Diamondhead, MS

Tucked along the Mississippi Gulf Coast about an hour northeast of New Orleans, Diamondhead has a noticeably different feel from neighboring beach towns. The landscape is defined by rolling wooded hills, winding roads, and direct access to the water along Rotten Bayou and the Jourdan River. Originally developed as a planned resort community, this quiet city of around 9,500 residents has become a laid-back haven where golf carts are a popular way to get around and tree-lined neighborhoods offer plenty of privacy.

ATTRKiiva Williams / Public domain

The community originally grew alongside the nearby Stennis Space Center and regional naval facilities, and it remains a popular home base for commuters heading across the coast or into Louisiana. Local families are served by the Hancock County School District, while retirees and outdoor enthusiasts take advantage of the town's golf courses, tennis courts, and marinas. With the Bay of St. Louis just to the south, it offers a peaceful coastal lifestyle with an easy route to larger city conveniences.