Hattiesburg, MS (Petal, Sumrall: rentals, homes, neighborhood)

[annmonee]

I am planning on moving to Hattiesburg at the end of the year. Does anyone know good areas to focus on looking for a rental home?

I also have a 3 year old son and I am looking for a good school for him, any suggestions?

[Tama]

It would depend on your needs. Are you coming for school and do you want to commute or be within walking distance? Do you prefer a smaller nearby town with a smaller school system? Do you like being in a traditional neighborhood or do you prefer a more suburb/rural setting? Is cost a big factor? Without knowing any of this my best guess is the area surrounded by Hardy St. on the north, Lincoln Road on the south, Hwy. 49 to the east and interstate 59 to the west. This area has attractive housing near to shopping, the university, banks, and services. It has a neighborhood feel, is safe, and affordable. If you are renting, with the age of your child, you would have a couple of years to scout out schools.

[southernbliss]

If you have a child Oak Grove schools are best.they are out west and there should be lots of rentals but it does cost more on that side of town.

[annmonee]

Originally Posted by Tama

It would depend on your needs. Are you coming for school and do you want to commute or be within walking distance? Do you prefer a smaller nearby town with a smaller school system? Do you like being in a traditional neighborhood or do you prefer a more suburb/rural setting? Is cost a big factor? Without knowing any of this my best guess is the area surrounded by Hardy St. on the north, Lincoln Road on the south, Hwy. 49 to the east and interstate 59 to the west. This area has attractive housing near to shopping, the university, banks, and services. It has a neighborhood feel, is safe, and affordable. If you are renting, with the age of your child, you would have a couple of years to scout out schools.

Yes I do want to start off renting and do not want to be too far out. I know people that stay over in the Petal area, it seems nice out that way. I just do not want to be too far from stores, etc. Thank you for the info.

[Tama]

Yes--Petal is a good option. The school system has a good reputation as well.

[Marisynos]

Originally Posted by annmonee

Yes I do want to start off renting and do not want to be too far out. I know people that stay over in the Petal area, it seems nice out that way. I just do not want to be too far from stores, etc. Thank you for the info.

I don't know about the rental status in Oak Grove, but their schools are very good and they aren't far from the majority of west-Hattiesburg shopping. Hattiesburg itself has extended so far to the west that Oak Grove is nearly inside city limits anyway, if it hasn't been taken over since the last time I was there.

The areas I grew up in were in mid-town, along the Avenues just east of Highway 49, and about thirty minutes to the west in Sumrall. Sumrall's school system was good, but didn't offer as much flexibility in what sort of courses you could take as the Hattiesburg schools do (for example, no string orchestra, gifted classes didn't exist between 7th grade and the 10th-and-up AP courses, etc).

[juo]

There are two very nice newly-built homes in the Oak Grove area (2 & 3-bedroom). Ideal for single families. Rents for about $700-800/month. You may indicate your interest in this forum for details or to arrange to view.

[a_cmc_2b]

If moving to Petal get outside the city limits...