Is Hewes safe?
Gulfport, Mississippi · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Hewes as “Go, stay aware”.
Gogo's take on Hewes
“Go with care. East Handsboro is a quiet, primarily residential community along Gulfport's bayou waterways with modest local commercial corridors. While daytime visits to parks and local eateries are generally trouble-free, property crime rates in the broader Gulfport area warrant standard precautions after dark.”
Gulfport police have periodically increased patrols along commercial corridors on Pass Road to address recurring retail property crimes and vehicular break-ins.
About the area
East Handsboro is an established coastal neighborhood nestled north of the beach along Bayou Bernard and Pass Road in Gulfport. It features a mix of mid-century single-family homes, bayou access points, and casual commercial strips. Visitors typically pass through for waterfront dining, boating, or neighborhood convenience retail.
- Suburban / Bayou
- Car-Dependent
- Working-Class
- Quiet Residential
Walking and biking in Hewes
Walk score: 32/100 · Bike score: 38/100
There is no bike-share system in East Handsboro, and cyclists must share busy arterial roads with automotive traffic due to a lack of dedicated bike lanes or multi-use trails.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Scenic waterfront spots along Bayou Bernard and Handsboro Creek
- Moderate cost of living and stable residential enclaves with long-term residents
- Convenient driving access to both Gulfport beaches and the I-10 corridor
Cons
- Property crime rates, particularly vehicle burglaries, sit above the national average
- Above-average poverty rate with some pockets of neglected rental properties
- Poor pedestrian infrastructure with scarce sidewalks and high-speed arterial traffic
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is low within the interior residential streets, though occasional individuals experiencing homelessness or panhandling can be seen near retail plazas and bus stops along Pass Road.
What Hewes is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and low-key with light commuter traffic on main arterials and neighborhood dog walkers.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Steady commercial traffic along Pass Road, with a generally relaxed and safe atmosphere in residential pockets.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet residential streets, though caution is advised around darker, unlit commercial strip parking lots.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Minimal pedestrian activity and limited street lighting; outdoor walking alone is not recommended late at night.
Transit, parking and getting around
Coast Transit Authority (CTA) operates Route 34 along Pass Road providing fixed-route bus connections across Gulfport and Biloxi; no rail or BRT systems operate in the area.
Free and ample private lot parking is readily available at all local businesses, and residential street parking is generally unrestricted.
Things to do in Hewes
- Launch a kayak or boat onto Bayou Bernard for fishing and scenic paddling
- Enjoy waterfront seafood dining along the marina docks
- Visit nearby Kremer Marina to view coastal maritime activity
Local favorites
- Blow Fly Inn · Seafood Restaurant · 4.2★ (1820)Historic, casual bayou-side eatery known for fried seafood, po'boys, and deck views of Bernard Bayou.
- Rack House Steaks & Spirits · Steakhouse · 4.5★ (1150)Upscale dining nearby offering prime steaks, craft cocktails, and an extensive bourbon collection.
- Pass Road Mini Mart · Convenience Store · 4.0★ (45)Neighborhood stop offering quick provisions, snacks, and fuel along the Pass Road thoroughfare.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.