Mississippi

Nine ways the nation rated Mississippi Coast, good and bad, in 2025

Stories by Biloxi SunHerald journalists, with AI summarization

The Mississippi Coast earned recognition in several national rankings for 2025. Beach Blvd. in Gulfport and Biloxi was named a top spot for outdoor dining, ranking higher than some well-known destinations. Bay St. Louis stood out as one of Money Magazine’s best places to live, praised for its relaxed lifestyle and vibrant arts scene. Pass Christian also made the list of most coveted retirement destinations, known for its beautiful beaches and growing senior population.

Residents continue to face challenges, including high homeowner insurance rates, though new state programs aim to help with these costs.

New businesses are opening in downtown Bay St. Louis, making parking sometimes hard to find. By Courtesy of Hancock County Port and Harbor

NO. 1: THIS MISSISSIPPI COAST TOWN IS ONE OF THE BEST PLACES TO LIVE, SAYS MONEY MAGAZINE

Guess which local city made the cut: They’re known for having a flourishing art scene, a plethora of recreational activities, a low unemployment rate and golf cart friendly streets. | Published April 19, 2024 | Read Full Story by Mona Moore

The views from the outdoor patio at Bacchus on the Beach in Pass Christian, Mississippi. By Scott Watkins

NO. 2: THIS MS COAST TOWN RANKED AS 1 OF THE MOST COVETED RETIREMENT DESTINATIONS IN THE U.S.

Whether it’s for the pristine beaches or manicured golf courses, the Harrison County city’s popularity among the 60-plus set continues to rise. | Published May 31, 2024 | Read Full Story by Mona Moore

Coastal Mississippi attracts millions of tourists each year, an industry group says. By Courtesy of Coastal Mississippi

NO. 3: NATIONAL SURVEY RANKS MS COAST AS ONE OF THE BEST PLACES IN THE US TO DINE OUTDOORS

If you want to set the scene for the best date, start somewhere on this stretch of the coast. An online dating survey ranked it no. 23 of 150 locations. | Published July 5, 2024 | Read Full Story by Mona Moore

Labeled monitors display the various medications of a COVID-19 patient in the ICU at Memorial Hospital in Gulfport on Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021. By Hannah Ruhoff

NO. 4: MISSISSIPPI RANKS WORST IN THE U.S. IN WOMEN’S HEALTH ACCORDING TO NEW NATIONAL SCORECARD

The report evaluates states on health care access, affordability, quality of care and health outcomes. | Published July 22, 2024 | Read Full Story by Sophia Paffenroth

The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety has for decades tested construction materials and developed standards for building to withstand severe weather, including hurricanes. Its research center in South Carolina can replicate hurricane-force winds of up to 130 miles per hour. The test pictured here shows how standard construction collapses in high winds, while a FORTIFIED (IBHS trademark) home stands up to the pressure.

NO. 5: AS HOMEOWNER INSURANCE COSTS SOAR, MS IS OFFERING ONE WAY TO SAVE. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The state insurance department is already receiving calls from homeowners anxious to apply the grant to strengthen their homes against wind and rain. | Published July 26, 2024 | Read Full Story by Anita Lee

A Cruiser drives a large yellow duck down Jeff Davis Avenue during the Long Beach Parade in Long Beach, one of the events in Cruisin’ The Coast, on Monday, Oct. 7, 2024. By Hannah Ruhoff

NO. 6: SOUTH MS SHOWPIECE EVENT NAMED NATION’S BEST FOR SIXTH STRAIGHT YEAR

It’s the biggest event in Mississippi and brings positive national attention to the Coast. USA Today voted it their favorite again this year. | Published May 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mary Perez

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.