Is Gulf Hills safe?
Ocean Springs, Mississippi · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Gulf Hills as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Gulf Hills
“Go. Gulf Hills is a tranquil, scenic residential and resort enclave located just north of downtown Ocean Springs. With very low violent crime and a stable residential base, visitors staying at the local resort or exploring the bayou can feel very secure.”
About the area
Gulf Hills is a historic waterfront and golf community nestled along Old Fort Bayou, characterized by rolling wooded topography, mid-century homes, and a laid-back coastal atmosphere. It serves as a quiet, suburban retreat situated just minutes from Ocean Springs' lively downtown arts and dining district.
- Waterfront / Bayou
- Golf Community
- Suburban Retreat
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Gulf Hills
Walk score: 12/100 · Bike score: 24/100
There are no protected bike lanes or bike-share stations, though the quiet, low-speed neighborhood roads are frequently used for recreational cycling and golf cart transit.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than state and national averages
- High rate of homeownership and well-maintained single-family properties along the bayou and golf course
- Peaceful, low-density suburban atmosphere with minimal through-traffic
Cons
- Total car dependence with virtually no sidewalks or pedestrian lighting along neighborhood roads
- Vulnerability to tidal surge and street flooding during major Gulf storm events
- Commercial amenities are sparse within the interior, requiring a drive for most dining and shopping
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Gulf Hills, as emergency shelters and support services are located farther west in urban centers like Biloxi and Gulfport.
What Gulf Hills is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe, with occasional residents walking dogs or driving golf carts along residential lanes.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Very quiet and secure with light neighborhood traffic around the golf club and hotel.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and tranquil; streets lack dedicated streetlights in many spots, so reflective gear is wise if walking along roadways.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Exceptionally quiet with minimal vehicle movement and virtually no street crime concerns.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is operated regionally by Coast Transit Authority (CTA), but no fixed routes penetrate the residential interior of Gulf Hills; personal vehicles or rideshares are essential.
Parking is completely free and widely available via spacious private surface lots at local businesses and private driveways throughout the neighborhood.
Things to do in Gulf Hills
- Play a round of golf on the historic fairways of the Gulf Hills Golf Club
- Relax waterfront along Old Fort Bayou or launch a kayak into the coastal waterways
- Enjoy evening cocktails and live music at the historic Capone's Speakeasy inside the Gulf Hills Hotel
Local favorites
- Gulf Hills Hotel & Resort · Resort Hotel · 4.4★ (420)Historic waterfront boutique hotel established in 1927 featuring bayou views and classic coastal hospitality.
- Gulf Hills Golf Club · Golf Course · 4.3★ (260)Scenic golf course winding through rolling hills and live oaks along the bayou.
- Capone's Speakeasy · Lounge · 4.7★ (95)Vintage-themed cocktail bar inside the resort paying homage to the area's 1920s storied past.
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.