216,701
Population
Sunny Days: 214
45100 Affordability
70100 Schools
40100 Diversity
51100 Safety
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Marching to its Own Louisiana Beat
The Best Thing About Baton Rouge?
The Food
Just up the Mississippi River from New Orleans in Baton Rouge you’ll find a city marching to the beat of its own drum. Cajun and creole influences (Baton Rouge likes to eat) combine with a good dose of southern charm and a city that’s uniquely Louisiana.
In the words of a local: The best part of living here is the food. So so many great seafood/creole/French restaurants. The people are generally very welcoming and exhibit that southern charm. At times the community can be inclusive and right leaning. But I’ve made some great friendships here and there are definitely like-minded individuals around.
The Worst Thing About Baton Rouge?
It's Seriously the Humidity
Swampy summers. And Hurricanes. Traffic (the population grew by nearly a third after Hurricane Katrina.) And a certain lingering plantation mentality.
A transplant from Arizona notes: As someone that relocated from AZ, a word on humidity. It’s not like ‘after a rain’… It’s serious and can be brutal on a desert rat. But, it’s been five years now, so kinda used to it. (Not really, but keep telling myself…)
Baton Rouge Lifestyle
Baton Rouge’s downtown is compact and walkable. You can jog along the banks of the Mississippi and watch the sun rise along the iconic river.
The Garden District, if you can afford it, is nice with some good restaurants, cafes, and supermarkets like Trader Joe's and full of young professionals. Similar is Capital Heights and Southdowns. Oak Hills and Quail Ridge are pretty much a straight shot to LSU. Turnberry is up and coming. Lots of LSU professors live in Kenilworth (older demographic) as it’s out of the college bubble (quiet) but 15 minutes from campus.
Otherwise, almost anywhere in Baton Rouge is 30 minutes away. You can just embrace the traffic & live a little further out.
The Acadian Style is common in BR— This American style originated in homes built by Acadian settlers to Louisiana. A hallmark of the style is a high pitched roof which typically contained a loft. A hybridized variation of this style was popular in the Baton Rouge area in the 1990’s – 2000’s as an alternative to the traditional style of the 1970s. While no longer single room homes, these modern hybrids typically exhibit open floor plans. Found in Woodstone, Woodgate, Oak Hills, and all throughout the area.
Cottage / Bungalow–The style, often called the California Bungalow, can be found in the Garden District, Capital Heights & Southdowns.
French Provincial design had its origins in the style of rural manor homes, or chateaus, built by the French nobles New construction found in University Club, Lakes at Highland and Lexington Estates.
If you want to see what Baton Rouge locals do for fun and culture check out the calendar of events: https://www.visitbatonrouge.com/events
Why You Should Move Here Now?
Lousiana for Less
If you love a tailgate, Cajun food and a Creole vibe and want all that for a heck of a lot less than in New Orleans check out Baton Rouge. The city has its challenges but given housing prices and the opportunity for savings while still experiencing some of the best of what Louisiana has to offer you should take a look.
Living in Baton Rouge
Neighborhoods in Baton Rouge
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LSU/Lakeshore
College Students
LSU/Lakeshore is an interesting spot for college students. Plenty of apartments surrounded by wealthy families living in historic homes along the lake make it a bit of an oxymoron. Great, cheap eats in a busy commercial district and lots of fun on the different lakes in the neighborhood.
Downtown
Young Professionals
Downtown/Beauregard Town/Spanish Town is a great spot for young professionals. Not only are you in the midst of a great concentration of restaurants and bars,, but you’re also a walk from work if you’re lucky enough to work downtown, and you’re a short hop to LSU if you like the college scene. Added benefit is close proximity to political and historical landmarks, and the Museum center of the city if you’re feeling like getting a dose of culture.
- Downtown/Beauregard Town/Spanish Town
- Mid City
- Capital Heights
- Garden District
Mid City
DINKs/SINKs
Mid City/Capital Heights/Ogden Park is very cool area with a mix of historical and modern groovy.. It’s filled with artists and entrepreneurs and hipsters. Ideal for singles and couples who want great social options but a less crazy/dense option than LSU or Downtown. The neighborhood has tons of community events, many of which celebrate the music and art that many of the locals revel in.
- Mid City/Capital Heights/Ogden Park
Spanish Town/Beauregard Town
LGBTQ+
Spanish Town and Beauregard Town are the two neighborhoods that have the greatest concentration of the LGBTQ+ community. Each have great eclectic vibes with cool architecture, tons of funky bars, restaurants, shopping and an arts scene. They also have plenty of open green spaces and central, public squares for community events. https://www.gayrealestate.com/news/usa/louisiana/baton-rouge/lgbtq-baton-rouge--be-a-part-of-this-beautiful-bayou-city.html
- Spanish Town
- Beauregard Town
Broadmoor/Sherwood Forest
Families/Retirees
Broadmoor/Sherwood Forest neighborhood is a nice spot for families. Older homes on tree-lined streets with a beautiful park nearby for the kiddos to play. There’s also tons of international foodie options right in the neighborhood so you get the best of both worlds: bucolic blocks for living, but also a fun commercial area for cool dining. Hundred Oaks/Steele Place/Webb Park is another great option if you want to get a bit more posh. Beautiful luxury homes and the Webb Memorial Golf Course means you can live in style here.
- Broadmoor/Sherwood Forest
- Hundred Oaks/Steele Place/Webb Park
Bocage
Retirees
Bocage is a very cool option for retirees that want to be in the city but also live a plush lifestyle. You can play tennis at the Bocage Racquet Club, see movies, grab amazing meals and cocktails and find easy and upscale shopping at Towne Center. You also get the views and access to Bocage Lake should you choose to live in that nice little spot in the area.
- Bocage
- Bocage Lake