Is Hattiesburg more liberal/cosmopolitan than Oxford? (Charleston: school, universities)

[soulful]

I am wondering which of these two cities is the most sophisticated and liberal/open-minded.

[winkatme]

I would probably say Hattiesburg. Oxford is an old conservative town, with the exception of the university. Both cities have large universities, which do provide a liberal setting. With that in mind, I would say Hattiesburg is probably more liberal and you would probably find a more eclectic group of people. I have lived in Hattiesburg for 4 years now and when compared to Oxford, I say Hattiesburg.

[williboy]

I agree, Hattiesburg definitely feels more cosmopolitan than Oxford.

[tennreb]

Originally Posted by williboy

I agree, Hattiesburg definitely feels more cosmopolitan than Oxford.

Hattiesburg is a typical suburban town with typical chain restaurants and strip malls. Oxford is like a mini Charleston. Oxford appears more conservative to people who don't know the town because it looks like the classic picture-perfect Southern town (as does Charleston). However, Oxford is probably the most liberal town in the state. Ole Miss is classically a liberal arts college, while Southern Miss has is roots as a teachers school. Many of those vestiges remain. The arts scene in Oxford is much larger, so much so that USA Today named it the "New South Arts Mecca." The music scene in Oxford is great. Most of the bands playing in Hattiesburg are ones venturing down from Oxford. Also, there are a lot of events held in Oxford that Hattiesburg just can't get, like the programs at the Ford Center or the 2008 presidential debates. There are many liberal free-spirited types living in Oxford, though this is decreasing as cost of living has skyrocketed. For more of an objective measurement, Lafayette (Oxford) voted against the gay marriage ban by 22%, while Forrest-Lamar (Hattiesburg) voted against the gay marriage ban by 14%. I couldn't get the city numbers, though I'd bet the disparity is much greater. Neither are liberal bastions, but Oxford is easily the more cosmopolitan.

[soulful]

Does Hattiesburg have a vibrant downtown/"mainstreet" area? And what about the area by the University?

Are there "walkable" neighorhoods in either of the above 2 sections? With restaurants, shops, etc>

[tennreb]

Originally Posted by dsimicata

Does Hattiesburg have a vibrant downtown/"mainstreet" area? And what about the area by the University?

Are there "walkable" neighorhoods in either of the above 2 sections? With restaurants, shops, etc>

Hattiesburg does have a downtown, but it was pretty much ignored until the last few years. There's a lot of redevelopment going on downtown with new shops and restaurants, though it is still at an early stage. There isn't much housing there yet. The area around the university is technically walkable (there are sidewalks), though all the businesses are car-oriented. Be prepared to walk across parking lots. Hardy Street, where all the restaurants, banks, etc. near the university are, is very suburban.

[DvlsAdvc8]

Hattiesburg by far. I went to USM and really enjoyed my college experience.

[Willy99]

If you went to USM, Hattiesburg is more "cosmopolitan" than Oxford. If you went to Ole Miss, you're probably of the opinion that Oxford wins out in that department. Personally, my six months in Oxford were a living hell.

[williboy]

Hattiesburg is a fine city. It's close to the coast and New Orleans and yet just far enough away.

[williboy]

Hattiesburg is also much larger than Oxford.
Hattiesburg - Pop. - 44,000 plus
Oxford - 11,000 plus