Baton Rouge Louisiana Real Estate and Community Information
As both the second-largest city in Louisiana and its capital, Baton Rouge is one of the foremost cities in the southern United States. More than 230,000 people call the city of Baton Rouge home, according to the 2010 census, which also shows that the Greater Baton Rouge metro area has a population of more than 800,000.
Baton Rouge is a hub for a number of petrochemicals, medical and research facilities, in addition to playing host to two major institutes of higher learning: Louisiana State University and Southern University.
Basking in the beauty and majesty of the mighty Mississippi River, Baton Rouge is part of East Baton Rouge Parish. Louisiana’s unique parishes equate to counties in other states.
Shopping and Dining
Baton Rouge is about 97 miles northwest of New Orleans on Interstate 10. With these two large cities so close to one another, there’s no shortage of shopping and dining options for residents and visitors alike.
The 1.6 million-square-foot Mall of Louisiana sits just off I-10 on Baton Rouge’s southeast side. In addition to more than 175 retail shops, the mall contains a 15-screen movie theater, outdoor lifestyle center, several restaurants and a food court.
Louisiana is famous for its innovative and artful blending of cuisines. Among the 900 restaurants in and around Baton Rouge, you will find Cajun, Creole and French cafes alongside fresh seafood eateries and sports bars.
Parks and Recreation
Some major metropolitan areas lack parks and recreational outlets due in part to urban sprawl and the inherent expansion of suburbia.
Baton Rouge sets itself apart in this category with its more than 180 parks, containing 190 tennis courts, 75 recreational centers and facilities, a beautiful zoo, 8 public swimming pools and 7 public golf courses.
Greenwood Park provides an excellent example of what you can expect in Baton Rouge. It’s one of the largest parks in the area and includes an 18-hole golf course, 30-acre fishing lake, playground, picnic facilities, a disc golf course, and several open areas for sports and activities.
Living
Baton Rouge sits atop the Istrouma Bluff, the first significant bump in the land upriver from the Mississippi River Delta. The bluff provides a natural barrier, protecting the city from hurricanes and flooding.
In 2008, the city created the Downtown Baton Rouge Arts & Entertainment District to give residents and visitors a special, centrally located place to go for music, art galleries, bars and restaurants.
Throughout the year this area of Baton Rouge remains vibrant, with a free concert series, several festivals and art exhibits.
Schools, Health, Transportation
The city’s public school district, East Baton Rouge Parish Public Schools, contains about 90 separate schools, including 56 elementary schools, 16 middle schools and 18 high schools. Customized curriculum in music, visual arts and dramatic arts, as well as Gifted and Academic Magnet programs are offered, along with a variety of private schools.
Baton Rouge General Medical Center is just one of the area’s healthcare facilities. Some of the others include Earl K. Long Medical Center, and Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center.
Transportation in and around Baton Rouge by car is made easy in part by the two interstate highways, I-10 and I-12, which serve the city.
The Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport is about a 10-minute drive from downtown and offers regional connecting flights to Dallas-Ft. Worth, Charlotte, Atlanta, Houston and Memphis.
Capital Area Transit System (CATS) supplies bus transportation services for the Baton Rouge urban area, including stops at Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge Community College and Southern University.
If you are thinking about buying or selling a home, give us a call at (225) 298-6900 or Contact Us to explore your options and to find out when is the best time for you to make a move.
