Are you thinking of moving to Baton Rouge?
As you can see, the process of moving to another city can be a challenge. It is especially true if you are moving to Louisiana.
The state and its cities can be a new experience for you.
Before you move, you must know more about the place.
Baton Rouge is the largest city in the state. It is also famous for its rich culture and delicious food. Life here is enjoyable, relaxed, and laid-back.
However, despite the relaxed atmosphere, some surmise that life here can be better.
The Red Stick City has its share of disadvantages.
But fear not because it is growing. It comes with beautiful scenery. And it has loads of other advantages, too.
I will discuss the many pros and cons of living in Baton Rouge, LA.
List of Contents
Is Baton Rouge, LA, a good place to live in? A Festive City in Louisiana
Is Baton Rouge perfect for you?
Well, that depends on your preferences. What is it that you seek in a city?
Living here is perfect if you want to move to retire or to work.
The Good Side
We know Baton Rouge to be a city rich in culture and history. Aside from these two, there are many advantages in Baton Rouge.
Here they are.
Delicious Food
One of the significant pros when living in Baton Rouge is the food.
You never run out of delicious food here.
The city has all the excellent dishes using oysters, crawfishes, and a lot more. Gumbo is also exceptional here.
If you decide to move and live in Baton Rouge, you will have all the chances to try the food.
Food will always be a significant reason for your move. You will never regret it.
Sporty City
Baton Rouge is a city that is big in sports.
If you are a fan of football, you will love Baton Rouge.
The city is also home to the LSU.
And in Baton Rouge, everybody shows up whenever there is a game. They take sports very seriously here.
If you love sports, you will fit perfectly in Baton Rouge.
The Culture
If there is something that you can expect in Baton Rouge, it should be the rich culture of the city.
Baton Rouge is a city that is dripping with rich history and culture.
A stroll downtown will fill you with all the historical and cultural sites. The city is where the old state capitol of Louisiana is. The governor’s mansion is also here.
If you love a city rich in culture, Baton Rouge is the place to be.
An Abundance of Schools
Baton Rouge has several schools for your children.
And if you are moving to Baton Rouge with your kids, this can be a good determinant. Fortunately, there are several schools in Baton Rouge.
According to recent numbers, four out of ten public school districts are in this city. The only factor you have to consider is the quality of these schools.
Some of these schools may have questionable standards. And if you are looking for a school for your kids, you must do your research well.
Festival City
Louisiana is famous for its Mardi Gras.
And like the state, the city of Baton Rouge is also famous for several festivals all year round.
The Baton Rouge Mardi Gras happens around February. Aside from this, there are also several other events like the Baton Rouge Blues Festival.
All year round, you will never run out of any celebrations to witness.
Baton Rouge is one colossal party place all year round.
A Paradise Outdoors
Baton Rouge is a paradise for athletes. It is because of the many outdoor activities that you can do while in the city.
The city has swamps, rivers, and many open spaces. Plus, the weather is always warm for most of the year.
There will always be lots of chances for hunting and fishing. And so, whether inland or in water, you will always have it in Baton Rouge.
A Diverse Population
Another advantage when living in Baton Rouge is the diversity of its population.
Baton Rouge has a lot of communities from different corners of the globe. These communities have an impact on the culture and the food of the city.
Also, the cultural influences trickle down to the city’s food, language, and customs.
Because of the many cultures in the city, Baton Rouge comes with different flavors that all blend well together. All these make Baton Rouge a unique place.
The Weather
There are only two types of weather in Baton Rouge.
There may be hurricanes once in a while. There may also be significant amounts of rain. However, when it comes to the climate, it is always warm. And here, it never gets too cold.
Some days in summer it can be hot. However, these are rare.
Also, take note that winters here are excellent. It is the type of weather that is cold but does not require you to wear a coat.
The Bad Side
In Baton Rouge, there will always be bad sides.
Not everything here is all about festivals and great food. There are also a few things you must consider before finalizing your decision.
Read on to find out.
Bugs and Pests
Baton Rouge is a natural wonder. However, you must note that some parts of the city are uncomfortable, and there are playgrounds of bugs and pests.
Most of the year, mosquitoes will be, especially in wet areas. Roaches are also present in most parts of the city.
In some places, there may be snakes. And you have to be careful outdoors, especially in swamps and wet areas.
Also, beware of alligators. You may also run into them once in a while.
Expect some encounters with rodents like rats or mice while you live here.
The damp areas are always full of them. If you want to reduce your encounters with them, avoid these places.
The Crimes
Baton Rouge has an alarming poverty rate.
Some would attribute the poverty rate to the unemployment in the city and the corruption problems in the government.
And because of the poverty rate + corruption, the city also has an increasing crime rate.
Most of the residents worry about some crime happening around them. Baton Rouge has a crime index of 69.26%. It only means that about 30.74% feel that the city is safe.
What is the cost of living in Baton Rouge, LA? 10% Cheaper than the Average
The cost of living in Baton Rouge is lower than the national average. Compared to most cities in the country, the cost of living in Baton Rouge is 9.6% cheaper.
The Good Side
There are several advantages of living in Baton Rouge in terms of costs.
One of the significant advantages is the cost of housing. The cost of housing is cheaper here than the national average. As of this writing, it is 29% more affordable than the US average.
The rating equates to a median home cost of about US$198,400. The amount is cheaper than the national average of US$291,700.
Regarding the cost of food and grocery, Baton Rouge is also cheaper. It is 4.7% more affordable than the rest of the country. The cost of healthcare is 2.9% cheaper than the national average. Also, the price of utilities is 11.2% more affordable.
All of these commodities are cheaper than the national average. These make a living in Baton Rouge an advantage, budget-wise.
The Bad Side
There is one culprit when it comes to costs in Baton Rouge.
This culprit is the cost of transportation.
As of this writing, transportation costs in Baton Rouge are higher by 11.4% than the national average. It is more expensive to travel within Baton Rouge than in other major cities in the country.
Whether you have a car and spend on gas or public transportation, it is more expensive here.
And speaking of public transportation, Baton Rouge is also looking bad at its unreliable.
You may count on it if you are traveling within the city center. However, if your destination is outside the city center, don’t count on it.
Why work in Baton Rouge, LA? A Thriving Logistics Sector
Working in Baton Rouge is a decision you have to think through. The cost of living here is lower. The cost of housing is also lower than the national average.
However, the salaries may not be the same in other cities. Also, transportation costs can be alarming.
The Good Side
There are many advantages to working in Baton Rouge. One of these is the diverse economy of the city. Additionally, compared to large cities in other states, it has a cheaper cost of living.
Diverse Economy
One of the things I like about Baton Rouge is its diverse economy.
The logistics industry tops the list of the most developed sectors in the city. However, aside from the logistics industry, other sectors survive here.
These industries include transportation, oil and gas, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Aside from these sectors, others have continued to foster and grow in the past few years. These industries are the tech and electronic industries.
Over the past few years, several tech and electronic companies have established their companies here.
Cost of Living
As you already know, the cost of living is lower in Baton Rouge than the national average.
Utilities, housing, and food costs are lower than the national average. This factor makes working and living in Baton Rouge an advantage. The same is true when it comes to the cost of healthcare.
It is only on the cost of transportation that you could spend more.
However, if you plan to move here, you can look for a place near your office. That can eliminate your travel expenses when you start to work here.
Affordable Housing
As discussed above, the cost of housing is cheaper in Baton Rouge.
It is more affordable than the national average. The cost of housing is always the culprit when it comes to your budget woes.
In Baton Rouge, you already have it solved with affordable housing.
The Bad Side
There are a few unfortunate things that are in Baton Rouge.
The weak job market and the lower salaries and wages in the city are a few of them.
Read on to find out.
A Weaker Job Market
Baton Rouge and the rest of Louisiana have a weak job market.
Several companies have put up their offices in Baton Rouge in the past few years. These companies have improved the city’s unemployment rates in the last few years.
However, the unemployment rate here is still above the national average.
The cost of living may be lower. However, with fewer jobs available, it is always harder for the residents to keep themselves out of the poverty line.
There is a forecast for the job market to grow in the next few years. However, until we realize this forecast, the weak job market remains a con.
Lower Wages and Salaries
Baton Rouge has a lower average income than other cities in the country.
The cost of living here may be lower than the national average. However, the problem with Baton Rouge is the average income.
The average income of a resident here is about US$23,990 per year. This amount is lower than the national average of US$28,555 per year.
We also see the same story when it comes to median household incomes.
The median household income of a resident of Baton Rouge is US$38,790. It is also lower than the average of US$53,482 per year.
Yes, the cost of living may be lower. However, the salaries and wages are also lower.
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Baton Rouge is one happy festive city.
You get your share of outdoor activities here. There are also hundreds of dining areas where you can have the best gumbo and seafood.
However, you have to contend with the issues of the flood, bugs, pests, and the higher unemployment rate.
But if you come here with a job, lucky you. You may love it here.
A city is an ideal place for those who love the warm weather. It is perfect for those who adore cultural diversity, delicious food, and festivals all year round.
If you are this person, you should move to Baton Rouge now.
Are you moving to Baton Rouge?
Let us talk about it.