Lafayette, Louisiana

What It Is Like to Retire in Lafayette

Lafayette, the 4th largest city in Louisiana, will appeal to many baby boomers who relish the idea of cajun culture. It has a warm climate in winter, a high per capita ratio of restaurants, a major university (University of Louisiana at Lafayette), Creole and Cajun culture, and a wide variety of outdoor activities. Lafayette is referred to as the “Cajun Capital City” due to its location in the heart of Louisiana’s Cajun country in the south central section of the state. Lafayette is the seat of Lafayette Parish. It is one of the very few places in Louisiana to experience population growth since Hurricane’s Rita and Katrina (it absorbed many refugees after the storms). Current population is estimated at 115,000, with twice that number in the greater metro area. The town is in Lafayette Parish. Photo of St John's Cathedral of Roman Catholic Diocese of Lafayette in Louisiana courtesy of Wikipedia and Mc361210 (public domain).

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For a list of profiles on over 900 cities and towns go to reviews of the best retirement communities. Here is more on what it is like to retire in Louisiana.

Where to Retire in Lafayette and Home Prices

Active adults will find a wide range of housing in and around the Lafayette community. Your real estate dollar goes a lot farther than in most communities in the Sunbelt. You can live near the University (itself centered on Lake Cypress), downtown, in older neighborhoods, or in many planned active adult lifestyle and assisted living communities being built here. Smaller communities around Lafayette are also colorful and charming, such as Abbeville, New Iberia, Opelousas, and Marksville.

According to Zillow, the median home value was $157,200 in early 2019, showing a steady increase in home prices during the last couple of years.

What Is Special about Lafayette

University town (University of Louisiana at Lafayette); inexpensive housing; Creole and Cajun charm; many great local communities; strong local economy (oil and education); many lakes and rivers; 2nd biggest Mardi Gras in the south; Cajun Field and Cajun Dome, home of the Ragin' Cajuns

What Is Not Special about Lafayette

The community has its poorer neighborhoods as well as its hot, humid summers. It is not a small town.

Who Will Like Retirement in Lafayette

Lafayette attracts people who either want to live in a university town with a vital center and a low cost of living. Many are interested in the color provided by its Cajun and Creole cultures, along with great fishing and outdoor sports.

Use this link for a page that explains the various types of retirement communities

Local Economy Is Driven by

The economy of Lafayette is driven by oil, education, tourism. For Lafayette Craigslist

Climate and Physical Environment

Lafayette is located on the Vermillion River in south central Louisiana. Cypress Lake is on the campus of the U of Louisiana Lafayette. View Google Map for Lafayette

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

Hillard University Art Museum; Gumbo U (South Louisiana Community College) has great classes available for seniors; Jean Lafitte National Park Acadian Cultural Center; Heymann Center (performing arts); Cite Des Arts; Lafayette Natural History Museum and Planetarium; Lafayette is the "Cajun Capital City" and has many Cajun restaurant choices.

Crime

The crime rate in Lafayette is well above the national average.

Medical facilities

There are 7 hospitals and medical centers in Lafayette, including University Medical Center.

Transportation

Lafayette  Regional Airport. has service to Houston, Dallas / Ft. Worth, Atlanta and Mephis. Lafayette Transit offers bus service. Grayhound bus service.  Amtrak connects to Orlando, New Orleans, and Los Angeles.

Valuable Links

Lafayette, Louisiana