Kindly tell me about Hattiesburg

In My Humble Opinion
1

I’m applying to the Writer’s Program at USM. I am 41, I grew up in New England, and I’ve lived my entire adult life in very progressive and insulated places, first uber-lefty, gay friendly Amherst/Northampton MA, and then 13 years in the Bay Area.

I’d love to know what Hattiesburg and its surrounds are like, culturally, weatherly, eatingly, costingly (rent and such), etc. I’d love to hear from a mix of natives and Yankee emigres. After closely following a thread or two from last year or the year before regarding cultural perceptions of the South from both sides (I suck at searching), it seems as if I am in for some manner of culture shock, most likely exacerbated because of where I’ve lived for the last 25 years.

I am trying like hell to strip myself of any cultural preconceptions and enter into this adventure tabula rasa, so to speak. I’ve read and heard a lot over the years; I’m sure some of it is bullshit, some of it is greatly exaggerated, and some of it is true. I look to you, my fellow Dopers, to provide a fair and balanced view of life in the deep South. Thanks a lot.

2

I went there a few times when I was a little kid. My Grandmother - we called her meh-maw - I don’t think I ever saw it written down - and uncle Billy lived there. Aunt Polly and Uncle Flip lived in Jackson. I just remember a little park and zoo where we spent most of our time, and the smell of my grandmother’s house. And it seemed like everything was white. The setting for To Kill a Mockingbird reminds me of it. My family down there was big into golf and fishing.

When I was 13 I spent a few days with my Aunt Polly, then she put me on a bus down to Biloxi to see my cousins. I remember straight roads, lots of pine trees, and the guys in front of me looked like they had pot. Also lots of Coca Cola signs, and dark-colored shacks. It all looked real poor to a 13 year old suburban kid from New Jersey.

In general, though, I have good memories of the times I spent down there.

3

I’m a Mississippi native (I live in Gulfport when I’m not at school). I’m not really very familiar with Hattiesburg - mostly I just pass through it on the way to other places - but I can tell you some things about south MS in general.

First of all, I like where I live. Mississippi in general has smallish towns (Hattiesburg is one of the largest and even it has far fewer than a hundred thousand people, I think), so it’s obviously not the most exciting of places, but if you prefer quiet, you’ll get it here.

The weather…well, it’s hot and muggy in summer and alternates between cool and almost warm in winter. Spring and especially autumn are nice, but I doubt many people come to MS for the climate. Lots of rain - now that I’m in California I find myself missing the rain quite a bit.

Lots of trees. In addition to the rain, I miss the Live oaks from home, too. Believe it or not, Mississippi has some nice scenery.

Eatingly, eh? Well, do you like gumbo, jambalaya, po-boys, et cetera? If so, then you’ll find the cuisine down here to your liking. Even if you don’t like southern staples, though - I personally don’t like seafood, or Cajun food, or most other regional fare - you can find passable food. And if all else fails, we have Waffle Houses on every corner.

Considering all the bad things you hear about MS and other southern states, I’ll wager that you find it better than you expected. Most places aren’t really too backward. And not everybody has a southern accent.
On a side note, I have some friends who go to USM, but I haven’t talked to them since the semester started. I wonder how they like the school…

4

I grew up and lived my young adult life in New Orleans, then moved to Central MS to work. Hattiesburg is about two hours south of my current location, and my family passes through frequently when headed to the Gulf Coast. A lot of people who live in my area are from Hattiesburg or attended Southern Miss.

Culturally – Hattiesburg is a college town, so there are a lot of cultural events (concerts, plays, sporting events) put on in conjunction with Southern Miss. You won’t have to sit home twiddling your thumbs too often. Plus, New Orleans (< 2 hrs), the MS Gulf Coast (1 hr), and the AL/FL Emerald Coast (1.5 - 2 hrs) aren’t too far away for a day trip.

Religion is a big deal to the locals, but not necessarily in ways that you’d expect. It’s not that everyone’s a fundamentalist (few are), but the church serves as a social center for most people. Being vocal about not going to church gives some people the impression that one is antisocial or flakey. Fortunately, it’s rare to be quizzed intently on your preference of worship – and it’s acceptable to be fairly vague when you are. At the same time, some folks will have no problem bringing up church in a conversation, so don’t be taken aback.

Weather – Hot and humid in the summer, mildish winters. Temperatures below 30 F are infrequent. Fall and spring are both gorgeous, but brief – you pretty much go from scorching to jacket weather (and vice versa) within a few weeks.

Eating – After growing up on the selection in New Orleans, the food in Mississippi has been a big let down. However, there is some New Orleans influence in the Hattiesburg area, to which Nightwatch alludes. There seem to be as many ersatz Mexican restaurants in Hattiesburg as there are here in the Jackson-Vicksburg area – they are tasty and cheap, but extremely unauthentic. Chinese food is barely passable, but will do when you’re jonesing.

Surprisingly, there are very nice sushi places in my neck of the woods, which opened within the last few years to accomodate Japanese families that moved to the area in advance of a large Nissan plant opening. Don’t know if Hattiesburg has anything like that.

Cost of Living – I’m sure it’s comparable to where I live. Inexpensive housing catering to students can be had for less than $600/month – maybe even < $500 if you get lucky. Nicer places will run around $700 - $900. Groceries and gasoline (~ $1.70 - $1.75/gal right now) are inexpensive compared to national averages.

…
Hope that helps!

5

Another MS Native checking in, and I’ll disagree with bordelond a little bit. IMHO, Hattiesburg is more an Army town than a college town. Camp Shelby has a far greater influence on Hattiesburg than USM.

Rent should be almost incredibly inexpensive compared to your history. (3BR town house apartments for under $900 a month).

Weather is Hot and Wet in the summer (80’s and 90’s) with mild wet winters (30’s and 40’s). It does not rain often, but when it does rain, it rains alot.

Hattiesburg is in the MS Piney Woods area so you are surrounded by loblolly and long leaf pines. A national forest comprises most of the county to the south. Tree farming is a big indusrty in south MS.

Most of the food in MS is typical southern/soul food. Chain restruants are popular. Most ethnic foods are re-designed for the locals and not very good if you are used to the real thing. (A deep south dining secret… usually the best food is served in the worst looking places or the quality of the food is inversely proportional to the “niceness” of the building. i.e., Doe’s Eat Place Leland MS, Dreamland T-town AL)

You are close to New Orleans, and the MS gulf coast Casino’s. Both popular weekend destinations for USM students.

6

I did not know it was an Army town. Thanks for all the info, folks. Can any Yankees stop by and fill me in on what kind of culture shock I can expect, please?

7

Ha! You obviously aint been to MY house. :smiley:

Don’t lets forget Leatha’s BBQ in Foxworth, which is an hour’s drive of Hattiesburg.
essvee, holla at me if and when you move. I’m a short 2 hours north in Jacskon.

8

I guess I’m the yankee (or the closest yet) that you are looking for. I live in Tupelo which is fairly far to the north of Hattisburg. I’ve only passed through, but had a son that lived there for a couple of years. I think the other’s have covered what it will be like pretty damn well. I was especially glad to see the information about the Piney Woods (because that poster obviously knows of what he is speaking), although it is offically the Pine Belt Region, as opposed to the Delta, Hill Country, and Gulf Coast areas. Also, it is hot here around Tupelo, but when you get to Meridan and then on down to Hattisburg it is HOTTER in the summer.

Now for that yankee thing. I moved south at the age of 9 from Ohio and then later lived in Cincinnati for another 11 years. That means that 20 of my 66 years I’ve lived up north. I’m still a yankee and it is a mistake if I ever forget that fact even in the politest of company (where it will only cause amusement). If the subject of the civil war comes up listen, that’s all. If forced to make a comment, don’t make it something about how the north won. Most southerners don’t really care that much about it, but yankees talking about the north winning still rubs them the wrong way. Then there are those that will be baiting you, so don’t bite. This piece of advice is true everywhere: don’t tell them how it is done elsewhere. California may be nicer, but don’t say it is. Say that New England is colder, not cooler. You will run into rednecks, who will use the "n’ word, ignore them and they’ll get the message just from the fact that you don’t do the same. All of this advice will be needed only on rare occassions, but when it happens you’ve been forewarned. :wink:

9

Thanks, kniz and ninety. It sounds like an alright place. What about these Piney Woods? Is there good hiking, camping and such to be had there?

ninety, I will holla if i make it there.

10

Not a Yankee, but the centrality of church in many people’s social lives was something I needed to get used to. Sure New Orleans is a heavily Catholic town, but lots of folks only go on holidays and for special events (weddings, baptisms, etc.). For many people in Mississippi, church is a crucial part of their personal identity.

Essvee – can you be more specific about what kind of culture shock you are expecting? You mentioned “uber-lefty, gay-friendly” in your OP. Well, OK – the way that will break down is that you will meet very few liberals among the townfolk. C’est la vie … you may find it useful now and then to avoid political discussions, even when your political sensibilities are being offended and you just can’t get over that anyone believes anything like what you just heard from someone’s mouth.

IMHO, the Jackson area is more gay-indifferent than gay-unfriendly, and I’m thinking the same would apply for Hattiesburg (not sure if USM has a Gay and Lesbian Student Alliance … if so, they’d be a better resource for info than I can be). There is a small gay scene in the Jackson area, of which few average folks are largely unaware. There is also a thriving alternative press, and I’d be surprised if Hattiesburg – or at least the nearby MS Gulf Coast – didn’t have something similar.

11

One verrrrrry important fact that nobody has mentioned yet, that you must know.
:smack:
Bret Favre is a local hero.
[sub]but then there is the fact that he’s a conceited asshole[/sub]

12

Um, no. Favre is far from a “hero” to Mississippians. I think your information and/or impressions are flawed.

He’s more like a god, really.

13

Native-born Mississippian here, I’ve spent most of my life in the Deep South but also spent a year in the Northeast.

It’s hot in the summer, it’s warm and rainy in the winter. Don’t expect much snow. We get tornadoes, and hurricanes will blow in off the coast, so be prepared. Hattiesburg has a good bar scene, and there’s a really nice national park not far away. Be aware that Mississippi is infested with alligators, and they will eat you if you get close.

Religion is a BIG part of people’s lives, particularly in the rural areas but it’s still very strong even in Jackson and the other cities. I’m an atheist and I’ve managed to live here pretty comfortably for years however, so it can be done. I don’t know what faith you follow (if any) but there’s lots of churches of every imaginable sort, including Unitarian Universalist, and Catholic, Jewish, Hindu and Muslim presences in the cities. Be aware Mississippi is a very poor state, very rural. Just try to be respectful, and don’t embarass people by complaining about how rundown things may look. I’ve seen Yankees show their asses about this before, and it’s terribly offensive.

Btw, jokes about inbreeding? Yeah, it wasn’t funny the first ninety times either.

One thing that took me a long time to get used to up North was how forward Yankees were. Y’all come off as being very bold and pushy. There are some things that are important parts of people’s lives – the church, our heritage, local music. You may not understand, for instance, why some Mississippians enjoy honky-tonks or speak proudly of their Civil War ancestors; get over it. These are our treasures and we don’t need or want anyone’s permission to enjoy them.

The state is still crawling with racism, and there’s no easy way to combat it. You probably won’t change anyone’s mind by arguing with them about it, but speak up if it makes you uncomfortable to hear people saying “nigger” and such. I’ve had great success in simply telling people not to say words like that in front of me, because I find racist speech deeply offensive. For what it’s worth, there’s a lot more ethnic diversity here than we’re given credit for. Mississippi is almost 40% black, and there’s Asian and Indian communities in the cities, not to mention the long-entrenched Lebanese populations.

Learn to appreciate good Southern tea. Once you develop a taste for it, that damnyankee tea will seem like camel piss. Soul food – fried chicken, mashed potatoes, okra, black-eyed peas – is enjoyed by everyone across color lines. Dig in, and try not to worry too much about the inevitable heart attack at age 45.

Visit New Orleans as soon as you get a chance (there’s a cheap hostel there called India House you should check out) and go down to the Gulf Coast. You can probably manage a bigger trip to Florida too, if beaches are your thing. If you’re looking to party, go to Cajun country down by Lake Charles, Louisiana. Those coon-asses party harder than New Orleans, if you can believe that.

14

Hi all. Thanks again for your replies. bordelond, I guess some, but not all, of what I was referring to by “culture shock” was really: do people say nigger a lot? That, and the value set reflected by that, will be hard to take but I can do it. The many replies referring to how important church is cover some of what I meant as well. I fortunately learned my lesson a long time ago that people don’t really want your opinion, even when they ask for it, and especially when they don’t ask for it, so I don’t think I’ll have too much trouble along those lines.

One of the reasons I want to move, besides the program, is I am wondering what it is like to live somewhere in “the rest of America.” The two places I have spent my adult life do not accurately reflect the reality of the country that voted for Bush, and as a person who is interested in other people and how they live, what they think, and as someone who is trying to write, I’m wanting to get out there and check it out firsthand, participate in it. But I want some sense of what it will be like. Hence my questions.

Keep going if you can. It seems like it’s rural right outside of Hattiesburg, true? What’s the university like? Any alums? Are there really alligators all around? Are there any fish to catch besides catfish? Stuff like that would be great.

I have been spoiled bigtime by city living. What will I miss besides Chinese food? Is produce fresh and good? What the coffe like? More questions as I think of them.

15

Well compared to where you are Hattiesburg is rural. Which brings me to my next point, the in season produce is extremely fresh. Most people garden and are willing to give you some of their “leftovers”. I know there is a farmers market in Laurel, and a roadside fruit and vegetable stand on HWY 49 around there. In my experience, out of season fruits and vegetables can be hit or miss.

There are plenty of other fish to catch besides catfish. Bass, Brim (Sunfish) and Crappie (white perch family) are all plentiful. Alligators are around and are more likely to eat your dog than you. You probably will not notice them, (most city folk don’t until one is pointed out) so do not go swimming or wading out into any ponds or lakes for a quick swim.

Coffee depends on your tastes. New Orleans style coffee is blended with chicory. Chicory makes the coffee taste stronger, but is cheaper to make. Local stores will sell Starbucks, but I do not think there is a store in Hattiesburg yet.

And a point about the racism you will see, in rural MS the driving factor in racism is economic in nature. In my experience, it is poor people competing for the same jobs, and each blaming the other for their misfortune. This in no way excuses the actions, or the speech, but it should give some insight to what you will probably see.

Hope you enjoy the program, and take your time to travel around the south some. There are great stories still hiding there.