HubCityRambler

The Hattiesburg area has numerous events and activities throughout the year. It is a warm, hospitable place with a smattering of restaurants and local festivities such as a bustling Farmer's Market on Thursdays, the Saenger [historic] Theatre, beautiful library, churches, shops, bars, the restored train depot, downtown events, cafes & restaurants, a popular and regular Arts Walk, Hubfest, Zoo Blues, Eaglepaloza, Outdoor Concerts and many more cultural, religious, and community amenities.

Hattiesburg is a great place to live, work, play and retire, not to mention visit, shop, eat and meet.

Close to downtown and Hardy St. and not too far from U.S.M. and Highway 49.

Highway 49 passes through Hattiesburg and connects the region to Jackson and the the Gulf Coast and many smaller towns in the region and is crossed by Interstate 59 in North Hattiesburg. Interstate 59 can lead you North to Laurel and beyond as well as to New Orleans and Southwest Mississippi.
Near where the two highways intersect are numerous gas stations, truck-stops, motels and restaurants and is also where the Chamber of Commerce (nice facilities) and the A.D.P. is located.

Just up and over the hill is Antonelli College and a bowling alley, the highway 42 bypass to Petal, Ropers country music bar and a few businesses. Further down, where the highway crosses Hardy Street, is the University of Southern Mississippi and numerous restaurants and businesses.
This area is where the Forrest General Hospital is located. Just down from here lies a Wally-world and the old Cloverleaf Mall and the overpass of Broadway Drive and turn for Pine Street.
This is basically where town ends thought there are a few other businesses and gas stations as you continue down the highway towards the coast. A few miles south of town you will cross Highway 98 which can take you to I-59, in case you need to catch that route from the South end of Hattiesburg.

Hardy street itself, from downtown to Hwy. 49, is an old street, the main street through town. The stretch from Hwy. 49 to I-59 continues and is otherwise known as Hwy. 98, and is now part of this review. There are numerous nearby parks and health care options, restaurants, cafes, grocers, gas stations, and many types of businesses on Hardy St. as well as nearby U.S.M. and surrounding neighborhoods.

Homes and apartments are varied and so are eating, drinking and shopping establishments - there are numerous neighborhoods throughout the area.

There aren't nearly enough sidewalks or bike lanes in the area, though that is improving.
See you neighborhood's "Walking Score" by typing in your address or the address of somewhere you want to know more about: businesses, restaurants, parks, shopping and other nearby choices at http://www.walkscore.com

I've been down, and up, that street before. Woodward does have public transportation, during the day, as it is a main artery, as well as shops and attractions.

Hattiesburg has a lot to offer: good schools (U.S.M., William Carey, J.C.J.C., Pearl River, and numerous high schools and elementary; from Hattiesburg to Petal to Oak Grove and beyond), nice people, shopping and entertainment options, not too far from other places of interest, rural (State Parks, natural areas, Rivers and Creeks, the Gulf Coast, smaller towns like Laurel, Seminary, Collins, Sumrall, Bassfield, Purvis, Lumberton, Wiggins, Prentiss, etc. etc. etc.) and urban (Jackson, New Orleans, Memphis, Little Rock, Birmingham, Atlanta and many other off the beaten track and medium size communities in Ms. La. Ala. Tenn. Fla and Ga.). The Pine Belt also has a military post - Camp Shelby, two rivers, antique malls, music establishments and numerous festivals and events throughout the year, from music to food, to home and garden shows, to many other hospitable activities + www.myhattiesburg.com

Hattiesburg has numerous opportunities for health and exercise, including The Longleaf Trace, parks and health spas, gyms and medical facilities. It also has numerous options for dining and nightlife.

It is called the Hub City because many folks have historically come from all around to visit, shop, work and entertain and be entertained. The local newspaper is The Hattiesburg American. Visit the Historic Hattiesburg Downtown Association www.downtownhattiesburg.com for more on downtown happenings.