconsistent property maintenance; some areas feel neglected
- ❌ Not ideal for families with young kids due to older housing stock and traffic
The Verdict: Best for young professionals and creatives on a tight budget. Avoid if you want suburban quiet or have kids needing a fenced yard.
West Gulfport
Overview: The working-class, historic heart of the city. Small bungalows, tight-knit community, and the location of the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport. It's west of Highway 49.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $800 - $1,200/mo (1BR) | $1,000 - $1,400/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $120k - $180k
- 🚗 Commute: 12 min to downtown | 5 min to airport
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~35 (Very car-dependent)
Local Intel: The area around the airport is zoned for noise, so check flight paths before signing a lease. The further west you go towards the Biloxi line, the more rural it feels. Lighthouse Park is a great local spot for fishing and watching the ships.
Who Thrives Here: Long-term locals, airport employees, and retirees who own their homes and want to stay put.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Most affordable homeownership in Gulfport
- ✅ Strong sense of community; neighbors know each other
- ❌ High airport noise; frequent low-flying planes
- ❌ Fewer amenities; you're driving to Orange Grove or Downtown for most needs
The Verdict: Best for buyers on a tight budget and airport workers. Avoid if you're new to the area and want easy access to social scenes or amenities.
Lakeshore
Overview: The affluent hidden gem. Large lots, custom homes, and the beautiful Lakeshore Park. It's tucked away south of I-10, east of Highway 49.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $1,400 - $2,200+/mo (2BR+) | 3BR+ rentals are rare
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $300k - $500k+
- 🚗 Commute: 10 min to downtown | 15 min to Keesler AFB
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~50 (Car-dependent, but walkable within the neighborhood)
Local Intel: The main artery, Lakeshore Drive, can get backed up during school drop-off/pick-up for the nearby schools. The neighborhood is very hilly (rare for Gulfport) and has mature trees. The best kept secret is the walking trail at Lakeshore Park, which is far less crowded than the beach.
Who Thrives Here: Established professionals, doctors, and lawyers who want privacy and space without a long commute.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Largest homes and lots for the price point in the city
- ✅ Quiet, established, and feels like a different world from the beach
- ❌ Very limited rental market; mostly owner-occupied
- ❌ You're driving 10+ minutes for any shopping or dining
The Verdict: The top choice for families who can afford it and want space/safety. Avoid if you're renting on a budget or want walkability.
Final Advice
For young professionals, Downtown/Tradition offers the best balance of affordability and walkability, but verify the specific block's safety first. East Beach is a close second if you can swing the higher rent and don't mind tourist season.
For families, Orange Grove is the default winner for value and schools. If your budget is higher, Lakeshore offers a superior environment but at a steep price.
For retirees, West Gulfport offers quiet, low-cost living if you're not sensitive to airport noise. Otherwise, consider a condo on the east side to stay near the action.
Traffic Reality Check: The I-10 bridge over the bay is the chokepoint. If your commute crosses it during 7-8 AM or 4:30-5:30 PM, add 15-20 minutes. Highway 49 is the main north-south artery and gets congested near the mall and airport. The train that runs through downtown can block crossings for 5-10 minutes, so avoid streets just south of the tracks if you're on a tight schedule.
Counterintuitive Pick: Consider Lakeshore even if you're renting. While inventory is low, you can sometimes find a 2BR for under $1,600 if you're patient. The value and space you get compared to East Beach is massive, and you're still only a 10-minute drive from the beach.