10 Top Places to Raise a Family in Louisiana

When choosing a place to live in the United States, there are a lot of factors that go into the decision. First, you want to live in a city where you can relatively afford to live without struggling. You also wish to live in a city with plenty of activities.

While some states like California offer the Pacific Ocean, others like New York offer the fun city life. Other states might be a better choice when it comes to raising a family. Ultimately, a state like Louisiana gets consideration due to numerous factors that make it an attractive place to live.

We are here to bring you the 10 top places to raise a family in Louisiana and outline the factors that go into it. Additionally, we will explore considerations like affordability, crime rates, family-friendly activities, and variables that make Lousiana.

10. Lafayette, LA

The first city you will see on this list is Lafayette. Ultimately, this is an interesting city because of all the fun things you can do and the places to explore. If you want to show your family some historic structures, the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist is a great place to start.

The Children’s Museum of Acadamia is also a great place to take your kids when you want to combine an educational experience with fun. Ultimately, plenty of fun activities, such as role-playing grocery store food buying, the Louisiana Cultural Center, and a bubble factory, entourage children to gain real-world knowledge while having a great time.

Lafayette is a big city with over 121,000 people. The superbs have high rankings for raising a family, according to Niche. Ultimately, some of the best communities in this city include Youngsville, Erath, and Delcambre. The average price of a home in the area is $227,400, with the average rent being $1,350. Likewise, the schools near the area are top-tier.

9. Mandeville, LA

The next city on this list is Mandeville. Significantly, this city has over 13,000 residents and offers tranquility and peace to anyone who lives there. Some fun activities in Mandeville include Fontainebleau State Park and Pelican Park.

Fontainebleau State Park features biking, boating, camping, glamping, and paddling. Therefore, there are tons of fun activities to do with the family. Pelican Park is a recreational area that offers numerous activities for everyone, including 32 athletic fields for recreational use. The park also has multiple gyms, a skate park, and a dog park.

Niche estimates that the average median home price in Mandeville is $323,200, with rent averaging $1,219 a month. Additionally, Neighborhood Scout reported that Mandeville has a considerably lower crime rate than similar communities in the state. It is one of the reasons why Mandeville is one of the top places to raise a family in Louisiana.

8. Pineville, LA

Pineville comes in at eighth on this list for a few reasons. First, your family will not want to miss the Gone Wild Safari. There is so much fun and wildlife for you and your entire family to explore here. Ultimately, some of the animals you might see include giraffes and zebras. You also may see a bull or an ostrich.

There is also motorboat racing in Pineville. If you want to experience some fun on the water, there is no better way than to take the family out for an adventure on the water.

Pineville is a small city that is suitable for families. Ultimately, it has a very family-friendly atmosphere and a community that cares about one another. Pineville is one of the top places to raise a family in Louisiana.

7. Lake Charles, LA

The next city on our list is Lake Charles, Louisiana. Ultimately, the first thing to do in Lake Charles is explore an indoor play gym. You can do that at We Rock the Spectrum, a place for children to test their limits and see how well they can explore their physical activity.

Putt Putt of Lake Charles is where you can partake in mini golf with the family. Also, it includes an arcade center where you can play some fun games with the family.

Lake Charles also has some yearly themed events, such as the Fall Fest Vendor Market, which takes place on November 5. Ultimately, Lake Charles offers a suburban feel, according to Niche, which also gave the public schools and housing B grades. It is one of the best places to live in Louisiana.

6. Alexandria, LA

The next city on our list is Alexandria. The first thing to do with your family in this city is visit the Alexandria Zoo. Amazingly, you will see mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and amphibians. You may see animals like bobcats and the black bear. Additionally, the Alexandria Zoo celebrates Earth Day and a big Mardi Gras party, where you and your families can eat cake.

The Tree House Children’s Museum is also another fun thing to explore with your family. Ultimately, there are programs to partake in and exhibits to see. The last Friday of the month lets families build bridges and towers.

Best Places reported that the cost of living in Alexandria is 15.6 percent less than the rest of the average in the United States. Furthermore, it got a good rating for healthcare. Alexandria is one of the top places to raise a family in Louisiana.

5. Gonzales, LA

Have you heard of Gonzales? Well, if you have not, you should learn about it! First, go to Discovery Cove Park if you want something fun with your family. The park is very clean and in a good neighborhood.

But if you want to treat your family with the best food, Gonzales is the place to be! Steve Juneau was so impressed with the food in 1967 that he deemed the city the “Jumbalaya capital of the world.” Since then, the city of Gonzales has hosted the Jambalaya Festival. The festival occurs every year and is one the entire family can partake in.

Niche gave Gonzales a B for public schools and a B for housing. Thus, it is a good place to move your family. If you love a quiet neighborhood with good food and schools, Gonzales is the best place to try.

4. Sulphur, LA

We already featured Lake Charles on this list. However, it is only part of why you should move your family to Sulphur. You have to go to Sulphur to see something cool like the Creole Nature Trail.

The Creole Nature Trail allows you and your family to explore the marshlands, numerous birds, and alligators. Also, there are so many beaches and places to hunt and fish. The trail offers all sorts of adventures and options for the family.

Sulphur is the ultimate small town to live in. Votes on Niche give it an average grade of B, highlighting how it was good for public families, housing, and families. Best Places highlighted the cost of living and recent job growth as good reasons to live here.

3. Zachary, LA

We arrive at number three. Ultimately, there is a lot to like about Zachary. The first thing that comes to mind is the Zachary Community Farmer’s Market. Amazingly, you will be able to purchase fresh farm-grown produce every Saturday when you visit this market. There is also a car show on the second Saturday of every month.

There is also a Zachary Youth Park, which features a schedule of events in which your children can partake. Moreover, the city of Zachary also has a youth baseball and softball team that children can join to test their athletic abilities and stay fit.

Niche gives high praise for Zachary, rating it as one of the best places in the state to live. Additionally, they give public schools an A rating. Housing gets a B , and the website also rates it as an A- for families. Therefore, it is one of the top places to raise a family in Louisiana.

2. Shreveport, LA

The second city on this list is fascinating. Ultimately, the Shreveport Aquarium is the first place to start. One of the highlights of the aquarium are the sharks and the stingrays. Amazingly, you can also plan birthday parties here.

The Gardens of the American Rose Center is also a nice place to explore. First, you will notice the great walking trails. There is also a children’s playground in the garden, which will feature entertaining and educational material for kids of all ages.

There are numerous activities to do in Shreveport. But mainly, you likely want to know about the quality of living. Move Junction highlighted that there are great public schools, a reasonable cost of living, and a strong economy in Shreveport.

1. Baton Rouge, LA

The number one city to live in Louisiana while raising a family is Baton Rouge. When choosing a place to live with your family, the first thing you will often consider is your family’s schooling. Thus, you should consider Baton Rouge because it is the home of Louisiana State University.

Baton Rouge is affordable. Additionally, average residents gave it a 3.5 out of 5 on Niche. The people on Niche stated that the people and attractions were the biggest reasons they liked the city.

But why should you move your family here? Ultimately, Baton Rouge combines all the elements of big city and small-town feel. It also has great suburbs to choose from, such as Prairieville and Inniswold, which both got grades of A on niche. It gives you the option to live in the surrounding areas of a big city while also enjoying the peaceful elements of a quiet community. Therefore, that is why it earns the ranking for the places to raise a family in Louisiana.