Gulf Park Estates, MS Apartment Renter's Guide

Love the water? Gulf Park Estates is right on the edge of it, with bayous all around, so you'll be in for a real treat.

If you want to get away from the rat race of life, Gulf Park Estates may be just the spot for you. This laid-back Southern town is located in Jackson County, Mississippi, on the Gulf Coast, midway between Pascagoula and Biloxi. Gulf Park Estates has a population of 5,719, within an area of 2.7 square miles.

With its low cost of living, moving to Gulf Park Estates makes a lot of sense in today's economic climate. But you'll want to check the amenities, or rather, the lack of amenities, offered in this quaint little town, to determine whether it's a good fit for you and your lifestyle. If you want to get away from the busyness of life, Gulf Park Estates offers just that. A big box store is about two miles away, but most other shopping is 5 miles or more. Biloxi is 10 miles to the west and Pascagoula 13 miles to the east, so Gulf Park Estates is still close enough to both for shopping and entertainment.

Rental homes and apartment rentals are in short supply in Gulf Park Estates, so when you find your new home, grab it while you can. While there are hi rise apartments and condos in Biloxi, you'll find a more laid-back approach in Gulf Park Estates and Ocean Springs.

Just keep in mind a few things as you begin your apartment search. Ask lots of questions. Does the facility offer all utilities paid? Furnished apartments? What amenities are included in the rental price?

As with any house hunt, be sure to bring your driver's license or ID because many properties won't even let you view the apartment without it these days. To speed up the rental process, you may also want to bring a copy of your credit report, a couple of months' worth of utility bills, and your checkbook. Be prepared to pay first month's rent and a security deposit when you find your new home. If utilities are not included, you'll also need to fork over deposits for all of those, but contact each of the utility providers to determine what's needed.

Gulf Park Estates is located in an incorporated portion of Jackson County. This means that there aren't any real neighborhoods within Gulf Park Estates, because the city itself is basically a neighborhood. The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce provides a list of helpful numbers for new residents, which includes local utilities, services, and driver's license information. Mississippi does require a written exam when you move from out-of-state.

Gulf Park Estates offers residents the opportunity for a quiet, simple life. The walk score is 15, meaning the area is car dependent. Temperatures in Gulf Park Estates are quite mild, with average lows ranging from the mid-40's to the high-70's. Average high temps are a bit warmer though, ranging from 60 to 90 degrees.

Gulf Park Estates and the Jackson County area are a great place to call home - a great place to live, work, and play, not just vacation. Foodies will find plenty of fine dining and more casual options within just a short drive.

If you love the outdoors, the area is hard to beat. Golfing, boating, fishing, running, hiking, cycling are a way of life here. The ocean, all the bayous, and the incredible weather create a unique paradise all its own. If you've never taken a bayou cruise, put it on your bucket list. The experience is one you'll not forget. One favorite activity on many lists as a "must-do" for the area is shrimping, so you may want to take a shrimping trip. And have you seen any Mississippi gators? There's a ranch in the area that allows you to feed some of the largest alligators you could ever imagine!

Although many of the docks and buildings in the area are still rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina, the beaches are as beautiful and tranquil as ever. As a resident of the area, you'll be able to gauge the arrival times of tourists, and soak up all the beach time you want when the tourists aren't there.

Shoppers need not worry, either. The area has a plethora of unique shops to explore, as well as larger shopping malls in the bigger cities.

If you need a hint of culture, be sure to explore all the area museums. If you run across some pottery, ask whether a local makes any of the pieces - several famous potters are from the area. You'll find ballet, the opera, theatre, and more in Biloxi.

History buffs will be drawn to the ships, lighthouse, and cemeteries in the area - each with their own stories to tell.

The Area's Extras

The area also boasts a few unexpected goodies. Biloxi is home to a minor league hockey team, so if you're into hockey, you may want to check out their schedule. Eco-tours and airboats are other fun adventures, so explore the area widely for as many new experiences as you can handle. It's okay to play tourist in your own town!

Casinos are a big draw for the area. There are nine in Biloxi alone. Locals see the casinos as a source for jobs, but also enjoy the fine dining and entertainment each casino offers visitors.

Pascagoula offers another area for Gulf Park Estate residents to explore, with a personality all its own. The city's website provides a free downloadable visitor's guide that includes a list of all the local restaurants, hotels, shopping, and attractions in the area.

Besides Biloxi and Pascagoula, other neighboring towns include Ocean Springs (5 miles), Gautier (10 miles), and Moss Point (19 miles). All three cities have active and informative websites with monthly calendars and lists of activities in the area

Transportation

As far as transportation goes, you should know that the Ocean Springs airport is located within the boundaries of Gulf Park Estates. However, public transportation is not an option in the area. Taxis and airport shuttles are available, but distance will definitely play a factor in the cost.

Bottom Line

The bottom line is that Gulf Park Estates is a world away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, yet only a short drive to more than you could do in a lifetime. If you seek a slower pace of life, and a lifestyle that feels like you're on vacation every day, then Gulf Park Estates may be the perfect location for you.