Pascagoula, MS 81 Apartments for Rent

Yummy? The city of Pascagoula in Mississippi attracts both Native American cultural enthusiasts and carb lovers. It's name means bread eaters.

Pascagoula's roots as a small fishing town in South Mississippi are still obvious. It hosts an annual Kids Fishing Rodeo, and a former Congressman and native son's nickname was William "Fishbait" Miller. However, the city has continued to develop, with World War II marking its shift into an industry-driven town. Local lore of the Pascagoula tribe, famous natives such as Jimmy Buffet and a supposed 1973 alien abduction underline the color and characters to be found in the small town that answers to the nickname "Mississippi's Flagship City." Even as the shipbuilding industry created growth and marked the town as more than a fishing hole, its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and nearby beach towns keep its water sports, fishing and arts scene more in line with the peaceful Southern town that the moss-draped oaks and antebellum architecture indicate.

Moving to Pascagoula

Moving to South Mississippi near the Gulf of Mexico and within a day's drive of New Orleans and the beaches of Alabama and Florida is a big draw for lovers of all things nautical, as well as those who have Southern dreams of sweet-tea-sipping on the front porch. Pascagoula lures year-round and seasonal residents with its outdoor living and impressive history. Real estate offerings range from studio apartments to four-bedroom homes. Apartment complexes are mixed in with the several historical sections of town.

As some do live here only seasonally, looking in the cooler months can offer more options when searching for rental apartments in Pascagoula. Come prepared with your necessary documentation, such as IDs, letters of reference, credit report and security deposit.

Hurricanes are a threat to be considered but shouldn't be a deterrent -- every town has some type of weather issue. At least you won't be shoveling snow!

Neighborhoods of Pascagoula

Lakes, bayous, the Pascagoula River and the Gulf offer unique water access that really defines the lifestyle here. The varying waterways change by neighborhood, as do the parks and other cultural offerings. Although homes from as early as the 1940's are prevalent (and there are more historical homes as well), many have had a Joan Rivers amount of work after the flooding caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which means nice updates and renovations for modern house hunters.

City Center: Bigger doesn't always mean better, but if you like to judge a book by its cover and other cliches, this might be your first pick. The largest Pascagoula neighborhood is bordered on the west by the Pascagoula River. Home to downtown highlights such as Arts on the Avenue, Anchor Square shopping and the Downtown for the Holidays events, there is no shortage of things to do or people to see here. Waterways large and small determine the landscape here, offering a calming environment that may have even helped Miley relax and recharge. Orange Street Historic District is part of City Center; in the late 1800's, it was the area for salty dogs and their families to settle. Also here is the Zachary Taylor subdivision, the city's first official subdivision, where Taylor's ego got the better of him and he named the streets after his Mexican-American War battles.

Denny Avenue / Pascagoula Street: Southern cities tend to feature a Walmart for stocking up on fishing tackle, camo clothing and fried chicken, and this neighborhood proudly features this Southern staple along with Krebs Lake and Pine Park. The presence of the Old Spanish Fort Cemetery and Old Spanish Fort Museum complete this neighborhood with both culture and history. Be assured that the homes for sale and the property rentals in this neighborhood are famous for their solid structures, as the LaPointe-Krebs House is the oldest building in the Mississippi Valley still in existence.

Industrial Road / Old Mobile Highway: Sometimes called East Pascagoula, the Industrial Road/Old Mobile Highway section of Pascagoula is crossed by bayous and the main thoroughfare of Old Mobile Avenue. Blue Lake and IG Levy Memorial Park provide beautiful scenery and recreation opportunities. Residents of this neighborhood enjoy walking trails, fishing, a skate park and the Scranton Nature Center. If skateboarding is your passion, consider this neighborhood when finding a house to rent.

Eastern Central Pascagoula: Not directly on the water, this area does have the signature small bodies of water throughout the neighborhood. The proximity to Interstate 90 makes it easy to get out and about, especially for those who enjoy the quick drive to Mobile. There tends to be a mix of owners and renters in this area, making a search for a one-bedroom apartment for rent much easier. It is easy to head South to Beach Boulevard or over to downtown from this centrally located area.

Washington Avenue / Pascagoula Street: The double offering of beachfront living mixed in with major historical sites makes this a coveted locale for beach bums and history nuts alike. Renters should prepare for a fun search as they explore the mostly owner-occupied area where Faulkner and Zachary Taylor remain part of local legends. Faulkner definitely penned "Mosquitoes" here, and it is rumored by some that he also wrote "Intruder in the Dust" here. The Zachary Taylor House is not far from where Faulkner wrote, and it is famed for Taylor's acceptance to run for the 1848 presidency. Architectural history lovers should especially focus on the Buena Vista Street homes from the late 1800's and early 1900's.

Washington Avenue / Belair Street: Longfellow House makes this a desirable area for the literary crowd. Not surprising that Longfellow's visit to this coastal town of industry is assumed to be the muse for his piece "The Building of a Ship." Wiggins Bayou and horse stables also add to the character of this community. Living in the same 'hood as Pascagoula Beach Park guarantees easy access to the city's Fourth of July annual fireworks show.

Living in Pascagoula

Not just another Southern town, this coastal city brings everything back to its watery roots. Water sports and fishing make up some of the favorite local pastimes. As Southerners are known for a love of fried foods, fried seafood is featured here at favorite local spots such as Bozo's Seafood and Friendly Seafood. Even the museums offer a coastal quirkiness. The Scranton Museum is not housed in a building but in a shrimp boat. Movie nights at Point Park, Jackson County's Mardi Gras Parade and the Pascagoula Inner Harbor showcase the culture and coastal lifestyle characteristic of Pascagoula. Fred's Live Music and Eatery and Jack's by the Tracks offer live music and food for the late-night crowd.

Getting Around Pascagoula

Even with the many offerings of this Southern Mississippi city, there is no central public transportation system. A car is needed for going most places, but rest assured that Pascagoula locals are no road warriors. They have noticeably shorter commute times than most. Keeping up with current trends, Pascagoula established a bike trail in 2011. The trail goes through several neighborhoods with local landmarks and points of interest along the way. It doesn't pass by a Walmart yet, but certainly the locals will tackle that in the next phase of the project.