West Hattiesburg is a suburban area shaped by commercial growth
West Hattiesburg may seem like a corridor of Hattiesburg, but locals refer to the area as a separate community. "Although the city is small, people do see the two as very, very different," says Hattiesburg resident Tom S. Ramirez Boldo, President of a nearby neighborhood association. "Interstate 59 divides West Hattiesburg from Hattiesburg proper. West Hattiesburg is the place for chain restaurants, the mall and shopping." While Hattiesburg is a part of Forrest County, West Hattiesburg sits in Lamar County. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the community's population decreased between 2000 to 2010. However, major commercial construction between 2010 and 2017 led to a 35% spike in population. Most new residents relocate to West Hattiesburg from other parts of the state to live in a tucked-away suburb close to restaurants and retail outlets.
West Hattiesburg contains multiple subdivisions
The western side of the community is largely undeveloped, aside from Ridge Crest Mobile Home Park and homes branching from Lincoln Road Extension and Hartfield Road. West Lake Manor and Tall Pine Estates developments have some of the community's older homes from the 1970s to 1980s. Most are ranch-styles located east of Oak Grove Road and often range in price from $150,000 to $275,000. Overlook Subdivision has brick houses from the 1990s, and the Legacy development contains new constructions that reach the edge of property lines.. These new traditional styles typically range in price between $200,000 and $300,000.
Several homes surrounding private lakes have backyard docks to fish and boat on the water, such as houses around Laird's Lake or inside West Lake Manor. "This is Mississippi, so therefore, it's outdoorsy," says Dominique Magee, a local resident and South Mississippi Realtor with Epique Realty. "We have a lot of ponds and lakes, so boating is a big thing here." The region is known for seasonal tornadoes and floods; homes near the water have a mild risk of flooding.
Lots to offer in the business corridor along U.S. 98
Businesses and storefronts are along U.S. 98, also known as Hardy Street. The commercial route brings shoppers to national chains, including Sam's Club, Walmart and Best Buy. ALDI is a new addition to the roadway, opening its doors in 2023. On the opposite side of U.S. 98 awaits Turtle Creek Mall. The indoor shopping hub is home to over 80 storefronts and restaurants. Turtle Creek Crossing shopping center has a Target, Books-A-Million and other national retailers. Although the commercial district has several chain restaurants, there are a few local restaurants in the area. Keg and Barrell West, a popular establishment serving over 120 brews, recently opened an oyster bar.
Attending Oak Grove Schools
Magee says that students can attend any school in Lamar County. Oak Grove Elementary and Oak Grove Middle have A-minus grades from Niche. Oak Grove High's students and alums are often seen at football games on Friday nights. The school, earning an A, offers dual credit and Advanced Placement courses. The athletics department earned several state championships in football, cheer and dance. "The area is family-oriented," Magee says. "It's a good place to raise your kids and not to pay for private schools."
Easy access to the city of Hattiesburg
The community has nearby places of worship that offer gathering spaces and community activities, including West Point Baptist Church and Venture Church. The closest medical facilities are Merit Health Wesley and Forrest General Hospital. Interstate 59 borders the east, and U.S. 98 leads to downtown Hattiesburg, about 5 miles away. The University of Southern Mississippi is about 3 miles from the neighborhood.
Optimist Park and nearby country clubs
To the west is Optimist Park, featuring a colorful playground with a zipline, a walking trail and a community center available for event rentals. Lamar Park is a passive space with a community center used for private gatherings and as a polling place. The upcoming sports complex, currently under construction to the south, will have pickleball and tennis courts. Shadow Ridge Golf Club has the closest course with fairways to tee off, but Magee says many will visit Canebreak Country Club, about 10 miles west. "The country clubs has a restaurant and clubhouse for events and parties," Magee says.
