Mobile-Bouie is a community with a history in Hattiesburg
Mobile-Bouie, a historically Black community in downtown Hattiesburg, includes Mobile Street, once considered the city's center of African American business until the 1960s. The neighborhood also has the Historic Eureka School. From 1921 to 1987, the Eureka School served as a learning center for African American students. After being damaged by a tornado in 2013, the building was renovated and closed for five years. The Historic Eureka School celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2021, and the city plans to convert the site into a museum. The Faces of Eureka, an ongoing public exhibit, features banners lining Sixth Street with photos of students who attended the school during its opening. The community also includes the Sixth Street Museum District, as well as historical landmarks like the Smith Drug Company and the African American Military History Museum. The surrounding area also played a role in the Civil Rights Movement, particularly during Freedom Summer, a major effort to promote voter registration in 1964. Beyond Mobile-Bouie's simple cottages, some over 100 years old, are recreational spaces, such as Chain Park and the longstanding Eureka Playground.
Living in Mobile-Bouie
Mobile-Bouie features single-story homes constructed between the 1920s and 1970s, offering two to three bedrooms. Most of these residences are workers' cottages, ranging from 700 to 1,500 square feet in size. Houses in the neighborhood sell for relatively lower prices than other areas of Hattiesburg. "The area attracts people looking to find a starter home and investors looking to build their portfolios," says Eugenia Merrick, a local Realtor with Keller Williams Elite Realty. Homes needing repairs can range in price from $10,000 to $35,000, depending on the acreage. Remodeled homes can range in price from $100,000 to $125,000. The region is prone to severe weather, like tornados and flooding, which can impact insurance rates.
Getting outside to Chain Park and Eureka Playground
Eureka Playground, also known as 9th Street Park, is a longstanding outdoor space three blocks from the Historic Eureka School. The park has ball fields, a play area and basketball courts. Chain Park is a riverfront space with a playground, boat ramp and on-shore fishing spots. The park is known for its concerts by local artists and annual fireworks display on Independence Day. Freedom Summer Trail has several historical markers commemorating Hattiesburg residents involved in the Civil Rights Movement. The neighborhood includes several stops on the trail, including St. James United Methodist Episcopal Church. The nearby Bouie River is a popular spot for boating and fishing for largemouth bass and freshwater drum, but a license is required.
Local businesses on Main Street and Highway 42
There is an E&B Discount Grocery Store and a Dollar General on the western side of the community. The area also contains local businesses along Main Street and Highway 42. The neighborhood has a few dining options in and around the neighborhood, including Jerry's Seasoned Food and Lee's Seafood & Deli. Smith Drug Company was once a neighborhood pharmacy that doubled as a community gathering place. Today, locals and tourists visit the restored building for tours and to buy old-fashioned candy and malt shakes while learning about the history of black healthcare workers in Hattiesburg.
Celebrating Hattiesburg Ward 2
The Historic Mobile Street Renaissance Festival has been an annual event for over 15 years. The festival includes a barbecue cook-off, as well as old-fashioned pound cake and sweet potato pie contests. The two-day event includes food trucks and live music. Merrick says that locals have access to festivals held in Town Square Park and other downtown events. The Mobile Bouie Neighborhood Association participates in the city-sponsored Night Out Against Crime in Town Square Park. The event has been ongoing for 40 years and serves as the kickoff for neighborhood parties held around the city.
Attending Hattiesburg School District
Students travel outside the neighborhood to attend schools within the Hattiesburg School District. Students can attend Hawkins Elementary SMART School and move on to N.R. Burger Middle. Hattiesburg High provides CTE courses and a middle college program. Each school has a C-plus grade on Niche.
Getting around downtown
The area includes several houses of worship, such as Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church and Starlight Missionary Church. The Hub City Transit offers bus stops in the neighborhood along the Brown Route. Highway 49 is about 3 miles from the community, while the closest Interstate 59 interchange is 5 miles away. The nearest major medical facility, Forrest General Hospital, stands 4 miles away along Highway 49.
GreatSchools:
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,297
Median Age
39
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$23,472
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$47,241
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
75.9%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
18.7%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
8.7%
% Population in Labor Force
58.6%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
59''
Average Winter Low Temperature
39°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
42/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
17/ 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.
