Locals call Pass Christian “the Pass,” but it would be a mistake to breeze through this small beach town on Mississippi’s Gulf coast without stopping. U.S. Route 90 rolls through the Pass as it edges west of Gulfport toward Bay St. Louis and Lake Pontchartrain. The name comes from a nearby deep-water channel, or “pass,” named for a French-Canadian explorer. However, as evidenced by the remains of Native American settlements, the area has been inhabited for centuries, perhaps millennia. Early settlers were likely drawn to the region for the same perks that attract modern homebuyers — namely, the temperate climate and abundance of shrimp and oysters. A highly rated school district is another draw for young families. The town of 6,000 residents was a favored resort destination for wealthy New Orleans residents before the Civil War, and the Big Easy’s influence echoes through the culture and cuisine. “We are tiny and mighty,” says Susan Putnam, public information officer for the City of Pass Christian. “There’s a lot of emphasis on events and community, French Cajun culture, and down-home friendliness.” Mayor Jimmy Rafferty echoes her sentiment. “We’re the smallest city on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and many would like to keep it that way,” he says. “We’re growing, but in a controlled manner.”
Pass Christian is known for its shrimp and oyster industry.
Pass Christian is a small town of approximately 6,000 residents located on Gulf Coast.
Delicious food vendors awaits you at Christmas In The Pass in Pass Christian, MS.
The shrimp and Oyster industry in Pass Christian provide fresh seafood to local restaurants.
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Cruisin’ the Coast through the Pass
An eclectic lineup of seasonal events fills Pass Christian’s social calendar. The Mardi Gras parade draws up to 100,000 people from surrounding towns, and art and jazz festivals bring color and music to War Memorial Park. Cruisin’ the Coast, a car show billing itself as “America’s Largest Block Party,” rides through the Pass every October on its journey from Bayou St. Louis to Pascagoula.
Pass Christian Public School District
The Pass Christian Public School District is the fifth-best reviewed district in Mississippi, according to Niche, which gives it an A. The district is small, and Niche gives an A to every school on the list.
Pass Christian High School has a solid A score on Niche.
Pass Christian High School is home of the Pass Christian Pirates.
Approximately 486 attend Pass Christian Middle School.
Pass Christian Elementary School has an A- grade from Niche for its academics.
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The Pass Christian Scenic Drive Historic District
The Pass Christian Scenic Drive Historic District was named to the National Register in 1979. The 2-mile stretch displays rows of stately mansions framed by sprawling oak trees on one side and the periwinkle Gulf on the other. Many of these homes date to the mid-19th century and feature Acadian-style architecture, with deep porches and decorative columns. Buyers can expect to spend $1 to $4 million for a mansion on Scenic Drive. Other luxury homes, whether inland or on the waterfront, might cost $500,000 to $800,000. Stilt houses, condos and townhouses — some with easy access to the beach — are generally priced from $225,000 to $450,000, while modest starter homes command prices in the $135,000 to $225,000 range. The median listing price for a house in Pass Christian is $355,000, which is high by Mississippi standards but well below the current U.S. median of $416,700.
Condos on or near the beach in Pass Christian provide a low maintenance home alternative.
Many Pass Christian residents live in stilt homes due to the threat of hurricanes.
A large raised farmhouse style home sits across the street from the water in Pass Christian.
More classic and traditional style homes are found throughout the city of Pass Christian,
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Living and playing on the Gulf Coast
Most recreational spaces gather around the waterfront in the Pass. Angling and boating are popular, as the fishing pier and yacht club in Pass Christian Harbor can testify. Residents also enjoy cycling along Scenic Drive. The town also has a golf club, an indoor shooting range and several parks, including dog-friendly spaces.
War Memorial Park in Pass Christian, MS is a great park to enjoy nature and fresh sea air.
A local Pass Christian couple enjoy taking evening walks along the beach.
Many Pass Christian take their yachts out onto the Gulf waters throughout the year.
A local man fishes along the banks at Henderson Point Park in Pass Christian.
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Small businesses gather around War Memorial Park
A network of walkable streets surrounds War Memorial Park, where the farmers’ market sets up every Saturday. Local shops, restaurants and coffeehouses sit behind rows of bushes and palm trees, accented by towering oaks and glimpses of the Gulf. Due to the coastal setting, seafood takes center stage, and several restaurants feature a pirate theme. “We don’t have any chain restaurants. Everything is mom-and-pop owned,” Putnam says. Seafood processing and retail continue to dominate the job market, and residents can buy shrimp right off the boat from local fishermen. A significant percentage of residents also work in healthcare or social assistance, and while there are no hospitals in Pass Christian, Memorial Health System Gulfport and Hancock Medical Center are about 5 miles away.
Pick up fresh seafood from local vendors like Kimball's in Pass Christian
Shop locally owned businesses in Pass Christian like Robin's Nest.
Stop by Sea Level for a quick bite to eat in Pass Christian.
May Pass Christian residents are employee by the Memorial Health System.
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Things to consider
Hurricane season represents the dark underside of life on the Gulf Coast. Pass Christian was nearly destroyed when Hurricane Camille made landfall in 1969 and again in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina struck. Through state funding and private grants, the town has managed to rebuild. Crime rates trend low compared to the Mississippi and national averages, perhaps because the area doesn’t attract as many people as nearby cities like Gulfport and Biloxi.
Proposed bike route to Gulfport
Although the downtown area is walkable, residents rely on cars, as no public transportation is available. In 2023, the Adventure Cycling Association (ACA) proposed a bicycle route along Louisiana Highway 90. Harrison County approved the route, meaning it may soon be easier for cyclists to make the 10-mile journey to Gulfport. The Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport is about 15 miles from Pass Christian and is served by six major airlines, offering direct flights to Charlotte, Atlanta, Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth.
Hi, I’m Travis Paige with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate – Expect Realty. I’ve lived on the Mississippi Gulf Coast my whole life and have spent over 20 years working in all aspects of real estate — from home inspections and residential construction to pool installation and, of course, helping clients buy, sell, and invest in real estate.
Whether you're looking for a waterfront getaway, your forever home, or your next investment property, I’m here to guide you through every step of the process. I know this area inside and out and love helping people find the right fit — not just a house, but a lifestyle.
More than anything, I value building strong relationships with my clients. In fact, many of them end up becoming close friends. If you're ready to make a move or just want to talk about your options, I’d love the chance to work with you.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
