Hattiesburg (Jackson, Charleston: low crime, employment, high school)

[Judes]

Please tell me about Hattiesburg. I know about the extremely hot summers, but what about Hurricanes? Was last year typical of panhandle hurricanes or does Hattiesburg usually not get hit by them? What about employment in Hattiesburg? With two colleges, are all the jobs taken? Thanks!

[tatters]

Last year's hurricane season is ANYTHING but typical!!!!
Hattiesburg rarely gets anything more than mild wind and rain from a hurricane. It is also rare for Mississippi to get such a direct hit from a hurricane. Camille in 1968 was the last time Mississippi saw such damage.
Hope this helps.

[usm2009]

Hurricane Katrina was and still is the largest natural disaster to ever take place in the US. As devestating as it was, it has helped Hattiesburg so much in numerous ways. Our economy is now thriving more than ever, our population is growing, and business from all over are beginning to call Hattiesburg home. Economists have recently released statistics regarding Hattiesburg's economy and it is just as strong as it was 2 years ago (post Katrina). They also have noted our growth and said that it follows much larger cities, such as Austin and Charleston. Even with such economic development and increased population, we have still maintained a rather low crime rate. Hattiesburg for years was based solely on the history of the central train depot between other major cities. Now, with history remaining an instrumental aspect, Hattiesburg is undergoing major change. The University, under the leadership of newly inagurated president Dr. Martha Saunders, is really reaching out and assisting the community in economic and cultural development. USM has bought the old Hattiesburg High School building dowtown and have major plans for the downtown area. Hattiesburg is a great place to live and there is a lot of opportunity to expand, whether your education, career, or living situation as a retiree. I love it and in about 10 (or less) years, Hattiesburg will be greater than ever beore.

[ggluvbug]

If I were to pick a place in the state besides the coast to live, it would be Hattiesburg.

[williboy]

Hattiesburg has a nice mall, USM, and is centrally located between Jackson, New Orleans, and Mobile and only about 75 miles from the coast.