A historic, yet growing business district in central Hattiesburg
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.
Locally-owned businesses and restaurants
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."
Getting around and out of the Hub City
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.
Enjoying the park and Longleaf Trace
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.
Events in Town Square Park
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.
A housing market with condos and mix-use spaces
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.
Enrolling in Hattiesburg Public School District
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.
GreatSchools:
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Own a prime piece of real estate in the vibrant heart of downtown Hattiesburg! This vacant lot is across from the lively Town Square Park, host to events like Live at Five and the farmers market.Located within walking distance to the popular Lucky Rabbit and close to the Train Depot, this site is perfect for so many different ventures. Embrace the essence of Hattiesburg and build
Own a prime piece of real estate in the vibrant heart of downtown Hattiesburg! This vacant lot is across from the lively Town Square Park, host to events like Live at Five and the farmers market.Located within walking distance to the popular Lucky Rabbit and close to the Train Depot, this site is perfect for so many different ventures. Embrace the essence of Hattiesburg and build your
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
531
Median Age
36
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
10.4%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$28,571
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$68,635
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
74.1%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
20.8%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
1.6%
% Population in Labor Force
58.2%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
59''
Average Winter Low Temperature
39°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
75/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
67/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
