Hattiesburg

Arnold Line is a growing community with a desirable school district and nearby shopping. The proximity to Hattiesburg's attractions and relatively low housing costs are major draws to the neighborhood. "It's a part of Oak Grove, so it's nice and secluded. But it is more affordable than further out in Oak Grove," says Dominique Magee, a nearby resident and South Mississippi Realtor with Epique Realty. "It's wonderful for small families and new couples looking for a modern, smaller house in a good community." She also says that people move to the area to retire. "The cost of living is lower, so your money goes further here," Magee says. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the neighborhood's population increased from 1,719 to 2,333 between 2010 and 2020. Education plays a significant role in the community. Students attend the high-ranking Lamar County School District. Many move on to the University of Southern Mississippi, about 3 miles away. Most of Arnold Line's older homes are brick ranch styles dating from the 1970s to the 1980s. Homes from the 21st century are often new traditional ranches and cottages. Some of the neighborhood's most recent homes are inside the Copperfield development. Beyond the subdivisions is a more rural feel. Many of these homes are older, stand further from the street and have larger lots. Late 20th-century houses generally cost between $150,000 and $325,000. Homes from the last 25 years enter the market between $200,000 and $375,000. As part of a tornado-prone region, the area may experience mild flooding and wind damage, which can impact insurance rates. Longleaf Elementary is considered the top public elementary in Lamar County, earning an A from Niche. Oak Grove Middle has an A-minus. Grove High earns an A, offering CTE courses and a Dual Credit program. The school is also known for its football department. "Oak Grove High is usually the 6A champs," Magee says. "They always go to state championships and players have gone pro." In 2020 and 2023, the school was recognized as the only high school in Mississippi to earn State Championship titles for dance, football and cheer within the same year. The community has nearby houses of worship that provide gathering spaces and community activities, including Somang Korean Baptist Church and First Presbyterian Church. The closest medical facility is Merit Health Wesley. Interstate 59 borders the eastern side, and Hardy Street, also known as U.S. Highway 98, leads to downtown, about 5 miles east. Longleaf Trace, a designated Rails-to-Trails linear park, is open to bicyclists, runners and equestrians. The path extends 44 miles from Hattiesburg to Prentiss. The local Humane Society operates the dog park Fields of Barktopia. To the south is Optimist Park, which has a playground that's busy on weekends, a walking trail and the Arnold Line Community Center. The grounds also contain ball diamonds for youth sports. Hattiesburg Country Club's private membership offers a pool, tennis and pickleball courts. The 18-hole, par-72 golf course has held USGA qualifiers, State Opens and Amateur Championships. The Shadow Ridge Golf Club is a 500-acre public course amid homes and a nature preserve.     The neighborhood is just north of West Hattiesburg's shopping district on Hardy Street. Turtle Creek Mall, less than 3 miles away, contains over 80 storefronts and dining options. Turtle Creek Crossing shopping center has a Target, Books-A-Million and other national retailers. Walmart and Sam's Club are across the street. There are a few local restaurants in the area, including Del Sol Mexican Restaurant and Indian Delight Hattiesburg. Magee recommends Po-Boy Express and Sky Sushi.     Football games at the University of Southern Mississippi attract fans, students and alumni to M.M. Roberts Stadium. "Southern Miss is life here," Magee says. "When games are going on, the kids can work them. It gives them something to do. These kids are outside doing things and are staying involved in the area." The community is also known for events like backyard barbecues and gatherings at nearby venues. "Hattiesburg Country Club is good for events and parties," Magee says. "I'm a Mississippi native, and I can say that we are party people. We love to gather."

After a major fire destroyed Downtown Hattiesburg in the 1890s, and the city immediately passed a law for subsequent buildings to be built of brick. Although some buildings have been devastated by storms, like the tornado in 2013 , most still stand today, containing businesses and multifamily homes. As the city center experiences a revival, older historic buildings are being repurposed to create new spaces for residents. Here, a restaurant that has been around for decades can be just a few blocks from a recently opened café. Certain streets may be temporarily closed with traffic barricades during community events such as parades and marathons. Norfolk Southern railyard is located next to The Hattiesburg Station. The area sits within 2 miles of the University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey University. <br><br>The location offers an eclectic mix of businesses among the well-established buildings. Many storefronts are owned and operated by locals. The Lucky Rabbit is a unique downtown staple that doubles as a flea market and museum. The two-building space is filled with nostalgic items and vintage décor like old-school arcade games, payphone booths and Volkswagen Buses. The closest supermarket is Sullivan's Grocery Store, but there are several new and longstanding restaurants in the neighborhood. Coney Island Café has occupied the corner of Railroad and Main for 100 years while the Bushman's Street Café opened in 2023. "You can go to Southbound Bagel and Coffee Shop for breakfast, then Hattiesburger Blues for lunch or brunch on the weekend," says Kristynna Clark, a Hattiesburg resident and Realtor with Keller Williams Elite Realty & The CD Group. "And at night, you can listen to live music at Blu Jazz. That's my favorite restaurant." <br><br>Commuters often travel along Main Street or Pine Street, known as Highway 11. Public transportation is available throughout the community. Travelers may also wait for an Amtrak train on the renovated Hattiesburg Station platform. Interstate 59 is about 5 miles away. As the Hub City, Hattiesburg is a central point to access several cities, being within 120 miles of the state's capital, New Orleans and Mobile. <br><br>Town Square Park rests along Gordons Creek and acts as Hattiesburg's central gathering space. Tall trees provide shade as locals enjoy the playgrounds and picnics on the grass. The grounds are home to the Downtown Hattiesburg Farmers Market and several annual events. Longleaf Trace, a prominent pedestrian route, is often used by bikers and runners. The trail extends 44 miles, starting at Hattiesburg and stretching to the west along out-of-service railroad lines. Just beyond the water awaits Walthall Park, a popular spot for outdoor recreation and more events. <br><br>Downtown Hattiesburg is known for being the spot for many events sponsored by the city and local businesses. "Town Square Park typically hosts Live at Five," Clark says. "It happens in the spring and summer. It's like a season kickoff with live music and food. It's a place for Hattiesburgers to relax." Town Square Park also hosts the Hattiesburg Craft Beer Festival. Clark says that Saenger Theatre brings many attractions to the area, such as live musicals, performances and murder mystery plays. <br><br>Most of downtown's residences are inside brick buildings that were once used for industrial purposes. Today, these historic buildings contain lofts and condos. There is also a 55-plus, income-restricted community, Preservation Crossing, inside the old Hattiesburg High School. The market also has vacant lots and mixed-use spaces zoned for commercial and housing purposes. "Some lofts on top of restaurants and on the strip of downtown can be in the $200,000 to $500,000 range," Clark says. Pricing can go up to 1.5 million for a partially renovated building with several units and retail spaces.  The city has a history of flooding during severe weather conditions, especially along the creeks and tributaries. According to the city government, a quarter of Hattiesburg homes sit within a special flood hazard area. Several older properties were elevated after tornados and subsequential flooding in past years. A property's location within a floodplain can affect flood insurance premiums. <br><br>Children in the city attend Hattiesburg Public School District, and many enroll in Hawkins Elementary SMART School. Sixth graders attend Hattiesburg STEAM Academy, next door to N.R. Burger Middle. Hattiesburg High offers CTE courses as well as a Middle College program that allows students to earn an associate degree. Each school has C-plus grades from Niche.