Waveland
Discover Waveland
A Private and Serene Gem
Waveland, Mississippi, is a charming and peaceful coastal town known for its private and serene beaches, offering a unique respite from the busier tourist spots along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. This family-oriented community is distinguished by its commitment to preserving its tranquil atmosphere, which is why Waveland is the only city on the coast that prohibits commercial buildings on its beachfront. This thoughtful restriction ensures that the town’s scenic beaches remain quiet and safe, perfect for those seeking a relaxing coastal retreat.
Events and Activities
Despite its small size and quiet demeanor, Waveland is brimming with activities and events that bring the community together. The town hosts several annual events that draw both locals and visitors. Some of the most popular include:
- St. Patrick’s Day Parade: A festive celebration that brings a touch of Irish charm to the Gulf Coast.
- Wave Fest: A local festival that celebrates the community spirit of Waveland with music, food, and fun for all ages.
- Trunk or Treat on Coleman: A Halloween event where children can safely trick-or-treat from decorated car trunks along Coleman Avenue.
- Nereids Parade: Part of the Gulf Coast’s Mardi Gras celebrations, this parade is a lively and colorful event that everyone looks forward to each year.
Buccaneer State Park: A Hub of Outdoor Fun
One of Waveland’s most beloved attractions is Buccaneer State Park, located off Beach Blvd. This park holds historical significance as it was once the home of President Andrew Jackson, known then as Jackson Ridge. Today, it spans over 400 acres and offers a plethora of outdoor activities that make it a favorite destination for families. The park features:
- Mississippi’s largest wave pool
- Two water slides
- An 18-hole disc golf course
- Nature trails
- Camping facilities
These amenities provide endless opportunities for fun in the sun, making Buccaneer State Park a cornerstone of recreation in Waveland.
Coleman Avenue and Garfield Ladner Pier
Just minutes from Buccaneer State Park, you’ll find Coleman Avenue, the original “downtown” area of Waveland. This historic avenue leads directly to the impressive Garfield Ladner Pier, which extends 860 feet into the Gulf of Mexico. The pier is a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts who often catch a variety of Gulf species or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Adjacent to the pier is the beautiful Veteran’s Memorial Monument, a tribute to all veterans that stands as a poignant reminder of the town’s respect and honor for those who have served.
A Serene and Safe Coastal Retreat
One of the standout features of Waveland is its serene beaches, which benefit from the town’s prohibition on commercial development along the shoreline. Unlike other Gulf Coast beaches, where Highway 90 runs close to the water, Waveland’s beaches are removed from major thoroughfares, providing a quieter, safer environment. This makes Waveland an ideal location for families and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of more developed areas.
Post-Katrina Development and a Community on the Rise
Hurricane Katrina had a significant impact on Waveland, slowing the pace of downtown commercial development. However, the town has retained its charm, and the slower pace of development has resulted in lower taxes compared to neighboring Bay St. Louis. For residents and visitors alike, Waveland offers the unique experience of traveling by golf cart along the picturesque white sand beaches, with the Bay/Waveland area allowing golf carts on local roads.
Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely ride along the coast or participating in one of the town’s many community events, Waveland offers a unique blend of relaxation and community spirit.
Waveland School District
Waveland, Mississippi, is served by the Bay St. Louis-Waveland School District. This district is known for its commitment to providing a high-quality education to students in the region, offering a variety of academic programs designed to meet the needs of all students, from elementary through high school.
Bay St. Louis-Waveland School District Overview
- Grades Served: PreK-12
- Schools in the District:
- North Bay Elementary School: Serves students in grades K-5.
- Waveland Elementary School: Serves students in grades K-5.
- Bay Waveland Middle School: Serves students in grades 6-8.
- Bay High School: Serves students in grades 9-12.
District Highlights: The Bay St. Louis-Waveland School District is known for its strong academic programs, supportive learning environment, and commitment to excellence. The district places a strong emphasis on preparing students for college and careers, offering a range of extracurricular activities, advanced placement courses, and special education services. With a focus on fostering a collaborative community, the district works closely with parents, teachers, and local organizations to support student success.
Resources for More Information:
- Bay St. Louis-Waveland School District Official Website: Comprehensive information on school calendars, academic programs, enrollment procedures, and district news.
- Mississippi Department of Education - District Report Cards: Access detailed academic performance data and other metrics for the Bay St. Louis-Waveland School District.
- GreatSchools.org - Bay St. Louis-Waveland School District: Reviews, ratings, and detailed school information to help parents make informed decisions.
Private Schools in and Around Waveland
In addition to the public schools in the Bay St. Louis-Waveland School District, Waveland and the surrounding area offer several private school options for families seeking alternative educational environments:
Our Lady Academy (OLA)
- Location: Bay St. Louis, MS
- Grades: 7-12 (All-Girls)
- Affiliation: Roman Catholic
- Overview: A Catholic school offering a rigorous academic program alongside spiritual and moral development. It is the only all-girls school on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
- Website: Our Lady Academy
St. Stanislaus College
- Location: Bay St. Louis, MS
- Grades: 7-12 (All-Boys)
- Affiliation: Roman Catholic
- Overview: An all-boys Catholic boarding and day school, St. Stanislaus emphasizes academic excellence, leadership, and character building.
- Website: St. Stanislaus College
Holy Trinity Catholic School
- Location: Bay St. Louis, MS
- Grades: PreK-6
- Affiliation: Roman Catholic
- Overview: Holy Trinity offers a nurturing environment focused on academic excellence and character development, grounded in Catholic values.
- Website: Holy Trinity Catholic School
Coast Episcopal School
- Location: Long Beach, MS (near Waveland)
- Grades: PreK-6
- Affiliation: Episcopal
- Overview: Coast Episcopal School provides a Christian-based education with a focus on creativity, critical thinking, and moral development.
- Website: Coast Episcopal School
What Families Should Know About the Bay St. Louis-Waveland School District
Families considering a move to Waveland, MS, will find a supportive and well-rounded educational environment in the Bay St. Louis-Waveland School District. The district is known for its small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a strong sense of community. It offers a wide range of academic programs to cater to diverse student needs, including special education, gifted programs, and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Additionally, the district is actively involved in the community, hosting events and programs that encourage parental involvement and student engagement.
For families preferring a private school setting, the nearby options offer a variety of educational experiences, from the traditional Catholic education at Our Lady Academy and St. Stanislaus College to the faith-based, creative learning environment at Coast Episcopal School.
These resources and schools provide families with a solid foundation for their children's education, ensuring that they have access to quality academic and extracurricular opportunities in Waveland and the surrounding areas.
Testimonials
"
Brittany is so incredibly helpful and insightful. She listens to you and understands exactly what you are looking for and DELIVERS! Cannot recommend her highly enough
"
- Emily Thevis (Physician Liaison)
"
Brittany was very professional. She made herself available after hours for questions and concerns. She went out of her way to help us find the right house and made the process smooth. Brittany made us feel like we were a priority. I would recommend her to anyone looking for a home on Mississippi coast.
"
- Susan Dasher
"
I received an email this morning to write a recommendation for Andrew Geotes. I sat at my desk for a minutes thinking to myself how do I write this recommendation without coming across cheesy and appear to be a fake review. I wished I could tell you about these things in person, not only to hear my words but see the excitement and gratitude that I have for Andrew and Kathy at Next Home Simplicity. My wife and I were unsure if we wanted to sell our house. We heard from close friends that today’s market was the time to sell. We loved our home, maybe we just don’t need the stress right now in selling and buying a new home. We called Andrew and met with him at our home. The first words he said to us, have you picked a house you’re ready to buy. This shocked us. He said this is a hot market, but your house is beautiful. It will sell in a day or so once we listed it. We wondered the validity of this. In any facet of our lives, we hear over commitments and are delivered under performance. Well, those fears, and anxieties were washed away with Andrew and Kathy. We just met these two and felt like we were important to them. Honestly Andrew and Kathy made us feel like we were family to them. This approach, this professionalism remained throughout the course of selling, buying and after the transaction. I can honestly say, if you want a realtor that goes above and beyond your expectations that team is with Next Home Simplicity. I know deep in my heart your home and future home will be handled the same manner. You will not be disappointed. There is nothing worse than be under served and under performed by folks you put trust in. You will not feel this way with Andrew and Kathy. I honestly wished Andrew and Kathy could teach this to so many professionals we deal with in our lives. I know we all have had professionals in our life that it felt they were doing us a favor versus doing their jobs. Almost all of us buy or sell a home 2 or 3 times in our lives, make sure you pick someone to make those times exciting and stress free. Andrew, Kathy, and the team at Next Home Simplicity will ensure you are satisfied with every step throughout the process.
Thank you
Kristin
"
- Kristin Helman
"
If you want someone that will go above and beyond for you then ask for LaQuisha Arbuthnot. She’s amazing! Always professional and very knowledgeable in the business. Thank you for providing me with great information on my journey to find a perfect home.
"
- Shani Williams
"
Harim did a phenomenal job. He was patient, knowledgeable, thorough, and honest. He was truly a Godsend and helped us find a beautiful home. He went above and beyond to answer our questions and resolve any issues that arose. We couldn’t have asked for or found a better agent. We highly recommend Harim Yanes as your realtor.
"
- Jay and Tracie Evers
"
Jenny is amazing! She made buying a breeze! She always answered my text right away and if she didn’t have an answer she found out super quick. She was great at helping us negotiate and got us what we were hoping. Highly recommend!!
"
- Lacy Belue
"
What an unusual and amazing experience I just had with April Cummins. First of all, I never met her in person, or set foot in the condo that I bought until days before closing. That is how much I trusted April. We mostly spoke via texts and emails because I was in Boston MA and she was in Diamondhead MS. We have reams of emails and texts where she kept me in the loop every step of the way. She walked me through every move and was the most honest and delightful realtor I have ever dealt with. I can not wait to settle in my new condo and meet her for a hug! She is the best!
"
- Elizabeth A Wallace
"
Brittany Geotes is a very resourceful realtor with a keen eye for value and quality. Britt marketed a property that I owned and sold it within hours of placing it on the market. Britt also has been my realtor on a new home purchase. Her connections and professionalism are immeasurable. I am equally impressed with her level of communication. Britt made sure I was well informed as information came available and always returned my calls and texts in minimal time. If you are looking for a realtor that will work diligently for you, Britt is your girl. I’ve purchased and sold several properties in 25 years and she is my top realtor.
"
- Christopher Andersen
"
If you're looking for a realtor, I would highly recommend Miss Jena Regan. Whenever I call, texted, or emailed, she was very prompt to get back to me and have the answers I needed. She is very knowledgeable and will not disappoint you. I would definitely use her again.
"
- Ralph Domio
"
Laken Scarborough is the absolute best! She always goes above and beyond for all of her clients and truly helps to make dreams become a reality. She has an amazing down-to-earth personality and is extremely quick to answer any questions!
"
- Megan Clark
"
I have worked with NextHome Simplicity agents for almost 5 years as a home stager and it has been a real pleasure. They are consummate professionals, talented individuals that work hard for their clients. I highly recommend them for any real estate need.
"
- Chris Forbes
"
It was a stressful, rough and a long process!
Brittany, is a go getter and will get the job done! Thank you, Brittany for helping us get our house sold! We appreciate it and all the hard work!
"
- Rachel
"
If you want an easy home buying experience, use this team!!! They are professional, responsive, have great connections, and they care! All realtors are not the same. I have used many realtors in the past but my experience with two different agents at this company exceeded expectations.
"
- Don Moore
"
Brittany is awesome! So professional and knowledgeable, truly amazing at what she does!
"
- Marlene Woodings
"
Kathy Serpas was a God send. Her perseverance and dedication to helping me buy my home during a pandemic made my home buying experience wonderful. Not being from Mississippi Kathy's knowledge of the area put my mind at ease. I highly recommend Kathy to anyone ready to buy or sell a home. Thanks again Kathy.
"
- Lela Dunklin
"
Brittany is so wonderful to work with! It’s always great to work with someone that loves what they do. She has a way of making things easier to deal with and you will feel like you’ve known her forever!
"
- Emily Hughes (Director of Operations)
"
After 3 years of looking and Deborah’s consistency, I finally found the house that checked all the boxes. From the moment I saw it until the day I moved in was about 45 days. Deborah goes the extra mile in every way; availability, providing local information for needed repairs, loan officers and she even took a trip to the hardware store and purchased some items to help close the sale at the last minute. You can not ask for more in a realtor. Deborah goes above and beyond in every way. Thanks Deborah for helping make a lifelong dream of owning a family home in a great community a reality.
Jacob
"
- Jacob L.
"
Paul is one of those rare finds in the world of Realtors. He has the knowledge & expertise to ensure your home purchase closes smoothly, on time & with accuracy. Add to that, his personal touch which creates the experience of working with a friend. I will use & recommend Paul to everyone. From helping us find homeowner insurance, a new roof & title company, Paul is more than just a Realtor he was a recourse.
"
- Phillip T Abromitis
"
Tara Wallace was our real estate agent. She helped us buy a place in Bay St. Louis. She was very professional and so knowledgeable about the whole process. She replied immediately to our calls, texts and emails. She helped us getting companies for our inspection and our insurance. She was extremely helpful and made our experience go very smoothly. I would highly recommend Tara to anyone looking to buy or sell property in South Mississippi.
"
- Donna Tehas
"
Ken was awesome! He created a beautiful listing description of my house with rare attention to all details. His "team" quickly staged my home, created outstanding photography, and presented a state-of-the-art virtual tour for potential buyers. He involved himself wholeheartedly in each of those tasks, paying careful attention to my desires, needs, questions, and concerns. I am very familiar with agent practices in Atlanta and in Los Angeles. I found his "cutting edge" approach to be outstanding! His expertise in valuing my home created a big added profit for me. We became great friends; he even came over to help me when I was packing to move! Thanks Ken ...you are a real GIFT in this industry! By the way , Ken gets all the credit for selling the house in 1 day!
"
- Kathleen Gremillion
MLS United® - All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change, or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing.
