Biloxi

Perched on a narrow peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico and the Back Bay, Biloxi is the heartbeat of Mississippi's Gulf Coast. It's a city where centuries-old oaks shade historic cottages, glittering casino resorts line the beachfront, and the smell of fresh Gulf shrimp drifts from open-air seafood shacks. Few places in America can claim as colorful a past or as lively a present.

Biloxi is located in Harrison County and serves, alongside Gulfport, as the county's co-seat. With roughly 50,000 residents, it's the second-largest city on the coast and one of the most storied communities in the country. Whether you're drawn by the beaches, the history, or the buzz of the casino district, Biloxi has a way of making you feel like you've found something special. Read on to learn about its history, its lifestyle, and the homes for sale in Biloxi, MS.

Eight flags over one small peninsula

Biloxi's story begins in 1699, when French explorer Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville sailed into the bay and established Fort Maurepas nearby, naming the area after the Biloxi people who had long called it home. The word "Biloxi" is believed to mean "first people." Just two decades later, in 1719, Fort Louis was built on the site of present-day Biloxi, and the young settlement briefly served as the capital of French Louisiana from 1720 to 1722.

Over the centuries that followed, Biloxi passed between the flags of France, Spain, Great Britain, the short-lived Republic of West Florida, the Confederacy, and finally the United States. By the 1820s, it had become a favorite summer retreat for New Orleans families escaping the city's heat, and it was formally incorporated as a city in 1838.

Seafood, storms, and resilience

By the early 20th century, Biloxi had earned the nickname "Seafood Capital of the World," with as many as 40 seafood canneries operating along its shores. The tradition of blessing the shrimp fleet, still celebrated today, began here in 1929. The city has also weathered its share of adversity, most notably Hurricane Camille in 1969 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005, whose record storm surge reshaped much of the coastline. Each time, Biloxi rebuilt, and its resilience has become as much a part of its identity as its history.

The legalization of casino gaming in 1992 transformed Biloxi once again, ushering in a new era of resort development along the beachfront while the city's historic districts, including the Biloxi Downtown Historic District, continue to preserve its 19th and early 20th century architecture.

Biloxi's real estate market is as varied as its history, offering everything from classic Southern cottages and historic homes near downtown to sleek new construction and beachfront high-rises. Buyers will find a strong mix of single-family homes, condos, and waterfront estates throughout the city.

Waterfront homes for sale in Biloxi, MS

Thanks to its position between the Gulf and the Back Bay, Biloxi offers no shortage of waterfront living options.

Live along Back Bay. Homes tucked along the Back Bay of Biloxi offer calmer waters, easy boat access, and a quieter pace, while still being just minutes from downtown and the beach.

Live on the Gulf front. Properties along the beachfront and near Point Cadet put residents steps from the sand, with sweeping Gulf views and quick access to the casino district, restaurants, and the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor. Condominiums are especially popular along this stretch, many offering resort-style amenities like pools and private beach access.

Waterfront homes for sale in Biloxi, MS often come with private docks, expansive outdoor living spaces, and updated interiors built to take full advantage of coastal breezes and views.

Architectural styles of homes for sale in Biloxi, MS

Biloxi's historic districts showcase a rich blend of architectural styles, including Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, Italianate, and classic bungalow homes, many dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Newer developments closer to the beach and Back Bay feature more contemporary coastal designs built with hurricane-resistant construction in mind.

Other real estate investment opportunities in Biloxi, MS

Beyond waterfront single-family homes, Biloxi's market includes condominiums, historic properties in its designated districts, new construction, and commercial real estate tied to the city's tourism and gaming industries.

Why you should live in Biloxi

Rich in history and character. Few American cities can trace their story back more than 300 years. Biloxi's historic districts, landmarks, and museums give the city a depth and charm you won't find just anywhere.

A beach lifestyle with a big city feel. Between the casino resorts, live entertainment, and dining scene, Biloxi offers an energy that's rare for a coastal town its size, without losing its small-town warmth.

Convenient location. Biloxi sits right along US-90, with Gulfport, Ocean Springs, and the rest of the coast just a short drive away, and New Orleans about 90 minutes west.

A thriving local economy. Between tourism, casino gaming, seafood, and Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi offers a diverse and stable local job market.

Schools in Biloxi, MS

Public education in Biloxi is served by the Biloxi Public School District, one of the coast's well-established districts. Families also have access to private and parochial school options throughout the city and greater Harrison County.

Biloxi's culinary scene runs the gamut from casual, beachfront seafood shacks to award-winning fine dining, a reflection of its deep-rooted seafood heritage and its growing reputation as a coastal food destination.

Fresh Gulf seafood is everywhere in Biloxi, from beachfront favorites serving shrimp, po'boys, and gumbo, to acclaimed restaurants helmed by James Beard-nominated chefs turning out elevated Southern and Creole dishes. Casual waterfront spots along the beach boardwalk are a favorite for sunset dinners, while downtown's historic Vieux Marche district is home to a growing list of local cafes, bakeries, and craft breweries.

Shopping in Biloxi, MS

Downtown Biloxi and the Point Cadet area are home to a growing collection of local boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops, while Edgewater Mall and the casino resorts offer a wider mix of retail options along the beachfront.

Things to do in Biloxi, MS

Spend a day at Biloxi Beach. With soft white sand and calm Gulf waters, Biloxi's beaches are ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, fishing, or simply watching the sunset.

Climb the Biloxi Lighthouse. This 1848 cast-iron lighthouse, one of the city's most recognizable landmarks, still stands watch over Highway 90 and offers a glimpse into Biloxi's maritime past.

Visit the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art. Designed by architect Frank Gehry, this striking museum celebrates the work of Biloxi's own "Mad Potter," George E. Ohr, alongside rotating exhibits from other American artists.

Explore Biloxi's casino resorts. From Beau Rivage to the Golden Nugget, Biloxi's beachfront casinos offer gaming, entertainment, spas, and some of the coast's best restaurants, all in one place.

Learn the maritime story. The Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum tells the story of the shrimping and oystering industries that built the city.

Take part in the local festivities in Biloxi, MS

Biloxi's calendar is full of local traditions, including the annual Blessing of the Fleet, celebrating the city's shrimping heritage, and Biloxi's own Mardi Gras celebrations, which bring parades and parties to the coast every spring.

City of Biloxi official website
Biloxi Bay Area Chamber of Commerce
Coastal Mississippi: Biloxi

Owen and Co. has been the trusted name in Mississippi Gulf Coast real estate for years, helping buyers and sellers navigate one of the coast's most storied markets.

Get in touch with the team to learn more about your real estate opportunities in Biloxi, MS.