Must Visit Neighborhoods in Baton Rouge

It may feel like a step back in time with the old-world architecture, moss-draped oaks, and humid summer days, but the Louisiana state capital of Baton Rouge is reinventing itself. A sleepy Mississippi River town no longer, residents have a lively Louisiana State University community, an arts scene, and increasing options for dining and entertainment. It’s a growing community, as more people are attracted to the charms of living near the coast.

If you are considering living in Louisiana, make Baton Rouge one of the places you look into. This article will explore why people are moving to Baton Rouge. To help your home search, we’ve profiled some top charming neighborhoods to live in.

Why Live in Baton Rouge?

Baton Rouge takes the top spot for being the best place to live in Louisiana, according to US News and World Report. Why is that? For starters, it’s really affordable. The overall cost of living is 9% below the national average, with the stand-out savings in housing. That figure is 32% under what you’d spend across the nation.

As for work, the oil and gas industry is prevalent in Louisiana, and Baton Rouge is no exception. The top industries based on the number of people employed are energy, industry, and construction. However, with Louisiana State University (LSU) being situated here, find ample opportunities in education. The state capital supports employment in government-related occupations. Finally, Baton Rouge has a large healthcare sector, with Our Lady of the Lake Regional Hospital being the state’s largest hospital.

You’ll need things to do outside work to kick back and relax. Baton Rouge is full of avid football fans who get together to cheer on the LSU Tigers at the stadium nicknamed “Death Valley.” Be ready for a sea of purple and gold in season.

You can also tour the USS Kidd Veterans Museum, a retired naval destroyer docked along the downtown riverfront. The Baton Rouge Zoo is a family-friendly attraction with local and endangered wildlife. For shopping, try Perkins Rowe, a cool, urban-style outdoor shopping venue in southeast Baton Rouge.

For families, you’ll be pleased to know that Baton Rouge has 26 high schools recognized on the US News and World Report with best high school rankings. Baton Rouge Magnet High is often awarded the best school in the state status, if not in the five. The local schools also include 67 private schools, including secular and religious education. Incidents of crime are also lower compared to similar metropolitan areas.

Now that you have an overview of Baton Rouge let’s take a look at some of the best neighborhoods:

Mid City

Whether you decide to set residence in Mid City North or Mid City South, Mid City is the “trendy” part of Baton Rouge, the district where you’ll find a nightlife, art, and music scene. Your local choices include two local craft brewers, The Radio Bar or Mid City Ballroom for local music, and places to eat, like local Po-boy joints and pizzerias.

Inside the vibrant community, many small businesses have an indie vibe. Visit the Makers Market for locally crafted goods. Share coffee with artists and counter-culture enthusiasts. Take part in the art hops and park prowls. All this awaits minutes away from downtown Baton Rouge.

Mid City comprises several neighborhoods, including Capitol Heights and the Garden District, featured next. In January 2023, it had 62 homes for sale at a median price of $329,500.

Garden District

As you might expect, the Garden District is known for its beautiful gardens. Historic homes line the residential streets, decorated with mature, moss-draped live oaks and yards of well-established landscaping. In this area, homes stay in the family for generations, well-loved and maintained beneath magnolia tree canopies.

Garden District was purposely planned as a garden suburb with small lots and an abundance of trees. Utilities were hidden along alleyways to help it maintain a peaceful, natural character.

The Garden District is positioned near downtown, with its concentration of government offices. Louisiana State University sits to the south of the neighborhood. As such, you’ll find many residents working either downtown or for the university. Another perk is its proximity to the City Brooks Community Park and the City Park Lake, where locals can access the dog park, playground, recreational fields, and fishing lake.

The neighborhood runs an active civic association that hosts a St. Patrick’s Day parade, summer social, holiday lighting contest, and a tour of homes. It sponsors clean-ups along Park Boulevard and works on replacing water oak trees with live oaks.

The Garden District began developing in the 1910s, and many homes were built before the 1930s in the styles of the day. Across the local zip codes, you’ll find a mix of bungalows, Queen Anne, classical, revival, and colonial revival architecture. Some homes have Spanish influences. The ten pieces of real estate available in Garden District in January 2023 had a median list price of $372,500.

Zachary & Baker

Zachary and neighboring Baker are nice neighborhoods for those who want to live close to nature. Located north of Baton Rouge, these small towns are among the safest places to live in Louisiana. With a combined 30,000 people, residents blend small-town charm and easy access to the community services you want.

As for things to do, the locals like the Zachary Farmer’s Market for local produce and goods. There are antique stores up and down Highway 19. Around Baker is the Baton Rouge Zoo where you can firsthand see tigers, monkeys, and exotic reptiles.

Greenwood Community Park is just one of the recreation spaces. Golf is available at Fennwood Hills Country Club, Copper Mill Golf Club, and the Beaver Creek Golf Course. Both offer many family-friendly activities, including biking trails and parks, street festivals, and sporting clubs. As an added bonus, the Zachary School District is one of the state’s top performers.

The center of Zachary is a historic village that is a block of turn-of-the-century houses that survived a fire that nearly wiped out the town. It hosts the local museum and other artifacts from early in the town’s history.

In January 2023, the real estate market in Zachary had 327 homes for sale at a median list price of $293,400. Smaller Baker had 81 homes for sale at a median of $185,000.

Southdowns

Southdowns is an upscale neighborhood of oak-lined streets bustling with trendy shops and upscale restaurants. Its proximity to downtown Baton Rouge and the LSU campus makes for an easy commute into the city center. If you want a sense of life here, check out the Krewe of Southdowns Mardi Gras parade, started in 1988 as a family-friendly nighttime parade.

Nearby is LSU Lakes, with the largest being University Lake. LSU owns four lakes, and the city owns two. The lakes and their associated trails are a popular destination for biking, jogging, and kayaking. Spot the local pelicans, the state bird, or the Spanish Town Parade wooden pink flamingos.

This is a busy place to live, with multiple major intersections and access to the I-10. Perkins Road is bustling with popular local restaurants and bars. Local shopping is available at Acadian Village and Acadian-Perkins Plaza.

Southdowns had a median list price of $448,000 for the 29 homes on the market.

Highland-Perkins

Greater Highland-Perkins is almost a peninsula surrounded by the Mississippi River, but the residential area is concentrated around Highlands and Lee. It’s a large community with greenspaces and biking trails. The Ben Hur Road Levee Trailhead runs along the Mississippi for several miles, while Perkins Road Community Park has a BMX track and rock climbing wall.

The LSU Campus and its Tiger Stadium are the most significant draw. Campus and research centers frame the community borders, and you’ll see lots of student housing. However, there’s more to living here than college life.

The family-friendly community is home to the Burden Center Children’s Garden, a place for young kids to explore and engage with nature. The BREC Farr Park Equestrian Center has equestrian arenas, trail rides, and lessons. For the adults, at the south end, awaits the L’Auberge Casino for entertainment and taking your chances on card games.

This area of Baton Rouge features housing options from student housing to historic single-family homes. January 2023 had 82 homes listed at a median of $370,000.

Old Goodwood

Old Goodwood is one of the oldest areas in Baton Rouge. Alternatively known as Goodwood Place, its charming old homes lined with native trees date back to the 1930s when the area developed on land previously part of a plantation.

This favorite neighborhood is primarily residential, and the neighborhood association has sought to keep it that way. Commercialization and community services are around the edges, so dining, shopping, and daily needs are available when you want them.

One of the attractions is the Independence Park Theater and the Cultural Center, which is right next to the spacious Main Library of East Baton Rouge Parish, a state-of-the-art facility with half a million books and more community resources.

Homes in this historic district range from 1930s-style modest bungalows to contemporary luxury mansions. This is another neighborhood where you’ll find families have been in their homes for decades, passing them onto each generation. Back in January 2023 the real estate market here had 33 homes for sale for a median of $350,000.

Spanishtown

Many people consider Louisiana to have a primarily French influence, but this isn’t entirely the case. The state exchanged hands many times and attracted settlers from across the European world. Spanishtown in Baton Rouge exemplifies the melting pot history. It’s one of the city’s oldest districts, laid out in 1805 before the Louisiana Purchase.

Among the narrow streets, you’ll find many historic buildings that give the area of town its character. People come here not just to admire the architecture but to visit the historical landmarks, the LSU Museum of Art, or the Louisiana Art and Science Museum. Being this close to downtown, Spanishtown is a center for holiday festivals and live music.

Locals have two parks, the primary being the Capitol Gardens across from the Capitol Park Museum. The Governor’s Mansion sits across Capitol Lake.

Perhaps its most lively and well-known festival is the Spanishtown Mardi Gras. The giant wooden flamingos are an iconic hallmark of the event. You’ll see a lot of pink instead of the traditional purple, green, and gold. See them along LSU, University Lakes, and local businesses.

Architectural styles include Greek Revival, shotgun, and Queen Anne. The January 2023 real estate market had six homes listed at a median of $395,500.

 Frequently Asked Questions About Baton Rouge Neighborhoods

Is it cheaper to live in Texas or Louisiana?

When considering moving to Baton Rouge, LA, it’s worth noting that Louisiana generally has a lower cost of living than most large cities in Texas. Here are some specifics:
Housing: The median home price in Baton Rouge is about $222,135, compared to $650,000 in Austin, $340,000 in Houston, and $477,000 in Dallas.
Utilities and Taxes: Average monthly utility bills are around $160 in Baton Rouge versus $190 in major Texas cities. Property tax rates are 0.55% in Louisiana compared to 1.63% in Texas.
Everyday Expenses: Groceries and transportation costs in Baton Rouge are about 3-5% lower than in major Texas cities.
While Texas might offer higher average wages, Baton Rouge provides an attractive balance of affordable living and quality of life, making it an excellent choice for potential homeowners.

What is a livable wage in Baton Rouge?

Understanding the local economic landscape is crucial for potential homebuyers in Baton Rouge. According to updated data for 2024 from the MIT Living Wage Calculator, a livable wage for a single adult without children in Baton Rouge is approximately $16.50 per hour. For families with two working adults and two children, each adult should aim for a wage of about $21.00 per hour. This wage level ensures that you can comfortably cover housing costs, utilities, food, transportation, healthcare, and other essentials, allowing you to enjoy a balanced lifestyle in Baton Rouge.

What is Baton Rouge, LA, known for?

Baton Rouge is a city teeming with rich culture, history, and vibrant community life, making it an irresistible destination for homebuyers. Here’s why Baton Rouge stands out:

Louisiana State University (LSU): At the heart of Baton Rouge, LSU is a prestigious educational institution and a community fostering a strong sense of belonging and Tiger pride. This community spirit resonates throughout the city, making it a welcoming and attractive place to live.

Cultural Heritage: Baton Rouge is a melting pot of French, Spanish, Creole, and African influences, reflected in its stunning architecture, delectable cuisine, and lively festivals. This unique cultural blend with a side of rich history gives the city its distinctive charm and vibrant atmosphere.

Political Hub: As the state capital, Baton Rouge is not just a center of political and administrative activities but a thriving hub of employment opportunities. This status brings stability and a wealth of jobs, making it a bustling hub of governance and business, perfect for those seeking career growth.

Historical Sites: The city is a treasure trove of history, with landmarks like the Old State Capitol, Magnolia Mound Plantation, and the USS Kidd. These sites offer a glimpse into the past and add a rich historical depth to the city’s character.

Food and Music: Baton Rouge is a haven for foodies and music lovers. Indulge in mouthwatering Cajun and Creole dishes, and immerse yourself in the vibrant music scene featuring jazz, blues, and zydeco. The city’s culinary and musical heritage is a feast for the senses.

Mardi Gras Celebrations: Baton Rouge hosts one of the largest Mardi Gras celebrations outside of New Orleans. The lively parades and festive atmosphere embody the city’s spirited and joyful nature, making it a year’s highlight.

These elements make Baton Rouge a dynamic and attractive place to live, offering its residents a rich tapestry of experiences and opportunities.

What is the best area to live in Baton Rouge?

Baton Rouge boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with unique charms for homebuyers, all boasting a variety of housing options with beautiful architecture (from spacious single-family homes to luxury homes), excellent schools, abundant green spaces, and sports and art venues (including Bocage Racquet Club and the Baton Rouge Gallery):

• Garden District: Perfect for lovers of vintage homes and tree-lined streets, this is one of the top historic neighborhoods in Baton Rouge. It offers classic architecture and large lots amidst a strong sense of community. 
• Spanish Town: It’s ideal for city enthusiasts with a quirky twist, featuring vibrant culture, colorful facades, and the famous annual Mardi Gras parade. 
• Southdowns: Great for families, this neighborhood blends residential charm with commercial convenience, mid-century homes, and spacious yards. 
• Woodlake: A serene, family-friendly neighborhood with suburban-style homes, well-maintained lawns, and modern amenities. 
• University Acres/Woodstone: Popular among professionals and families in South Baton Rouge, offering convenient access to amenities and a mix of older and modern homes on larger lots. 

Living in Baton Rouge, LA

No matter what kind of lifestyle you are looking for in Baton Rouge, there’s sure to be a neighborhood that fits your needs perfectly! From family-friendly areas to upscale communities with all the amenities you could want, these neighborhoods promise to make living in Baton Rouge an enjoyable experience.