Hattiesburg, fondly known as the “Hub City”, is home to a vibrant culture, diverse economy, high quality of life and unlimited opportunity. Centrally located between Jackson, MS, New Orleans, LA, the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and Mobile, AL, Hattiesburg offers a unique blend of big city advantages, while maintaining its historical, small town charm. Hattiesburg has received many commendations for its high quality of life, supported by amenities including universities, acclaimed public and private schools, award-winning health care systems, 300+ churches and synagogues, 14 golf courses and outstanding recreational facilities.
The city is located in Forrest and Lamar Counties, is the county seat of Forrest County and is the principal city of the Hattiesburg, Mississippi Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The MSA population, which encompasses Forrest, Lamar and Perry counties, exceeded 150,000 following Hurricane Katrina in August 2005 making the Greater Hattiesburg area Mississippi’s third largest population center. The Hattiesburg MSA is locally known as the “Pine Belt” due to the rolling hills and pine forests typical of the area.
Hattiesburg was founded in 1882 by pioneer lumberman and civil engineer William H. Hardy, and named in honor of Hardy’s wife Hattie, who was well-known for her mastery of southern hospitality. The town was incorporated in 1884 with a population of only 400. While Hattiesburg’s population first thrived as a center of the lumber and railroad industries, it continues to attract newcomers because of the diversity of the economy, affordable quality of life and its great central location in South Mississippi.
Unlike many cities of comparable size, Greater Hattiesburg’s economy stands strong on the diversity of three pillars – Education, Healthcare and Military. Hattiesburg is home to The University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey University. While the strength in education fuels the region’s workforce, the comprehensive and thriving healthcare sector is a cornerstone of the local economy and a major value to the surrounding region for employment and quality health care services. As for military, just south of Hattiesburg is Camp Shelby, the largest National Guard training base east of the Mississippi River which has been a key mobilization center for deployment of military forces to overseas assignments during the last decade.
South Mississippi is well-known for its multitude of outdoor recreational activities, including hunting, fishing, hiking, boating, camping, and biking. Hattiesburg, uniquely located at the confluence of the Leaf and Bouie Rivers offers all of these activities and more. Whether canoeing on the Okatoma or Black Creek Rivers, camping and boating at Paul B. Johnson State Park, biking or rollerblading on The Longleaf Trace or enjoying the close proximity of the DeSoto National Forest, Hattiesburg has it all. Sporting events, horse and livestock shows at the Lamar County and Forrest County Multi Purpose Facilities are sure to please!
A full range of dining and entertainment opportunities, the picturesque Hattiesburg Historic Neighborhood, the restored Saenger Theatre, and University educational and cultural offerings all contribute to the quality of life that has brought accolades to Hattiesburg in the following publications, as well as recognition of Hattiesburg as a Certified Retirement Community.
- Southern Business & Development – Ten great small towns to operate a business and to retire (2010)
- Kiplinger – Top College Town for Grown Ups (2007) and MS as #2 in Top 10 Tax-Friendly States for Retirees (2011)
- The University of Southern Mississippi is only one of 31 universities in America accredited in all four areas of the arts (2010)
- Top 10 Affordable College Towns (2006)
- National Geographic Adventure – Top Adventure Towns (2010)
- CNN/Money.com – 9th Best Place in U.S. to Launch a Small Business (2009)
- Where to Retire – Top 100 Places (2009) and one of eight towns with safe and maintained cycling trails and amenities suitable for retirement
See links below for more information and Call TODAY for assistance with your move to Hattiesburg and the Pine Belt! (1.844.PORCHLT)
Hattiesburg Area Development Partnership: http://theadp.com Everything you need to know concerning local Economic Development Promotions and activities taking place in Hattiesburg and the surrounding counties of the Pine Belt!
HattiesburgOnLine: http://www.hattiesburgms.com Online guide to the City of Hattiesburg services. See link to MS Tour guide for video clips.
Hattiesburg Tourism and Visitors Guide: https://www.visithburg.org Official visitor guide to services available and event calendar for Hattiesburg.
Comprehensive Statewide Visitor Info: http://www.visitmississippi.org Statewide information on cities, counties, special attractions and other valuable information for those traveling to or relocating to Mississippi.
