Top Neighborhoods
Hattiesburg's neighborhoods are a study in contrasts. You can be in a historic district with century-old oaks one minute and a modern apartment complex near the university the next, and the difference isn't just aesthetic—it's a completely different lifestyle, price point, and daily reality. Choosing the right one isn't about finding the "best" neighborhood; it's about finding the one that won't drive you nuts.
Quick Compare: Top Neighborhoods in Hattiesburg
| Neighborhood | Vibe | Rent Range | Best For | Walk Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midtown | Historic, walkable, artsy | $1,100-$1,600 | Young professionals, empty nesters | ~68 |
| Timberlane | Suburban family hub | $950-$1,300 | Families with kids | ~35 |
| Downtown | Urban core, college energy | $850-$1,400 | Students, nightlife lovers | ~82 |
| Oak Grove | Upscale suburban | $1,200-$1,800 | Medical professionals, families | ~42 |
| Hattiesburg Heights | Quiet, established | $800-$1,100 | Budget-conscious renters, retirees | ~55 |
Midtown
Overview: Midtown is Hattiesburg's most cohesive "urban village." Centered around the historic Hub City downtown corridor, it's where you'll find the 200 block of Main Street, the Saenger Theater, and a walkable grid of restored bungalows and new infill housing.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $1,100 - $1,600/mo (1BR) | $1,400 - $2,000/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $185k - $240k
- 🚗 Commute: 5 min to downtown | 15 min to Hattiesburg Clinic
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~68 (Very walkable, bikeable)
Local Intel: The traffic hack is simple—avoid Hardy Street during Southern Miss game days; it's gridlocked from 4pm-8pm. Saturday mornings, hit the Hattiesburg Farmers Market on Main Street before 9am for the best produce and to snag parking. The area south of Hardy Street (toward the university) gets louder and more student-heavy; stick to the north side for a more professional vibe.
Who Thrives Here: Remote workers who need a coffee shop rotation and young professionals who want to walk to dinner and drinks without an Uber.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ True walkability to 15+ restaurants and bars, including The Collab and Sulkin's Deli
- ✅ Strong appreciation rates—homes here sell 12% faster than city average
- ❌ Parking is a nightmare, especially during events at the Saenger
- ❌ Older housing stock means frequent plumbing and electrical updates (budget $5k-$10k for surprises)
Schools: Hattiesburg Public School District. Rowan Elementary is rated 7/10, but middle and high schools are average (5/10). Most families with means opt for private.
The Verdict: Move here if you want a genuine neighborhood feel and walkability. Avoid if you need a yard for a big dog or have a 9-to-5 that requires a predictable commute on Hardy Street.
Timberlane
Overview: Timberlane is the quintessential 1980s-90s subdivision that families gravitate toward. It's off Highway 42, past the massive Cloverleaf Mall area, with wide streets and cul-de-sacs. The neighborhood is anchored by the Timberlane Shopping Center and is minutes from the I-59 interchange.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $950 - $1,300/mo (2BR) | $1,200 - $1,600/mo (3BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $165k - $210k
- 🚗 Commute: 18 min to downtown | 12 min to Hattiesburg Clinic
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~35 (Car-dependent)
Local Intel: The secret here is the access to I-59. You can be in Jackson in an hour or Biloxi in 90 minutes. The trade-off is the traffic on Highway 42 during rush hour—it's a 10-minute delay at 5pm. The neighborhood pool (Timberlane Swim & Racquet) is the social hub; joining is a must for parents.
Who Thrives Here: Families with school-aged kids who need a three-bedroom house with a garage and don't mind driving everywhere.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Top-rated schools: Timberlane Elementary (8/10), D'Iberville Middle (7/10)
- ✅ Extremely low crime—property crime is 40% below city average
- ❌ Zero walkability; you'll drive for coffee, groceries, and dinner
- ❌ Cookie-cutter architecture and HOA rules that can be picky about lawn care
Schools: Harrison County School District. This is the main draw—consistently high ratings and strong extracurriculars.
The Verdict: Perfect for families prioritizing schools and space over walkability. Skip it if you're a single professional or want a unique architectural character.
Downtown
Overview: Downtown Hattiesburg is a two-block radius of pure energy, centered on the University of Southern Mississippi. It's where the College Avenue corridor meets Hardy Street, packed with student housing, dive bars, and the occasional gem of a coffee shop. Think of it as a perpetual campus party mixed with a few grown-up spots.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $850 - $1,400/mo (1BR) | $1,100 - $1,600/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $140k - $180k (mostly condos/rowhouses)
- 🚗 Commute: 3 min to campus | 8 min to downtown core
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~82 (Walker's Paradise)
Local Intel: The noise is real—Friday and Saturday nights from September to May are loud, especially near College Avenue. The best parking hack is the lot behind the Hattiesburg Arts Council; it's free after 6pm. Avoid renting north of Hardy Street past 10th Avenue; crime picks up noticeably.
Who Thrives Here: USM students and recent grads who want to walk to class and bars. Also, bar industry workers who need to be close to the action.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ True walkability to 20+ bars, restaurants, and the historic Hattiesburg Library
- ✅ Cheapest rent in the city for a walkable area
- ❌ High noise levels, especially during the academic year
- ❌ Property crime is 25% higher than city average; bike theft is common
Schools: Not applicable—this is a student-heavy zone.
The Verdict: Ideal for students and young partiers. Avoid if you work a 7am job, have kids, or need quiet for remote work.
Oak Grove
Overview: Oak Grove is Hattiesburg's upscale suburban enclave, located south of the city along Highway 11. It's newer construction (2000s and up), with larger lots and a reputation for being the "doctor and lawyer" neighborhood. The vibe is quiet, manicured, and isolated from the city's hustle.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $1,200 - $1,800/mo (2BR) | $1,500 - $2,200/mo (3BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $225k - $300k
- 🚗 Commute: 22 min to downtown | 15 min to Hattiesburg Clinic
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~42 (Car-dependent)
Local Intel: The traffic on Highway 11 is getting worse, especially during the new growth south of the city. The grocery options are limited—most residents drive to the Walmart Supercenter on Highway 42 or the Publix in D'Iberville. The hidden gem is the Oak Grove Baptist Church park; it's open to the public and has a great playground.
Who Thrives Here: Medical professionals working at Hattiesburg Clinic who want a modern home and don't mind the commute. Families who prioritize safety and space.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Newest housing stock with modern layouts and energy efficiency
- ✅ Extremely safe—violent crime is almost non-existent
- ❌ Commute to downtown is a solid 20+ minutes with no shortcuts
- ❌ No walkable amenities; you're driving for everything
Schools: Harrison County School District. Oak Grove Elementary is excellent (9/10), and the high school is strong.
The Verdict: Move here for safety, space, and modern homes. Avoid if you want walkability or a short commute to downtown.
Hattiesburg Heights
Overview: Hattiesburg Heights is a historic, working-class neighborhood just east of downtown, centered around the 30th Avenue corridor. It's a mix of 1940s-60s brick ranches and duplexes, with a strong sense of community and some of the most affordable rent in the city.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $800 - $1,100/mo (1BR) | $1,000 - $1,300/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $120k - $150k
- 🚗 Commute: 8 min to downtown | 10 min to campus
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~55 (Somewhat walkable)
Local Intel: The area around the old Hattiesburg High School is being revitalized with new community gardens and a weekly food truck night. Crime is concentrated on specific blocks—generally, the area north of Hardy Street and east of 30th Avenue is fine, but avoid the area near the railroad tracks after dark. The best value is renting a duplex here; many are owned by local landlords who don't list on major sites.
Who Thrives Here: Budget-conscious renters, retirees on fixed incomes, and service workers who need to be close to downtown jobs.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Most affordable rent in a 10-minute radius of downtown
- ✅ Strong community ties and neighborly vibe
- ❌ Property crime is higher than average; lock your car and bike
- ❌ Older homes mean drafty windows and outdated systems
Schools: Hattiesburg Public School District. Schools are average to below average; most families send kids to private or charter if possible.
The Verdict: Ideal for saving money while staying close to the city center. Avoid if you have school-aged kids or want a turnkey rental.
Final Advice
For young professionals, Midtown is your winner—pay the premium for walkability and a professional peer group. Families should prioritize Timberlane or Oak Grove for the schools and safety, but accept the car-dependent lifestyle. Students and nightlife lovers should stick to Downtown, but budget for a bike lock and noise-canceling headphones.
Traffic patterns are brutal on Hardy Street (US 49) from 4:30pm-6pm daily and during any Southern Miss event. The I-59 corridor is your best friend for regional travel, but avoid Highway 42 near the mall during back-to-school season. Counterintuitive pick: Hattiesburg Heights is a hidden gem for renters who want to own a home someday—buy here now before the revitalization pushes prices up.