Reviews & Comments
Lake Charles, LA
The Lake Charles I Know -
12/22/2014I grew up in Lake Charles, and have basically lived and/or worked in every part of the city....first north near old Marion High School, then on the south east side and now the south west. My work has taken me north of the city, south of the city and finally in the middle depressed zones.
When I was a child, even attended the 100 year centennial parade, down on Ryan Street.
Lake Charles was a sleepy little town during my youth, having lost the Chennault Air Base after the wars ended. There are many older homes from that era in places near the I 210 loop...places with President's names as streets(Greenwich Village) or Sunset Acres(off Louisiana Ave).
You can even recognize which of the carpenters built each home. Those homes today are generally considered to be "sub standard." Those homes have non modern electricity but do have sewage and normal city functions.
About the biggest thing to happen in Lake Charles was the advent of our Civic Center which was the dream of our old mayor, Jim Suddith and others. It is somewhat outdated but is still the focal point for festivals. Yes, I am old enough to remember the city before land was added into the lake.
The city's political power is still located in old wealthy unchanging families. In some ways its fine, because at least the lake front has remained beautiful.
For the athletes, there is a small running club, a triathlon club, and a biking organization.
As far as safety, it is relatively safe in the southern part of the city. The police seem to work together ...regarding city and parish officials, and they seem to want this to be a safe place.
One issue with the city is the traffic which continues to be a problem. I have to take a route around the outskirts of the city to get into town. The new casinos have added to the traffic problems, though our mayor, council, and parish government have worked with the state to resolve some of it.
Finding quality housing for a family will be an issue, though there are plenty of realtors. There are some amazing enclave neighborhoods, some with that New Orleans feel but are rather expensive.
I have read some rather nasty reviews about the city and well they all have some truth to them. Still, for the outdoors persons, this is an amazing place. I can launch a boat with my son and go fishing and almost always catch something year round...whether it be in our local marshes or under the I 210 bridge at Prien Lake.
For the hunter there is plenty of duck and deer available with leases, or friends that will take you.
Honestly, reading the reviews about rude people living here, just cannot recall such an issue. Having been to many big cities, there is no comparison between the friendliness factor here and places such as say Boston. Ok, so we are a town compared to Boston..etc.
Many of our young people are leaving because the main jobs are at either the airpark, the industries, or in low paying retail. That leaving is a natural process for small communities, but there is change in the air with Sasol expansion.