Anyone else feel this way? I'm a remote worker and Average temperature is around 71°F, so it's warm year-round. With a population of 224K, Baton Rouge is a mid-size city. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
24 upvotes
13 Replies
Jameson Ortiz
I've lived in Riverside for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
- The healthcare scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
34 upvotes
Emily Smith
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
33 upvotes
lake_serenity17
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
32 upvotes
Katherine Reyes
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. nightlife used to be much competitive but now it's improving.
32 upvotes
Elizabeth H.
I've lived in Westside for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- The public transit scene is average
The downsides:
- Limited shopping options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Good luck with whatever you decide..
29 upvotes
Kayden J.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Cedar Grove for 11 years. Moved from Austin for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Cedar Grove schools are surprisingly good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Winters are long and cold. Limited high-paying job options. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Emmett Alvarez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 2 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West schools are pretty good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Can feel isolated. Limited entertainment options. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Delilah Morgan
I've lived in Westside for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Active local events and festivals
- The cost of living scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. Happy to answer more specific questions..
20 upvotes
Axel M.
big facts right here
16 upvotes
John Roberts
Used to live on the Old Town side, now on the Riverside side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
13 upvotes
Emilia Lopez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 40, moved here 9 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The community vibe situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Highland: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Miami, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
10 upvotes
Jacqueline L.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 12 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
7 upvotes
Ryan H.
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 12 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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