Lafayette, LA Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Lafayette, LA: What You Need to Know

Lafayette, situated along the Vermilion River in southwestern Louisiana, is the center of Acadiana and Cajun culture.

Local Culture

Acadiana refers to the 22 parishes in Louisiana with the greatest concentration of Acadians, people exiled from Nova Scotia, Canada, by the British in 1755. They settled along the bayous and prairies of Southwest Louisiana. The Louisiana descendants of Acadians are called Cajuns. The Acadians adapted to their new environment by developing a cuisine, such as crawfish pie, gumbo, and jambalaya, that made good use of local resources. Today Acadiana also includes Creoles, people of mixed African, Caribbean, French, and Spanish ancestry.

Things to Do in Town

Step into the past at the Acadian Village, a private cultural park showcasing restored 17th-century Cajun homes, a replica blacksmith shop and general store, and an art gallery.  Resident artists work onsite to demonstrate Acadian crafts. When it comes to Mardi Gras, Lafayette can give New Orleans a run for its money. Experience Lafayette’s Courir de Mardi Gras, a unique celebration involving costumed revelers on horseback and trucks trailed by a musical band and onlookers. They travel throughout the town and finish the parade with a communal gumbo meal.

Cost of Living

If you’re moving to Lafayette (population: 126,185), you can expect reasonable household expenses. The city’s cost of living rate, food, and housing costs are 6.2%, 4.7%, and 14.1% lower than the national average, respectively. The city’s median gross rent is $874. Louisiana’s progressive income tax rate of 2% to 6% is just a tad higher than the national average. The state collects 4.45% to 11.45% in sales tax.

Know Your Neighborhoods

Newcomers will find Cajun warmth and hospitality among the city’s biggest assets. Downtown’s residential community is expected to grow, thanks to the ongoing housing development that will add more than 100 residential units. If you’re looking for a suburb with excellent schools, check out nearby Youngsville and Broussard. Residents like the light traffic, the peace and quiet, and the affordability of both communities.

Weather and Climate

Lafayette doesn’t get any snow, but it receives 62 inches of rain annually versus the U.S. average of 38 inches. It experiences about 217 sunny days per year compared with the national average of 205 sunny days. Louisiana is prone to hurricanes. On Sept. 24, 2005, Hurricane Rita struck Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas while Louisiana was still reeling from Hurricane Katrina’s impact. Lafayette was among the areas affected by Hurricane Rita, which caused about $12 billion in damages.