Mississippi Highway 24, a historic state route, zigzags through farmland, forests and towns before ending in West Hattiesburg. You see where history leads you: straight to West Hattiesburg.
This community may not have it all, but it sure does have some nice subdivisions
Mississippi Highway 24, a historic state route, zigzags through farmland, forests and towns before ending in West Hattiesburg. You see where history leads you: straight to West Hattiesburg.
This community may not have it all, but it sure does have some nice subdivisions. Just five miles to the west of Hattiesburg, one of Mississippi's most famous cities, and within striking range of New Orleans, West Hattiesburg has some excellent living space. And there's pine trees! The things you can do for fun -- from golf to shop -- are in abundance. Numerous lakes sit within West Hattiesburg's limits as well. This community in Lamar County is very much a section of the Hattiesburg metropolitan area, yet a unique culture can be discovered here. A walk down one of the subdivisions, a trip to a shopping center or jumping in one of the ponds could show you that. It's time to live in West Hattiesburg.
Before you run off and climb trees, sing karaoke or do whatever you like to do, you've got to find a home here. Locating rental homes in West Hattiesburg is a bit trickier than other areas around Hattiesburg, so there is some important information you should know. West Hattiesburg, on top of all its wonderful characteristics, also has a well-regarded school system, low amount of crime and friendly community. That makes the town all the more desirable. Hence, when it comes to rental housing here, the task of getting something you love requires preparation.
Do You Smell the Freshness?
Most of the homes in West Hattiesburg are quite new. In fact, 59 percent of units were constructed after 1990. The majority of housing you will find here is in excellent shape. You should still inspect for issues, but the likelihood of you finding an issue is less than other towns in the region.
The Market Swings in Your Favor
As a renter, know that locating a house or apartment to rent in this community won't be exceedingly difficult due to a healthy flux of open listings during certain times and a renter-occupancy rate of 50.6 percent. Timing and planning are still important, though. You can't just guess at things like you do when you play Keno.
May Is Your Time
The presence of numerous schools in town and the proximity of the University of Southern Mississippi to West Hattiesburg makes May the best time to begin your housing search. Most leases end in June, July, August and September, and some expire at the end of the year. During other times, there isn't much movement in the West Hattiesburg market, so you may need a month to get something. Just as students are leaving to go home for summer, you can nab an apartment or house. It could only take a few days, or it could take a few weeks during the summer to obtain lodging. Getting a beautiful home just after somebody leaves will make you feel like the happiest vulture in town.
Being Insured Is Cool
West Hattiesburg, despite being far from the Gulf of Mexico, was damaged a little by Hurricane Katrina. While the likelihood of this happening again is quite low, it's better to be safe than emptying your own wallet later. Renters insurance can protect against a wide variety of things, so get it!
Variety Describes the Market
You can get anything from a large house to a one-bedroom apartment for rent. Only 51.3 percent of units are detached houses, and the rest is an even mix of townhouses, condos, apartments and mobile homes. The smaller single-family homes or cottages are nice alternatives if you want a yard. Anyway, you'll feel like a raccoon in a junkyard here. You can take what you want as long as you plan and time your search correctly (see above!).
Signing the Deal
Look for move-in specials. If you're lucky, you may be able to get a no-deposit deal or free heat. You still have to give one or two months' rent, show your credit standing and provide info on your funds. Also, most applications involve questions about your residence history and personal info, so organize that stuff. Also, be clear on what utilities are included. You may find some complexes have it all: tennis courts, all bills paid, a clubhouse, a laundry and dryer in the home, etc. You may find more affordable spots just give you the necessities, and you have to pay the utilities yourself.
The town covers 7.2 square miles. The good news is that you'll discover a variety of housing located throughout every section of town. What varies from place to place is the lifestyle. In some areas, you get winding subdivisions that are great for relaxing and living in space. In other areas, you are immersed in shopping and dining scenes. Your choice of neighborhood in West Hattiesburg depends a lot on your appetite.
Turtle Creek: Occupying the north part of town and near The University of Southern Mississippi, this somewhat walkable area features Shadow Ridge Golf Club, a host of giant retailers (hello, Wal-Mart!), Turtle Creek Mall and lots of dining and nightlife. You'll discover apartments, condos and houses in this neighborhood. There are several subdivisions within this area, including Shadow Ridge.
Magnolia: Although the town is not centralized, the geographical center is Magnolia. Highlights of this area include Magnolia Memorial Gardens, Lairds Lake and proximity to major stores (what's up, Hobby Lobby?). You'll mostly find charming single family houses here, but there are some apartment complexes. The area is close to Hardy Street (US Highway 98), one of West Hattiesburg's main thoroughfares. This region of town is somewhat walkable.
Oak Grove: The southern part of town, which is centered around Oak Grove Road, can simply be called Oak Grove. Noteworthy spots include Oak Grove High School, Oak Grove Middle School, Sidelines Sports Cafe and West Lake Dam. This area is a bit more residential. Interstate 59 is close, which makes traveling around the Hattiesburg metropolitan area easy. You'll find all sorts of housing here. The area is West Hattiesburg's most car dependent.
Top Apartment Communities
The Lakes at Turtle Creek Apartment Homes: You get a media room, fitness facility and hot tub. Your furry friends (pets that is!) are allowed. Choose among one- and two-bedroom luxury apartments. Yes, they are luxurious! As the name suggests, this complex is in Turtle Creek.
Twin Oaks Apartments: Located in the Oak Grove area, this complex features one- to three-bedroom pads. The closets are huge, and you can store all kinds of things in them. A tennis court, pool and workout center are offered by the community. All homes have a balcony or patio.
Parkwest Apartments: A great spot to rent an apartment, the homes here range from one to three bedrooms. The complex, which features a charming gazebo, sand volleyball court, covered parking and a tanning salon, is a place where you can truly have a ball.
A car equals convenience here, so that's why most people have one. You can get by on foot and bike, but you may do some damage to your legs over the course of time.
While life in West Hattiesburg is splendid, it's worth experiencing the greater city. Hattiesburg, with sites like the Hattiesburg Zoo, Saenger Theater and Thirsty Hippo, is full of culture and entertainment. Soak it all up when you can. The town has a storied past, and learning things like where its name comes from (Hattie was the wife of William Hardy, the area's founder) will provide you with a foundation for approaching life here.
When you are hanging around West Hattiesburg, go at it the way the locals do. Spend some dough at Turtle Creek Mall and start looking a little more fashionable. Try and catch a butterfly at Forest Memorial Park. Have some southern food at Cotton Blues. Sip on your favorite beverage at Crescent City Grill. Once you've made a few friends, go play a round of golf with them at Canebrake Golf Club; while you're there, take in the gorgeous views of Canebrake Lake.
From shopping and dining to green space and outdoor recreation, this southern town has it all. You don't get the sky-touching buildings that you see in New Orleans, but that's not why you're moving here. It's for the po' boy and seafood gumbo at Chesterfield's Bar and Grill. It's for the beauty of the residential streets and surrounding lakes. It's for the atmosphere. Enjoy all that there is to enjoy while living in West Hattiesburg.
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Mississippi Highway 24, a historic state route, zigzags through farmland, forests and towns before ending in West Hattiesburg. You see where history leads you: straight to West Hattiesburg.
This community may not have it all, but it sure does have some nice subdivisions
View West Hattiesburg City Guide