The Parks Neighborhood Overview
Neighborhood Overview
The Parks is a well-established, family-oriented residential neighborhood in the heart of Waveland, Mississippi. Characterized by its quiet, tree-lined streets and a strong sense of community, The Parks offers a suburban feel with the convenience of being just minutes from the vibrant downtown area and the scenic Mississippi Gulf Coast. The neighborhood's name is derived from its proximity to several of Waveland's cherished public green spaces, creating an environment that emphasizes outdoor living and recreation. Its location provides easy access to Highway 90, connecting residents to Bay St. Louis, Pass Christian, and broader regional amenities.
Historically, The Parks developed primarily in the latter half of the 20th century, with a significant portion of its housing stock built from the 1960s through the 1990s. Like much of Waveland, the neighborhood faced profound challenges during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which led to extensive rebuilding and renovation. This period resulted in a mix of lovingly restored original homes and newer, elevated constructions built to modern codes, adding a layer of resilience and updated character to the community. Today, The Parks stands as a testament to the resilience of the Gulf Coast, blending its past with a forward-looking perspective.
Housing & Real Estate
The housing stock in The Parks predominantly consists of single-family homes, featuring a mix of traditional Southern styles, including ranch homes, split-levels, and classic cottages, many on spacious, landscaped lots. Post-Katrina construction introduced newer architectural elements, with some homes built on elevated foundations. The median home value of $160,100 indicates a stable and accessible market, with prices typically ranging from approximately $130,000 for a modest, updated home to over $250,000 for larger, recently renovated or newly constructed properties with premium finishes.
Ownership is the dominant model in The Parks, reflecting the neighborhood's stable, long-term residential character. The owner-occupied rate is high, contributing to the well-maintained streetscapes and community investment. A small segment of the market consists of rental properties, often single-family homes, catering to families and professionals seeking the neighborhood's amenities without immediate purchase. Recent trends show steady appreciation, driven by Waveland's overall desirability, limited inventory of single-family homes, and the ongoing appeal of Gulf Coast living.
Lifestyle & Amenities
Residents of The Parks enjoy a lifestyle centered on convenience, community, and coastal leisure. The neighborhood itself is primarily residential, offering peace and quiet, while a short drive or bike ride provides access to Waveland's eclectic downtown, the municipal harbor, and the sandy beaches of the Gulf. Buccaneer State Park, a major regional attraction with a water park, camping, and golf, is a significant nearby amenity. The neighborhood's namesake parks and recreational fields offer ample space for sports, picnics, and community gatherings.
Dining and shopping options are plentiful nearby, featuring beloved local institutions like Trapani's Eatery and the Buttercup Cafe, alongside essential retailers and unique boutiques in downtown Waveland and neighboring Bay St. Louis. While the neighborhood itself is not highly walkable for daily errands, it offers excellent walkability and bikeability for recreation within its own streets and to nearby parks. Public transit options are limited, aligning with the car-dependent nature of the region, making personal vehicles a necessity for most residents.
Schools & Education
Families in The Parks are served by the Bay-Waveland School District, which is consistently recognized as one of the top-performing districts in the state of Mississippi. Students typically attend North Bay Elementary School, Bay-Waveland Middle School, and Bay High School, all of which are located within a short commuting distance. The district is known for its strong academic programs, dedicated teachers, and a wide array of extracurricular activities, including competitive athletics, band, and marine biology programs that leverage the coastal environment.
In addition to the strong public school system, several well-regarded private and parochial school options are available within a reasonable drive, including St. Stanislaus College and Our Lady Academy in Bay St. Louis. For higher education, the neighborhood is within commuting distance of the University of Southern Mississippi's Gulf Park campus in Long Beach and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. This combination of high-quality K-12 education and accessible higher learning institutions makes The Parks particularly attractive to families and professionals.
Community & Demographics
The Parks exhibits a stable, middle-class demographic profile, with a median household income of $62,892, which is competitive for the region. The population is predominantly comprised of families, long-term residents, and working professionals, many of whom are employed in sectors such as education, healthcare, tourism, and the maritime industry. The community character is one of quiet pride and neighborliness, where residents often know one another and participate in local events and civic organizations.
Age distribution in The Parks is relatively balanced, with a significant presence of both young families and empty-nesters, creating a multi-generational environment. The neighborhood has a low population density compared to urban centers, contributing to its spacious feel. Demographically, the area is not highly diverse, reflecting the broader composition of Waveland. This cohesive demographic fosters a strong sense of place and shared values, centered on family, resilience, and appreciation for the coastal lifestyle.
Real Estate Market Insights
The Parks presents a compelling case for both homeowners and real estate investors. Its median home value, sitting comfortably below the national average while offering a high quality of coastal living, represents significant value. The market demonstrates stability with reliable, moderate appreciation, making it a lower-risk investment compared to more volatile markets. For real estate professionals, The Parks is a key neighborhood to watch due to its consistent demand from first-time homebuyers, growing families, and retirees seeking affordability within a top-rated school district and a resilient community.
Current market dynamics favor sellers due to generally low inventory, but the price point remains accessible, preventing the extreme bidding wars seen in hotter markets. This creates a balanced environment for negotiation. The neighborhood's importance for professionals lies in its role as a bellwether for the broader Waveland area—it often sets the tone for single-family home trends in the city. Future investment potential is tied to ongoing coastal development, continued demand for hurricane-resilient housing, and the enduring appeal of Mississippi's Gulf Coast as a place to live, work, and play.
Top Real Estate Agents in The Parks, Waveland
11 agents met the full merit gate for The Parks, Waveland, MS, selected from over 14,000 licensed Mississippi professionals.
Contact
Phone: (602) 688-4547
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.kiranandkiran.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/kiranvedantam
Why selected: Selected for sustained community leadership and market excellence, with 798-transaction volume and, backed by of expertise. His national recognition, including Wall Street Journal rankings, and unique multi-faceted business model distinguish him as a top Arizona influencer.
Community & Leadership
volunteer at Sacred Heart Hospice[6]
founder at Executive Suites Chandler[6]
founder at Passive Income Real Estate Group[6]
State Champion at Toastmasters International[6]
Secretary at Sri Lalitha Temple[6]
Notable Achievements
Master of Science Degree
RealTrends/Wall Street Journal Top-150 Real Estate Agents
America's Top Loan Originator
National Bestseller Author
Certified Project Management Professional
Arizona Real Estate Achievement Award
Toastmasters State Champion
Top 100 Most Influential Agents in Arizona
Verified Specialties
Broker, Full Time service, Aggressive Negotiator, real estate investment, mortgage lending, property development, referral-based business, client education, wealth building, real estate investments, mortgage solutions, land syndication, development projects, financing, passive income investments, passive income, refinancing, residential sales, land development, mortgage services, investment properties[4]
Cities Served
Apache Junction
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (480) 390-6683
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.selling-arizona.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/SELLWITHSTEPHANIE
Why selected: Selected for sustained community leadership and market excellence, and consistent high-volume production, including 981 career transactions. Her leadership as a franchise owner, board member, and multi-year Power Broker recognition further demonstrate her top-tier market standing.
Community & Leadership
Board Member at WeSERV Board of Directors[6]
Committee Member at ARMLS Rules Committee[6]
Trustee at West And Southeast Realtors Of The Valley Inc[6]
Notable Achievements
981 Career Transactions
RealTrends Verified Top Agent by Sides and Volume
SEVRAR Multi-Year Top Producer
RISMedia Power Broker
Top 10 HomeSmart Franchises Nationwide
HomeSmart International Franchise Rookie Broker of the Year
NAHREP Residential Individual Producer
WeSERV Top Producer Award
Verified Specialties
Property Management, first-time homebuyers, seasoned investors, property flipping, residential sales, investment properties, buying, selling, investing, first-time buyers, property management, sellers, investors[4]
Cities Served
Queen Creek
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (480) 787-0844
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.theethridgeteam.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/The-Ethridge-Team
Why selected: Selected for sustained community leadership and market excellence, and 654 career transactions, including 70 in the past year. She stands out as a recognized industry mentor and leader of a team consistently honored as East Valley Homeowner Team of the Year.
Community & Leadership
industry mentor at SEVRAR professional development[6]
Notable Achievements
$97 Million Sales Volume in 2023
654 Total Transactions
4.9 Star Rating
East Valley Homeowner Team of the Year
Top 10 Arizona Teams
RealTrends Verified Top Team by Sides and Volume
Master's in Business Administration
Top 40 Under 40 Realtor
Verified Specialties
luxury homes, investment properties, first-time buyers, relocation services, investors, relocations, residential real estate, team leadership, client service, market analysis, new construction[4]
Cities Served
Queen Creek
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (520) 723-4483
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.kenworthyteam.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/kenworthyteam
Why selected: Selected for, a, and consistent high-volume market activity. Their RE/MAX Executive recognition and active Chamber of Commerce involvement demonstrate superior local expertise and community com..
Community & Leadership
member at Coolidge Chamber of Commerce[6]
Notable Achievements
Career Transaction Volume
Active since 2007
Recent Production Volume
4.9-star rating across 146 reviews
2024 RE/MAX Club Award
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Staging, residential real estate, commercial real estate, home buying, home selling, technology-enhanced marketing, property sales, market navigation, technology integration[4]
Cities Served
Queen Creek
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (480) 225-7188
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.chrisbensonrealtor.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/cbabenson
Why selected: Selected for sustained community leadership and market excellence, and of expertise, highlighted by HGTV features. His deep community impact and specialized knowledge in complex sales distinguish him as a top-tier broker.
Community & Leadership
Community Impact Award Recipient at Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce[6]
Major Sponsor at Queen Creek Fall Festival[6]
Major Contributor at Local Food Bank[6]
Sponsor and Supporter at Youth Sports Programs[6]
Notable Achievements
21 Years Real Estate Experience
656 Total Transactions
2020 President's Circle Office Award
Featured on HGTV House Hunters
Licensed Associate Broker
Luxury Agent Designation
70 Five-Star Reviews
2020 Rising Star Award
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Foreclosure, luxury homes, first-time buyers, investors, relocation, REO properties, Short sales, Default servicing, Complex transactions, Luxury properties, Luxury homes, Relocation services, Investment properties, First-time buyers, mortgage default servicing, complex transactions, negotiation strategies, client service[4]
Cities Served
Queen Creek
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (480) 684-0055
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.valleyhometeamaz.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Diane-Breard
Why selected: Selected for her deep community involvement and leadership as founder of the Valley Home Team. She combines a across with of consistent performance, completing.
Notable Achievements
RealTrends Verified Top Agent by Sides
19 Years Licensed Experience
5-Star Client Rating
Valley Home Team Founder
381 Total Career Transactions
Verified Specialties
Staging, Investment Properties, New Construction, new construction, resale properties, luxury estates, investment opportunities, fix-and-flip ventures, out-of-state buyers, investors, New construction, Resale properties, Luxury estates, Investment opportunities, Fix-and-flip ventures, Out-of-state buyers, Investor services, Resale Properties, Luxury Estates, Investment Opportunities, Fix-and-flip Ventures, Out-of-state Buyers, Investor Services[4]
Cities Served
Queen Creek
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (480) 298-0708
Email: [email protected]
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/RWaldRealty
Why selected: Selected for dedicated community service and professional excellence, demonstrated through high-volume production and elite client rating. His specialized credentials and repeated recognition as a top-ten agent and relocation expert in Arizona demonstrate exceptional market standing.
Notable Achievements
Top 2% Arizona Realtor Ranking
Top-Ranked Realtor - Ranking Arizona Best of the Best
President's Circle Award - West USA Realty
Top Agent Who Went Above & Beyond - West USA Realty
Dave Ramsey ELP Recognition
Ten Best Agents in Arizona
Presidents Club Status
Dave Ramsey Endorsed Local Provider
Top Relocation Expert
West USA Realty President's Circle Award
Top 5 Real Estate Agents in AZ - Ranking Arizona
Relocation Expert - Ranking Arizona
Top Relocation Expert #5
Multi-Million Dollar Producer
Ten Best Agents - Ranking Arizona Magazine
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Investment Properties, Luxury Homes, Senior Communities, luxury homes, relocation, short sales, senior real estate, negotiation, relocation services, first-time buyers, Luxury homes, Short sales, Senior real es...[4]
Cities Served
Gold Canyon
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (480) 253-0071
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.SteveSellsAZRealEstate.com
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/SteveHalen
Why selected: Selected for sustained community leadership and market excellence, and in six years. His veteran-owned brokerage and unique expertise in military relocations, backed by disciplined service from his Navy and firefighter background, make him a standout.
Community & Leadership
Veteran at U.S. Navy[6]
Former Firefighter/EMT at Fire Department/EMS[6]
Service Provider at Veteran Community[6]
Notable Achievements
$150M+ Career Sales Volume
450 Career Transactions
Five Star Award Winner
Top REALTOR Recognition
Military Service
Diamond Award Club
4.9 Star Rating
Rookie of the Year
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Property Management, Military/Veterans, Military relocation, First-time buyers, Veteran services, Buyer representation[4]
Cities Served
Coolidge
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (480) 232-0144
Email: [email protected]
Website: Not provided
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Craig-Hatting
Why selected: Selected for with a $759K average price and. He combines 12+ years of consistent performance with recognized market expertise, featured by HousingWire.
Notable Achievements
53 Five-Star Reviews
127 Total Transactions
$37 Million in Sales Volume
12 Years of Real Estate Success
High-Value Transaction Range
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Investment Properties, East Valley real estate, buyer representation, seller representation, East Valley, residential sales, residential transactions, East Valley specialist, residential real estate, East Valley properties[4]
Cities Served
Queen Creek
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (602) 881-6663
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://tammysellsaz.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/tparker752
Why selected: She stands out as a trusted community advisor with deep expertise in luxury, first-time buyer, and complex relocation services.
Community & Leadership
Trusted Advisor at Local Real Estate Community[6]
Director at Arizona Matsuri[6]
Notable Achievements
35 Years in Real Estate
180 Total Transactions
52 Five-Star Reviews
Diverse Price Range Expertise
Verified Specialties
Staging, buyer representation, seller representation, luxury homes, first-time buyers, relocation, relocation services, family-focused real estate, long-term client relationships, residential transactions, client advocacy, Residential Real Estate, Complex Negotiations, Client Relationship Building, Family Property Decisions, client representation, buyer services, seller services[4]
Cities Served
Apache Junction
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (480) 695-6529
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.remax.com/realestateagentoffice/tempe-az-85284-judyalvis-id29208017.html
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Judy-Alvis
Why selected: Selected for her 20+ year career and, demonstrating consistent, high-volume client satisfaction. Her deep expertise in market analysis and negotiation makes her a standout advocate.
Notable Achievements
22+ Years Full-Time Practice
Perfect 5-Star Rating
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Full-time residential sales, Client-focused service, Market analysis, Transaction management, full-service representation, buyer representation, seller representation, market analysis, negotiation, escrow manag...[4]
Cities Served
El Mirage
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).