Baton Rouge has a rich culture and history, beautiful landscapes, and plenty of opportunities for entertainment and recreation. Additionally, the cost of living in Baton Rouge is relatively affordable, which can be a big plus for many people.
Baton Rouge is a great city for families, as it offers a variety of educational and extracurricular options for children of all ages. The city is also home to a number of excellent healthcare facilities.
However, it’s not the best city for people who are looking for a fast-paced, cosmopolitan lifestyle. Additionally, Baton Rouge can be a bit of a challenge to get around if you don’t have a car.
Who Would Like Baton Rouge?
- Young families
- People seeking a low cost of living
Who Wouldn’t Like Baton Rouge?
- Fast-paced big-city people
- Beach lovers
Quick Fact File: What you Need to Know about Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge is located in East Baton Rouge Parish which is part of the state of Louisiana. It’s also found in the greater New Orleans Metropolitan Area.
The city has an estimated population of over 222,000 people and covers an area of approximately 8 square miles, making it the fourth-largest city in the state.
It’s one of the larger cities in the area and is known as “The Capital City of South Central Louisiana”. Sounds specific, but it’s always great for a place to have some personality!
Baton Rouge is named after Pierre de Rigaud, Marquis de la Bataille du Roi – who was the Governor of French Louisiana from 1702 to 1712. He gave his name to the city in 1719.
The city used to be called ‘Prairie des Côtes du Boeuf’ by the local Native American tribes. This means ‘Land of the Cow Tails’.
What Are The Pros Of Living In Baton Rouge?
1. Lots Of Culture!
Baton Rouge has a rich culture that reflects its French and Creole history. The city celebrates Mardi Gras with parades and parties, and its cuisine is renowned for its use of fresh seafood and Louisiana spices.
Baton Rouge is also home to a number of colleges and universities, including LSU, Southern University, and Baton Rouge Community College. Popular places to go out in Baton Rouge include the LSU Tigers football games, the French Quarter Festival, and live music venues like the Varsity Theatre.
2. Decent Size
Baton Rouge is the second-largest city in Louisiana. While it’s not nearly the size of coastal cities, it’s big enough to provide all the services and entertainment you’ll need. For example, the city has its own airport, Amtrak station, and Greyhound bus station. There are also plenty of hotels, restaurants, bars, and shopping centers to keep you busy.
Baton Rouge is aksi home to Louisiana State University, so there’s always something going on in the city to cater to the university crowd.
3. Work Opportunities
The economy of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is based on a diverse range of industries. The city’s primary economic drivers include healthcare, education, government, and business services.
Baton Rouge is home to several large hospitals and medical centers, as well as numerous colleges and universities. The state government is also one of the city’s largest employers.
In addition to these sectors, Baton Rouge also has a thriving creative community, with many artists and musicians calling the city home. As a result of this diverse economic base, Baton Rouge enjoys a relatively low unemployment rate and a high standard of living.
4. Affordable Housing
One thing that makes Baton Rouge appealing to residents is its affordability. Despite the high cost of living in some other parts of America, the average house price in Baton Rouge is just under $100k.
If you’re on a tight budget, then you won’t struggle to save up for a deposit and mortgage payments.
5. Low Taxes & High Quality Of Life
Another benefit of living in Baton Rouge is that taxes aren’t too bad. Property tax rates range from 0% to 1%, meaning that you shouldn’t feel like you’re paying too much.
It’s important to note though, that property tax is only given to those who own a home. Therefore, renters don’t pay any property tax.
6. Lots Of Fun Activities
Baton Rouge has a lot going on for visitors and locals alike. Whether you want to take part in sports, enjoy live music shows, or simply relax by the pool, there’s always something happening.
Plus, you can visit one of the many festivals held throughout the year, which include everything from art fairs to food festivals.
7. Job Opportunities
Baton Rouge offers a large variety of jobs for both locals and people across the country. If you’re looking for a career change, then this could be the perfect place for you. With companies including IBM, General Electric, and many more, you’ll never lack opportunities.
8. Mild Winters
In Baton Rouge, the winters are short and mild, with average temperatures ranging from 45 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. However, there can be occasional cold snaps, with temperatures dipping into the 30s. Snow is rare, but not unheard of. When it does snow, it usually doesn’t stay on the ground for long. So, overall, winters in Baton Rouge are relatively mild compared to other parts of the country.
What Are The Cons Of Living In Baton Rouge?
1. Noisy Neighbors
One of the main problems that many residents of Baton Rouge face is noise pollution. Because of all the traffic, loud music, and general commotion coming from the streets, it can become very difficult to relax at night. This isn’t only a problem during the day either.
Noise levels tend to increase during peak hours such as evenings and weekends. As a result, you may find yourself waking up early every morning and having trouble falling back asleep.
2. Crime And Safety
Another problem that many people have had when living in Baton Rouge is crime rates. Between high traffic, poor lighting, and the fact that there are so many different areas to stay in and frequent visitors, it’s easy for things to happen.
And the data backs this up. Area Vibes reports that the crime rate is 146% above the national average
If you are planning to move into the area, make sure you do your research on where you want to live. Some of the better neighborhoods in Baton Rouge include Garden District, Spanish Town, Southdowns, Old Goodwood, and Mid City.
3. Heavy Winds And Tornadoes
The state of Louisiana is in the path of tornadoes. Although these storms are rare, they can cause serious damage, including loss of life and property.
They are also unpredictable, making them harder to prepare for. When you move to Baton Rouge, you need to know about the potential risk factors and take precautions against being caught off guard.
What’s The Weather Like?
Baton Rouge has a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters. The city experiences significant precipitation throughout the year, with an average of around 62 inches of rain per year. Baton Rouge is vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms, which can bring heavy rains and strong winds.
The city is also susceptible to flooding, due to its location on the Mississippi River. Despite these risks, the climate in Baton Rouge is generally pleasant, and the city is a popular tourist destination. Average temperatures in Baton Rouge range from around 60 degrees in the winter to around 90 degrees in the summer. The city is also home to a number of festivals and events, which attract visitors from all over the world.
Baton Rouge Attractions – Things To Do
If you love culture and history, museums are frequent throughout Louisiana and Baton Rouge. The Old State Capitol Museum and the USS Kidd Victory Battleship Memorial Park are both areas that should be at the top of your list for things to do in your spare time.
On top of this, there are lots for music and art lovers to experience with the New Orleans Jazz Fest and the Bayou City Art Festival taking place nearby, with lots of different people coming together to enjoy live music and spectacular pieces of art.
Also, there’s stuff for the whole family as the East Baton Rouge Zoo and Audubon Aquarium of the Americas offer a great day out for adults and children alike as you connect with the wildlife and sea life, whilst keeping things educational and fun!
Is Baton Rouge Pet Friendly?
Pets are allowed in many public places within Baton Rouge. It’s easy to find restaurants and bars that are pet friendly. You will be able to bring your pet along and there are plenty of dog parks around to keep your furry friends happy.
How Is Public Transportation In Baton Rouge?
The Baton Rouge transit system is not as good as New Orleans’s transit system. New Orleans’s transit system is more reliable, efficient, and affordable.
Baton Rouge’s transit system is poor because the city is too spread out. Furthermore, most people prefer to drive. This preference for driving means that there is little demand for public transportation, which in turn results in less investment in transit infrastructure.
Final Thoughts
The cost of living in Baton Rouge is relatively low, and the city has a diverse economy. However, Baton Rouge also has a high crime rate, and the weather can be extreme. Overall, Baton Rouge is a good place to live if you are looking for a reasonably priced city with plenty of amenities. However, you should be aware of the high crime rate and prepare for the hot summers and hurricanes.
Jason Dempsey is the CEO and Co-Founder of Home City Living. After abandoning the corporate world in order to indulge his wanderlust, Jason founded Home City Living with his partner Rose to create the premier source of travel information and inside local knowledge on the web to help other would-be global explorers and seekers learn to spread their wings and fly.
