So, Just moved here 1 months ago and With a population of 13,791, Broussard is a small town. The unemployment rate is 3.4%, which is pretty low. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The weather takes some getting used to. Thoughts? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
4 upvotes
11 Replies
Nova Rogers
thanks for sharing
37 upvotes
Liam Brooks
thanks for sharing
33 upvotes
Josiah Murphy
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want healthcare, then yeah this place is great. But if community vibe matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
31 upvotes
William James
I've lived in Lakewood for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The housing market scene is solid
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Good luck with whatever you decide..
26 upvotes
Leah Bennett
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 39, moved here 11 years ago from New York. I've lived in Highland and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The pet-friendliness situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for retirees. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 New York, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
18 upvotes
charlotte_declan
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I love the pace of life here. Compared to Raleigh it's pretty good.
17 upvotes
Caleb Carter
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from San Francisco and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in North. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in tech. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
14 upvotes
Jonathan F.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want traffic, then yeah this place is great. But if food scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
14 upvotes
Cameron Robinson
interesting, hadn't considered that
8 upvotes
Aurora James
I've lived in Midtown for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- The community vibe scene is tough
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Hope this helps!.
4 upvotes
Luke Watson
I've lived in Highland for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
- The walkability scene is decent
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Happy to answer more specific questions..