Relocating to Lafayette, LA -- any advice??

[OhhBother]

Good morning all.

I've been offered a terrific job in Lafayette, LA, so my husband and I will be relocating from Tennessee. We've lived here our entire lives.

We're excited and overwhelmed about the move. Just wondering if anyone here is familiar with the area, has any advice on good neighborhoods, fun things to do, great restaurants, etc.

Thanks in advance!

 

[disneymom2evie]

I'm in southeast LA right on the border of Mississippi =) My brother went to college (and subsequently drank himself to flunk out...but whatever) out there and it was nice. I honestly never go out that way. Baton Rouge is as far as I go, and I do my best not to have to drive that far.
My cousin lives out there with his two children and they like it. I'm sure it's just like any city you move to. Some people like it and some people don't. It is what you make of it =)

 

[ENSOCK]

I love, love, love Lafayette!!!! My DH went to collage there and when we were getting married we were going to live there but he got transfered.
The people there are soo nice. I have family who live there now and they love it. The cost of living in Louisiana is not that bad and you can get a really nice home for under $200,000. Most homes are in the price range of $120 - $200 unless you are really getting a large home.

I do not know alot about the schools in that area but your real estate agent should be able to tell you which schools are better than others.

Have a safe move!

 

[OhhBother]

Thanks for the the feedback. We're really excited to make the move -- though I'll always be a Tennessee Vols fan at heart. I just can't say that too loud in Tiger territory.

On my visits there so far, I have noticed the people are exceptionally friendly. And we've been pleasantly surprised about housing prices.

It's all looking good right now -- especially since it's 30 degrees and coming an ice storm here and it's 73 and sunny in Lafayette!

 

[Ning Ning]

Yes - it was 73 degrees here today, but it was 28 on Monday morning and didn't get above 48! Okay - to answer some of your original questions - be prepared to gain weight! We have some of the best food in the world - especially our seafood. We have college sports and a minor league ice hockey team; there's a symphony orchestra and Cajun and Zydeco music everywhere you look; there are festivals celebrating agriculture and our French heritage (more music and food!) and we do have Festival International de Louisiane every April, where musicians from all the French-speaking countries around the world gather. And, of course, we have Mardi Gras coming up in March ... and our celebrations are very family friendly.

I've lived here since 1983 and grew up just about 30 minutes from here, not far from Avery Island where Tabasco is bottled. I'd be happy to answer more questions - if you'd like, you can PM me. I'll be out of pocket this weekend, but I'll check in again on Sunday.

Again, welcome. We're glad to have you.

 

[Desiree]

I went to college at USL, er, ULL (whatever they are calling it these days) and LOVE the Lafayette area. I can't help too much with the neighborhoods but from what I remember the city is pretty well laid out and easy to get around in. Welcome to Louisiana!