Hattiesburg sits at the center of Mississippi's Pine Belt, anchored by a railroad heritage that earned it the nickname "Hub City" as far back as 1912. Today, the University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey University give the city a steady intellectual energy and draw people from across the region. Forrest General Hospital and the 28th Avenue medical corridor round out the economic backbone, making Hattiesburg one of south Mississippi's most self-sufficient cities.

Distinct neighborhoods give renters real options. Downtown Hattiesburg draws those who want walkable streets, restored Victorian architecture, and proximity to the Saenger Theatre and the African American Military History Museum, housed in the only remaining USO Club built specifically for Black service members during World War II. The Midtown area near USM offers a more collegiate atmosphere, while West Hattiesburg along US-98 provides roomier settings with easy interstate access.