'Burg Historic District, Commute to Coast (Gulfport, Biloxi: real estate, homeowners association, homes)

[Kicknchicken]

Soon I'm moving to Hattiesburg from Washington, DC, for a new position. We're looking forward to a slower, more affordable life, but were wondering a few things...

My wife is anxious about finding work (she's in the TV industry), and we're wondering if her commuting to Gulfport/Biloxi is a feasible way to expand her options. How long does it REALLY take to drive there from, say, downtown Hattiesburg? I hear everything from 45-90 minutes. Are there any nice, relatively well-run "suburbs" south of Hattiesburg that could cut down the commute?

At the same time, we're very interested in homes in Hattiesburg's historic district. Any specifics we should be aware of, parts of the neighborhood to avoid, etc.?

Thank you for any advice!

[cncguy2000]

about a Hour to Gpt., Hr+20 Min to Bix.
WLOX (ABC), WXXV (FOX) are TV stations on coast.
Wlox is in Biloxi off Debuys Rd, just above RR Tracks.
Wxxv is on Hwy 49 close to Lyman. (Closer to HBurg).

[arthcub]

Kicknchicken,

You have heard right about the commute. It will take 60-90 min depending on traffic and the part of town you are departing from/ arriving to.

There are some communities South of Hattiesburg that would put you a little closer to the coast (I think that area is called Dixie).

Hattiesburg has a really nice, albeit small, downtown area. There has been a lot of renovation over the past couple of years, and now it is home to the city's arts scene with several really good resturaunts and bars. The downtown area is also the place for renovated historical homes. There really are some beautiful properties down there, but one street over may look like a complete dump. It's still safe though.

I love Hattiesburg, but I will say that Hattiesburg is becoming less affordable since Katrina. There have been so many refugees move here from Biloxi and New Orleans that real estate has gone sky high. I've seen old homes in bad neighborhoods go for $100 a sq ft. On top of that, the wages haven't increased with the cost of living, making it even harder to afford housing. Me and my fiancee both have college educations (and I have over 5 years experience in my field), and we are discovering that it will be impossible for us to buy a home here. Also, the traffic is horrible. I stayed in Houston for a couple of weeks during the aftermath of Katrina, and when I returned home I found the traffic to be worse here than in Houston. Hattiesburg is a small town and its roads weren't designed for the amount of traffic it has to accomodate now.

Good luck on your move, but I think I'm heading out.

Art

[Tama]

KNC--This is the url for the Downtown Historic Assoc. I am guessing if you use the contact info you might find someone to help with a lot of your more specific questions. Good Luck! Historic Hattiesburg Downtown Association

[Historic Bessemer]

Does Hattiesburg have a Historical Homeowners Association?