Living a College Town Lifestyle in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

A college town, Baton Rouge is home to Louisiana State University (LSU) and several other colleges - 20% of the population is made up of college students. Baton Rouge is a major city in Louisiana of over 220,000 people. The city is located on the Mississippi River near the "laces" of the Louisiana boot. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina it was a refuge for many people from New Orleans. Baton Rouge has the state capitol as well as a lively arts scene.

Photo of Rivercenter courtesy of  and per license of Wikipedia and UrbanPlanet BR.

Where to Retire in Baton Rouge and Home Prices

There are  many nice neighborhoods to live in, such as University Lakes. There are active adult communities in or around Baton Rouge (see link at top left).
According to the NAR, the median price of a home here was $271,600 in the 3rd quarter of 2022. 

What Is Special about Baton Rouge

It is the state capitol and  a major port on the Mississippi River. Several plantation homes in the area such as Magnolia Mound Plantation House, Myrtles Plantation, and Nottoway Plantation are fun to visit.  Being home to LSU and several other colleges makes it an interesting college town.

What Is Not Special about Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge is a major industrial city and port, and as such crime is high.  Compared to the rest of the state real estate is expensive.

Climate and Physical Environment

Baton Rouge is in southeastern Louisiana on the bluffs above the Mississippi River.  The average July high temperature is 91 and the average January high is 60 (the average low is 40). The wettest month is January (6").

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

Baton Rouge has an expanding downtown visual arts scene. The Shaw Center for the Arts opened in 2005, which houses the Brunner Gallery, LSU Museum of Art, the Manship Theatre, a contemporary art gallery, and traveling exhibits. The Louisiana Art and Science Museum.  There are several performing arts venues including The Baton Rouge Little Theater, Baton Rouge River Center, and Manship Theatre. As a college town there is always something available culturally. Plus there are a number of festivals, with Mardi Gras being the biggest.

Crime

Crime is reported in Baton Rouge at about double the national average.

Medical Facilities

There are many medical hospitals and medical centers in Baton Rouge including St. Judes and the Women's Hospital.

Transportation

Baton Rouge is a major port on the Mississippi River. There is a airport with service to several cities.  Capital Area Transit System (CATS) provides modern urban transportation throughout Baton Rouge, and many of its buses have bike racks.

Valuable Links

Visit Baton Rouge

City of Baton Rouge

Downtown Development District

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