Nestled on the gulf coast of southern Mississippi, Gulfport is a charming seaside town with a strong sense of local pride. The picturesque community features seven miles of white sand beaches, famous golf courses and exceptional regional cuisine that can cater to people of all backgrounds. Hailed as a "well-balanced escape," a visit to the area can help rejuvenate the senses and reawaken the soul. With a population of more than 69,000 people, Gulfport has an exciting atmosphere and exceptional southern hospitality. Look for Gulfport apartments for rent, and find an ideal living environment in southern Mississippi.
Gulfport was incorporated in 1898 by William Hardy and Joseph T. Jones, both of the Gulf and Ship Island Railroad. The Port of Gulfport was opened soon after in 1902, allowing the city to become an important shipping channel out to the sea. Settled on beaches along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, the small lumber and port city quickly grew into a diversified tourism destination that still brings in millions of dollars in shipping revenue for the state of Mississippi. With a unique mix of historic neighborhoods and residential communities, Gulfport can accommodate residents and visitors looking to spend any length of time in the area. The city features some of the most diverse attractions in the state, which draw many new residents into the area each year.
Gulfport is home to the Jefferson Davis Campus of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, dedicated to enhancing economic growth in southern Mississippi by providing residents with workforce education programs, lifelong learning opportunities and basic skills development. MGCCC promotes numerous community service projects to raise funds and donate clothes and food to the needy to help improve their quality of life. There is also a Miller-Motte Technical College campus in town, with programs for medical assistant training, medical billing and coding, medical laboratory assistants, medical laboratory technicians, medical office assistants and phlebotomy technicians. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and Miller-Motte Technical College join a number of colleges on the Gulf Coast offering exceptional educational opportunities.
For those seeking work, Gulfport has many opportunities in different thriving industries. Forty-three percent of the population works in management, sales and office occupations, and another 14 percent work in the service industry. Memorial Hospital is the largest employer in town, with more than 2,600 medical, administrative and support positions that provide important health care to residents of the Mississippi gulf region. The Island View Casino Resort, Mississippi Power Company and Hancock Bank are also local giants, each employing a workforce of more than 1,200 people. Other top employers include the Gulfport School System, Naval Construction Battalion Center, Harrison County School District, City of Gulfport, Trinity Yachts, Garden Park Hospital, Walmart and MGCCC.
With a famed southern charm and prime location on the Gulf of Mexico, residents in Gulfport pay relatively expensive rent prices for the region. United States Census Bureau statistics show that the standard Gulfport apartment costs $785 a month, which is $96 more than the Mississippi state average. Despite the higher cost of rent, everyday living expenses are very affordable in Gulfport. The city received a cost of living index of 89.4, which is well below the United States average of 100.
Gulfport has many exciting attractions, many of which are centered on life on the gulf shore. The city is home to many golf clubs, including the Bayou Vista Golf Course and Great Southern Golf Club, where golf enthusiasts can play a round and enjoy Mississippi's beautiful scenery. Gulfport features charter companies that allow visitors to rent a vessel for Mississippi deep sea fishing. Adventure Blue Water Charters, 9 Ball Fishing Charters and Right Tackle Charters are three of many that take fishermen out to catch red snapper, redfish, king mackerel and other fish.
The Shenanigans St. Patricks Parade celebrates the local Irish heritage and the blessings of faith, family and friends. More than 50 floats, marchers, antique cars and bagpipes participate and throw different prizes to spectators. The Scottish Games & Celtic Festival also showcases local heritage with live music, a Celtic dance workshop, Scottish vendors, a medieval village, men's and women's amateur Scottish heavy athletics competitions and more. Other local favorites include Cruisin' the Coast, Chefs of the Coast, Christmas on the Bayou, Mississippi Gulf Coast Camellia Show and many more.
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