Gulf Coast

Comprised of several individual communities and 26 miles of nationally ranked white sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi Gulf Coast is an area with a personality all its own.

With its easygoing lifestyle, community and services, it's no wonder the Mississippi Gulf Coast area is highly ranked in David Savageau's Retirement Places Rated and was named one of "The 50 Best Places to Live" by Modern Maturity.
    

The gulf waters are perfect for swimming and sailing. Saltwater fishermen will feel right at home among the speckled trout, grouper and bill fish in the local waters. Several rivers and two large bays provide great brackish water fishing.
    
Islands a little bit out from shore are great for beachcombing, picnicking or camping. A cruise to historic Fort Massachusetts on Ship Island is perfect for an afternoon getaway.
    
Dockside casinos dot the coastline with their bright lights and gaming excitement. In addition to slot machines and games like blackjack and roulette, the casinos also offer excellent dining, national entertainers and sporting events.
    
Whether you're eating at one of the casinos or any of the fantastic restaurants in the area, you will undoubtedly enjoy the fresh seafood the coast is known for. Giant oysters and shrimp and savory redfish are just a few of the area specialties.
    
Keesler Air Force Base and the Naval Construction Battalion also add to the community with over 20,000 military personnel, dependents and civilians working and living in the area. Retired military personnel can take advantage of medical, recreational, BX and commissary services on the bases.
    
The rich culture of the Mississippi Gulf Coast is highlighted during several festivals. The area's French Catholic heritage is the foundation for Mardi Gras celebrations and parades. Blues and jazz festivals take it to the stage with their unique brands of music. The Oyster Festival, Crawfish Festival and Biloxi Shrimp Festival celebrate local delicacies. When shrimp season opens, residents enjoy live music and plenty of food as decorated shrimp boats parade in front of a priest for the Blessing of the Shrimp Fleet.
    
The Gulf Coast area enjoys quite an artistic presence. The local natural environment was the inspiration behind Walter Anderson's prints, and his work is showcased in the Walter Anderson Museum of Art. Numerous other museums and galleries showcase the talent of the local artistic community.
    
There are also more than 25 challenging golf courses scattered throughout the Mississippi Gulf Coast area. Thanks to great weather year-round, golf is one of the most popular sports on the coast, and the pleasant breeze blowing in from the Gulf of Mexico makes a great excuse for that problematic slice.

Read what people like yourself have to say about The Mississippi Gulf Coast:

After 20 years in the United States Air Force, Julian and Eva Allen have opted to spend their retirement on Mississippi's Gulf Coast.

Mississippi Living: It's our understanding that it is no accident that you ended up in Gulfport.

The Allens: That's true. After living in nine different places, we requested a transfer to Keesler Air Force Base so we could retire on the Coast. There is nowhere in the U.S. that has more to offer than what we've found in Gulfport.

Mississippi Living: What attracted you to Gulfport?

The Allens: In addition to bringing us closer to our family, there were lots of reasons. The climate is wonderful, the people are so warm and friendly, and we feel particularly safe here because of low crime.

Mississippi Living: So, Gulfport has been what you were looking for in a retirement community?

The Allens: Yes, we've been able to become part of the town. We have been involved with Coast 21, Kids Voting, the Rotary Club and the Gulfport Chamber of Commerce. We were also surprised at the many opportunities for a second career.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

MS Gulf Coast Retiree Partnership
P. O. Box 7157
Gulfport, MS 39506
Toll-free: 1-866-MS-COAST (672-6278)
E-mail: retire@mscoast.org
Website:www.gulfcoastretirement.org