Lafayette, LA


37 Reviews



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Lafayette, LA

About Lafayette, LA

Lafayette, Louisiana is a vibrant city located in the heart of Cajun Country. With its rich culture, abundant outdoor recreation areas, and bustling entertainment scene, Lafayette has something for everyone. History buffs will be thrilled to discover the numerous sites around town that commemorate the area's past while foodies get to sample some of the amazing local cuisine. Education is also top-notch here with multiple schools and universities nearby making it an ideal place for students or professionals looking to expand their horizons. Whether you’re looking for a place to call home or simply want to experience all that Lafayette has to offer, this city won't disappoint! Medium-large metro area set in the flatlands and bayou of the Southeast region. Primary industries include manufacturing and energy. Noteworthy features include shoreline. - Located in south Louisiana, 55 miles west of Baton Rouge and 120 miles west of New Orleans..

Location Details

State: Louisiana
County: Lafayette County
Metro Area: Lafayette Metro Area
City: Lafayette
Zip Codes: 70506 70508 70501 70503 70507
Cost of Living: -9.8% lower
Time zone: Central Standard Time (CST)
Elevation: 36 ft above sea level
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Dig Deeper on Lafayette

The Lafayette, LA metro area is a unique spot in southwestern Louisiana. It's got a lot of history and a special culture that comes from French, Spanish, and Acadian influences. Long ago, it was settled by Acadians, people from Canada who were called Cajuns. This background makes the place special, with its own music, food, and festivals.

Geographically, Lafayette is all about flat land, marshes, and bayous. It's pretty close to the Gulf of Mexico, which means it has a warm climate but also gets hit by hurricanes sometimes. The landscape is really beautiful, with lots of water around for fishing and boating.

The economy in Lafayette is mixed. It used to rely a lot on oil and gas, and that's still important, but there are also jobs in healthcare, education, and agriculture. Rice and sugarcane are big crops here. The area is home to several large companies and hospitals, and there's a university too.

When it comes to politics, people in Lafayette tend to lean conservative, mostly voting for Republican candidates. But, there are different views around, especially in the city itself where it's more mixed.

Living in Lafayette is like being part of a big community where people know each other and celebrate their traditions. There's always music around, with Cajun and Zydeco tunes playing. Food is a big deal too, with lots of local dishes like gumbo and crawfish étouffée to try. The area is famous for its festivals, which bring everyone together to eat, dance, and have fun.

For anyone thinking about moving to Lafayette, it's good to know that summers can be really hot and humid. Being prepared for hurricane season is important too. But, the cost of living is quite reasonable, and there are different places to live, from the city to quieter rural areas. It's a friendly place, where getting to know your neighbors and joining in local events can make you feel right at home.

Overall, Lafayette offers a lifestyle that's relaxed and centered around community, culture, and the outdoors. Newcomers should dive into the local culture, enjoy the music and food, and get ready for the warm weather.

Lafayette Cost of Living
$$$$

Low home cost, 50 mins to baton rouge, and shoreline make Lafayette a great place to live.

$211,700
-59.7% lower than avg
$55,329
-24.7% lower than avg
$1,050 /mo
Monthly rent (2br)
-36.2% lower than avg
Lafayette Crime
72.9 / 100
Crime is ranked on a scale of 1 (low) to 100 (high). US average: 35.4
Minimum annual income
To live comfortably in Lafayette, Louisiana
$40,680
for a family
$37,600
for a single person
Pros & Cons of Lafayette
   Low home cost
High property crime
   50 Mins to Baton Rouge
Miserable humidity
   Shoreline
Summer heat
Reviews for Lafayette
    See all (37)

Over 2 years ago

I should add this to my previous review. Lafayette was ranked "Happiest City in the US" by USA Today magazine and "Tastiest Town" by Southern  More

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I’m from Florida but I’ve lived in the Lafayette area for thirty-five years. I’ve never known nicer people. It’s true that non-Cajuns can never integrate entirely with  More

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What are the hottest neighborhoods to buy/live in right now? I'm from out of  More

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