A PERFECT RETIREMENT LOCATION

In 1990, G. Scott Thomas rated Hattiesburg sixth for overall livability for cities under 100,000 in his Rating Guide to Life in America's Small Cities. Then in 1992, the city received the Livability Award for cities under 100,000 from the United States Conference of Mayors.

With its hometown feel, it's somewhat surprising that this college town serves over a quarter of a million people in its immediate area with culture, industry and medical facilities. In actuality, Hattiesburg is a booming metropolitan area that has retained its small-town atmosphere.

Hattiesburg is home to two state-of-the-art hospitals, with The Hattiesburg Clinic that has 172 specialists representing every field of medicine. The superb medical facilities in the area also earned Hattiesburg the number one rating for health care in the Rating Guide to Life in America's Small Cities.

There is always something going on in Hattiesburg. The Saenger Theater hosts productions by the Hattiesburg Civic Light Orchestra, as well as a historic museum and rotating exhibits of Mississippi artists. For something a little out of the ordinary, the International Checker Hall of Fame is located in nearby Petal. Watching a heated tournament on the floor-size checker board is an experience, to say the least.

William Carey College and The University of Southern Mississippi offer enough theater, concerts and exhibits to wear out any culture seeker. USM's Institute for Learning in Retirement conducts classes, seminars, a luncheon lecture series and other activities. College athletics draw football, basketball, baseball and soccer fans to the campus.

Twice a year, crowds of 55,000-80,000 come to downtown Hattiesburg and experience the food, crafts and music of the Old Time Festival and HUBfest. The holiday season brings parades and a beautiful candlelit Victorian Christmas celebration in Hattiesburg's Historic District as well as the annual Holiday Fantasy at the Lake Terrace Convention Center.

In April, the homes and blossoming dogwood trees surrounding Lake Serene can be seen during the Dogwood Festival. Even if there's not a festival going on, it's easy to enjoy the outdoors around Hattiesburg. Nearby woodlands offer plenty of lakes, streams and wooded areas for hunting, fishing, hiking or camping. Paul B. Johnson State Park provides a great lake and cabins for a weekend getaway. Kamper Park and Zoo, the All-American Rose Garden or any of the 15 area golf courses are perfect for stretching your legs.

Hattiesburg is also known as the "Hub City". It earned this name by its close proximity to several large metro areas. If you feel like getting out of town, just hop in the car, and in less than two hours, you can be in New Orleans, Mobile, Jackson or on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.