My family moved here when I was a kid. Household incomes average around $110,431 in Lafayette. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Am I overthinking this? The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
20 upvotes
10 Replies
Zoe Johnson
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The pet-friendliness is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
Abigail Ross
I work in real estate here and I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market for my field is underrated. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
31 upvotes
Mason Nelson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Dallas about 14 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are wild, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
26 upvotes
Jose Gutierrez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is average in most areas.
25 upvotes
Kai Gonzalez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to Minneapolis it's average.
24 upvotes
Lisa W.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
20 upvotes
Gabriella K.
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by cost of living. 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 nightlife scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Good luck with whatever you decide..
18 upvotes
Riley
I'm a HR manager and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
11 upvotes
Paisley Turner
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 50, moved here 3 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Sunset and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The traffic situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for singles. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Dallas, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
8 upvotes
Jace Martin
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.