Lafayette, LA


0 Reviews



BestPlaces offers the best, most comprehensive city reports,
with insight into cost of living, crime, climate, and more.
United States / Louisiana / Lafayette Metro Area / Counties / Cities / Zip Codes
Lafayette, LA

About Lafayette, LA

The Lafayette metropolitan area in Louisiana spans two parishes—Lafayette and Vermilion—and is home to more than 500,000 people. The region has long been connected with oil production but now boasts a thriving economy in various other industries such as healthcare, technology and environmental services. Its culture is heavily rooted in Cajun traditions including music like zydeco which can be seen around town or celebrated at events like Festival International de Louisiane. In addition to its traditional offerings it also provides visitors with modern attractions like the Children’s Museum of Acadiana or Acadian Village where guests can explore Acadian life during colonial times. All this makes Lafayette an exciting destination for both leisure and business travelers alike. 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:
Metro Area: Lafayette Metro Area
City: Lafayette, New Iberia, 38 total
Zip Codes: 70506, 70560, 70508, 70501, 70503, 70517, 70510, 70592, 70582, 70520, 36 total
Cost of Living: -12.9% lower
Time zone: Central Standard Time (CST)
Elevation: 36 ft above sea level
Buying or selling a home?
Find top real estate agents in Lafayette.
Find A Top Agent

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.

$177,300
-90.7% lower than avg
$55,539
-24.3% lower than avg
$930 /mo
Monthly rent (2br)
-53.8% lower than avg
Lafayette Crime
44.8 / 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
$33,840
for a family
$31,600
for a single person
Pros & Cons of Lafayette
   Low home cost
High property crime
   50 Mins to Baton Rouge
Miserable humidity
   Shoreline
Summer heat
Cost of Living

The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.