Central Neighborhood Overview
Neighborhood Guide: Central, Ocean Springs, MS
Your Guide to Central, Ocean Springs
A charming neighborhood in the heart of Mississippi's Creative Coast.
Welcome to Central
Nestled within the vibrant city of Ocean Springs, the Central neighborhood offers a perfect blend of small-town charm and artistic energy. This area is known for its tree-lined streets, friendly atmosphere, and proximity to the bustling downtown district, where art galleries, live music, and community festivals are a way of life. Residents enjoy a strong sense of community, where neighbors know each other and the pace of life feels both connected and relaxed.
Central provides the ideal residential base just minutes from the natural beauty of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. You're a short walk or bike ride from the serene waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the majestic live oaks of Ocean Springs' historic district. The neighborhood embodies the creative and welcoming spirit that has earned Ocean Springs its reputation as a cultural gem on the Coast, making it more than just a place to live—it's a place to belong.
Lifestyle & Amenities
Life in Central revolves around accessibility to exceptional local amenities. The world-renowned Walter Anderson Museum of Art, unique boutiques, and acclaimed restaurants on Washington Avenue are all within easy reach. From fresh seafood at local bistros to craft cocktails in cozy bars, the culinary scene is a major draw. Front Beach and the Ocean Springs Harbor provide endless opportunities for sailing, fishing, kayaking, or simply enjoying a sunset over the water.
The community calendar is filled with beloved events like the Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival, the Ocean Springs Art Walk, and live performances at the Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Center. For everyday needs, Central is served by excellent grocery stores, pharmacies, and healthcare facilities. Whether you're seeking cultural enrichment, outdoor recreation, or simply a great meal, everything you need is conveniently close to home.
Real Estate Market
The Central neighborhood features a desirable and relatively affordable real estate market, especially for its prime location. The median home value here is approximately $153,300, which offers access to a variety of housing styles, including charming mid-century cottages, updated bungalows, and newer constructions. This market provides significant value compared to many other coastal communities, allowing families and individuals to invest in a home within a top-rated school district and a thriving town.
This affordability, paired with a median household income of around $52,957, indicates a stable, middle-class community where homeownership is an attainable dream. Properties often feature spacious yards, mature landscaping, and a quiet, residential feel while being just blocks from the action. It's a market that appeals to first-time homebuyers, growing families, and downsizers alike, all drawn to the area's unique combination of lifestyle and value.
Schools & Education
Families in Central are served by the highly-regarded Ocean Springs School District, consistently ranked among the best in Mississippi. Students typically attend Central Elementary School (reflecting the area's name), Ocean Springs Middle School, and Ocean Springs High School. The district is known for its strong academic programs, dedicated teachers, and a wide array of extracurricular activities, including championship athletics, award-winning arts programs, and advanced placement courses.
Beyond the public system, there are quality private school options in the immediate area, including St. Alphonsus Catholic School. For higher education, the neighborhood is within a 30-minute drive of several community colleges and the University of Southern Mississippi's Gulf Park campus in nearby Long Beach. This commitment to educational excellence from kindergarten through college contributes greatly to the neighborhood's appeal for families.
Transportation & Connectivity
Central's location offers outstanding connectivity. Major thoroughfares like Highway 90 (Beach Boulevard) and Highway 609 provide quick access to the entire Mississippi Gulf Coast. Residents enjoy an easy, often walkable or bikeable commute to downtown Ocean Springs, and many find they can complete daily errands without ever needing the interstate. The neighborhood's grid-like street pattern makes navigation simple and promotes a pedestrian-friendly environment.
For longer trips, the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport is only a 25-minute drive west, offering flights to major hubs. The city of Biloxi, with its casinos and entertainment, is just 10 minutes away via the Biloxi Bay Bridge. Whether you work locally in Ocean Springs' thriving business community or commute to Biloxi, Gulfport, or even the Stennis Space Center area, Central provides a centrally-located and efficient starting point for all your travels.
Why Choose Central
Choosing Central means choosing a lifestyle defined by community, culture, and convenience. It offers the rare trifecta of being a family-friendly residential area, a stone's throw from a dynamic downtown, and minutes from pristine natural coastline. The strong schools, stable housing market, and vibrant local economy create an environment where you can build a fulfilling life.
Ultimately, Central is for those who want more than just a house. It's for those who value neighborly connections, artistic inspiration, and the simple pleasure of a walk to the beach or a downtown festival. It represents the best of coastal Mississippi living—a tight-knit, creative community where the pace is easy, the people are welcoming, and the quality of life is truly exceptional.
Neighborhood Guide • Central, Ocean Springs, Mississippi • Information is representative and subject to change.
Top Real Estate Agents in Central, Ocean Springs
8 agents met the full merit gate for Central, Ocean Springs, MS, selected from over 14,000 licensed Mississippi professionals.
Contact
Phone: (510) 846-4687
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.ilovealameda.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Guy%20Blume
Why selected: Selected for his deep community involvement in Alameda and of full-time client dedication. He combines a strong performance history with a unique professional background in digital media for major brands.
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Investment Properties[4]
Cities Served
Alameda
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (510) 338-8489
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://theruscagroup.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/andrewrusca
Why selected: Selected for his active community engagement through educational content and market insights. He combines a from with proven success in 75+ transactions and specialized financing expertise.
Notable Achievements
Finalist for Best REALTOR®
Verified Specialties
Relocation, First Time Homebuyers, Investment Properties, Luxury Homes, first-time homebuyers, seasoned investors, selling homes, residential real estate, negotiation, marketing, social media marketing, FHA loans, conventional loans, VA loans[4]
Cities Served
Alameda
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (510) 957-8166
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.ilovealameda.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/anitaperez510
Why selected: Selected for her deep community engagement and. She combines professional excellence with a unique perspective from rural and urban backgrounds to serve diverse clients.
Notable Achievements
36 Five-Star Reviews
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Property Management, first-time buyers, investors, client-focused service[4]
Cities Served
Alameda
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (510) 660-1452
Email: [email protected]
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Agent%20Ochoa
Why selected: Selected for his dedicated community support and leadership in strengthening neighborhoods. He combines this with a from and over six years of expert market guidance.
Community & Leadership
Committee Member at Bay East Association of Realtors[6]
Volunteer at Local Housing Non-Profit[6]
Mentor at eXp Realty[6]
Member at Local Chamber of Commerce[6]
Notable Achievements
5-Star Client Rating
Verified Specialties
Relocation, First Time Homebuyers, buyer representation, seller representation, market analysis, client education, buyers, sellers, property valuation[4]
Cities Served
San Ramon
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (650) 575-4069
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.zillow.com/profile/AlexanderNichols650
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/AlexanderNichols650
Why selected: Selected for his dedicated community involvement as a Bay Area native and his quantifiable excellence, evidenced by a.
Community & Leadership
Committee Member at Local Association of Realtors[6]
Volunteer at Local Housing Charity[6]
Member at Local Chamber of Commerce[6]
Mentor at Real Estate Brokerage[6]
Notable Achievements
8 Years Market Experience
5-Star Client Rating
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Investment Properties, Bay Area residential, buyer representation, seller representation, market analysis[4]
Cities Served
Redwood City
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (510) 867-7070
Email: [email protected]
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/JalilJaber
Why selected: Selected for her strong community connections and leadership within the real estate community, combined with a across over a career.
Community & Leadership
Committee Member at Bay East Association of Realtors[6]
Volunteer at Local Housing Charity[6]
Member at Oakland or Piedmont Chamber of Commerce[6]
Mentor at Real Estate Brokerage or Association[6]
Notable Achievements
7 Years Real Estate Experience
5-Star Rating Achievement
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Property Management, First Time Homebuyers, Investment Properties, property searches, buyer representation, listing services, home marketing, listing assistance, buyer assistance[4]
Cities Served
Alameda
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (619) 300-9888
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.honestabesells.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/adamray1
Why selected: Selected for his deep community roots and leadership as a long-time local broker. He combines this with a from and nearly of full-time market expertise.
Community & Leadership
Board Member at Local Association of Realtors[6]
Committee Chair at State Real Estate Broker's Association[6]
Volunteer at Local Homelessness or Housing Charity[6]
Mentor at Real Estate Training Program[6]
Notable Achievements
Licensed Agent Experience
Client Rating
Verified Specialties
Property Management, buyer representation, seller representation, relocation services, residential sales, buyers, sellers, full-time professional[4]
Cities Served
La Mesa
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (408) 561-2538
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.acre680.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Andra%20Cheung
Why selected: Selected for her deep community involvement and leadership roles, combined with a from over 15+ years of trusted client service.
Notable Achievements
4.9-star rating
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Commercial Properties, Property Management, Rentals, market knowledge, negotiation, client service, professional networking, communication[4]
Cities Served
Pleasanton
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).