Where to Live Next: Three Acadiana Neighborhoods to Explore
YOUNGVILLE’S SUGAR MILL POND
Best community for families
The City of Youngsville is the rock star of family communities; it’s growing at a record pace and was recently named one of the Best Places to Live in America by 24/7 Wall St.
Youngsville was once a sleepy Cajun town, copiously blanketed with sugarcane fields; however, it still carries an allure of wholesomeness that’s extremely attractive to families. The mind-boggling number of students — filling its schools by the thousands — paint quite a picture. Youngsville has a rural feel, as well as a rich cultural heritage, and it’s deeply rooted with people who’ve been here for generations.
However, more families have moved here for the unsurpassed quality of life. “We have more kids in school today in Youngsville than we had in an entire population in 2010, which was 8,105,” says Youngsville Mayor Ken Ritter.
There is an impetus for the city’s unwavering residential and commercial growth, as Youngsville boasts over-the-top quality amenities that are prime for families. This 13-square mile “Mayberry” haven is chock-full of major conveniences and offers a sense of security that money cannot buy. The first-class Youngsville Sports Complex is a drawing card for local families. The diversified state-of-the-art offerings at this youth and adult sports mecca includes Sugar Beach, which has nine NCAA beach volleyball courts.
But it’s not only Acadiana residents uprooting to Youngsville; it’s also people both from every corner of Louisiana and beyond. “We’ve seen a ton of good people who move in from Texas and beyond,” explains Pitman Hesterly, who built his family’s home in the prized Youngsville development of Sugar Mill Pond, a Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND). “I feel safe living here and we have the best neighbors in the world,” adds his wife, Natalie.
While choice subdivisions ooze with new families, the carefully curated Sugar Mill Pond is a desired mix-use, aesthetically pleasing, walkable neighborhood. Part of the appeal of this 509-acre, picturesque sanctuary is its strong sense of community and ease that attracts people from multiple generations.
“You really don’t have to get in your car if you don’t want to because of its walkability,” adds Pitman. “It’s a real lifestyle change for us. We have the gym that we get with our homeowners’ association, two pools, a large park, the pond and a bunch of green spaces. It’s very peaceful and quiet, and if I want an ice cream, or a smoothie from Smoothie King, or something from Andy’s Frozen Custard, it’s all so close to us.”
Perhaps no one loves the neighborhood more than two-year-old Grace, who marches daily to the park with her parents, Pitman and Natalie. “It’s a great place for starting a family,” says Natalie. “It’s super-convenient, there’s a lot of stuff in a small amount of space, and the sidewalks are great.” In Sugar Mill Pond’s backyard is also an amphitheater, restaurants and shops; plus, this neighborhood oasis plays host to popular public events including concerts and festivals.
This utopian development that sits within an award-winning city offers a way of life that is exceedingly desirable and in demand. It’s not surprising that real estate is sometimes purchased through just a leap of faith. “Our next-door neighbors were in Houston and bought the house sight unseen. They heard how great it is here, saw some pictures online and made an offer on it,” says Pitman.
You can’t help but notice the idyllic contentment of residents, and the Hesterlys say they are living their best lives. “I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else,” smiles Natalie.
Things to Consider When Looking For Your Dream Neighborhood
Safety // Is the neighborhood safe and do you feel secure in the environment?
Education // Are there high-ranking and high-scoring schools available for your children?
Vibe // Does the character reflect your core? Do you want a quiet or bustling atmosphere?
Commuting // Do you have to drive far to get to work or to bring the kids to school?
Walkability // Are there sidewalks, and is everything nearby so that you don’t need to get in your car and drive?
Trees // Do you want a neighborhood dotted with trees? (Fact: Scientists believe the presence of trees creates a happier mood and helps defuse depression).
Emergency Service // Is there a hospital or urgent care facility nearby that can help during a medical emergency?
HOA // Do you want to follow homeowner association rules about your home?
Health & Fitness // Is there a fitness center, a park, or recreational sports opportunities, nearby?
Convenience // Are services and amenities, including restaurants and shopping nearby?
Lafayette’s Saint Streets
Best Connected Neighborhood
You don’t have to be a saint to live in Lafayette’s Saint Streets neighborhood; in fact, residents of this part of Lafayette say they have found heaven on earth. “When people come to visit us, they’re just amazed,” explains longtime resident Marilyn Lee, “because there’s not a lot of cities this size where you can safely live in one of the oldest parts of town that’s as charming and warm as this.”
The streets are aptly named after Catholic saints and also regional flora, the latter of which is fitting because of the picturesque plant life and bursts of blooming colors emanating from landscapes. This historic neighborhood is far from cookie-cutter; elevated one- and two-storied cottages, modest bungalows and charming million-dollar homes are all part of the canvas.
It’s one of the city’s earliest residential developments and has a complete mix of multigenerational demographics. Relaxing on the front porch, walking the four-legged pups and chatting with neighbors are popular pastimes; the idyllic setting is green and lush as life unfolds underneath the whimsical canopy of oak trees. “We have seven live oaks that are at least a hundred years old, and some are 400-plus. They are big giant beautiful trees, and that’s why we bought the house. The house was secondary,” says resident Kevin Blanchard.
Living in the heart of Cajun Country is a godsend in and of itself; however, dwelling amid its beating heart — the Saint Streets — is priceless. This timeless neighborhood maintains its desirability because of the prime location and access to an endless array of lifestyle perks. It’s encircled by Lafayette’s significant institutions and activity centers that offer boundless entertainment and recreation offerings all within walking or biking distance.
These benefits include quick access to vibrant Downtown Lafayette, the University of Louisiana, the Cajundome and Convention Center and Cajun Field. “We really enjoy the convenience; we work downtown and it’s such a short commute,” adds Blanchard, who serves the community as CEO of Lafayette’s Downtown Development Authority. “Our kids have been taking their bikes downtown since they were eleven years old.”
The Saint Streets is home to award-winning Myrtle Place Elementary, renowned for its French immersion program. Legendary Olde Tyme Grocery (that serves its famous poor boys) and Comeaux’s (one of the last standing neighborhood grocery stores) are among many great options in the neighborhood. “Everything is just so convenient and walkable,” adds resident Leslie Bienvenu, whose parents also live in the neighborhood. “We absolutely love it!”
Blessings are raining down on the Saint Streets neighborhood which fittingly borders the stunning Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist. It’s as if, for those who live here, many prayers have been gloriously answered.
Downtown Lake Charles
Best spot for young professionals
There’s an energetic vibe flowing through downtown Lake Charles as more young professionals converge in this city center and turn it into a place they call home.
Downtown Lake Charles has come a long way and, after the wrath of back-to-back destructive hurricanes. These natural disasters plus heavy flooding and the pandemic occurred within a year’s time.
However, revitalization has resolutely persevered, and includes newly constructed downtown dwellings that are reinforced with disaster resilience. Plus, the residential resurgence is being fueled by the steady escalation of conveniences and entertainment options that, thanks to the area’s much improved walkability, are entirely accessible on foot.
A growing movement among members of downtown’s Generation Z population is living near services and amenities, and Lake Charles’ urban environment is satisfying that demand. “It’s a central location for me, and I work five minutes away,” says 27-year-old Emily Treme. “I’m so close to the waterfront, and I love walking along the boardwalk.” When she’s off the clock, Treme takes her dachshunds Coco and Spud to the Bark du lac Dog Park and the Charlestown Farmer’s Market, the latter of which is where she shops for locally sourced items like fresh eggs, beef and jam.
Glistening Lake Calcasieu, with its flanking Lakefront Promenade, is only steps away, and traverses from the Bord du Lac Marina to Veterans Memorial Park. “It’s wonderful,” smiles 23-year-old Rudy Sifuentes. “I walk down there to see the nice sunset, and I watch the people walking and biking.” But that’s not all: There’s also Sifuentes’ love for the numerous eateries of downtown Lake Charles. “I’m big into the food scene and enjoy going out to eat. So, I often walk to The Villa Harlequin, Pujo St. Café, 1910 and LUNA Bar and Grill, and Lagunas Mexican Grill & Cantina, which has an upstairs patio overlooking the water.”
Sifuentes lives in the Victorian-styled Karam Lofts, which is directly across the street from the luxury, 270-unit Erdace Apartments. Meeting projected demand for housing, HRI Properties’ resilient, multifamily Woodring Apartments and its accompanying townhouses are expected to open in the summer of 2024.
Entertainment options distinct to the urban lifestyle are numerous, as residents can walk to the Lake Charles Event Center to attend concerts. Reveling at many of the downtown festivals such as the long-running Downtown at Sundown Concert Series and Chuck Fest gives residents more fun options. Providing more feasts for the senses is the Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center, a public art and history gallery that features traveling global exhibits.
Improvements continue to unfold downtown, as Mayor Nic Hunter announced the demolition of the hurricane damaged and abandoned 21-story downtown bank building; one of three new parking garages will be constructed on the site. Long-term planning includes expanding the lakefront area’s walkability to downtown and connecting the Lakefront Promenade to the north shore. This means residents will be able to walk, jog and bike from the Lake Charles Yacht Club all the way to the marina.
On the north side of the lake, Port Wonder will house the massive Children’s Museum of Southwest Louisiana and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ Nature and Science Center beginning in summer 2024. Additionally, the Crying Eagle Brewing Company broke ground for its Lakefront restaurant, family-friendly tap room and micro-brewery, all of which will be connected to downtown via the Lakefront Promenade.
Residents like Treme feel exhilarated by living amid this pivotal time of downtown growth. “It feels like home,” she says enthusiastically. “I was born and raised here, and I absolutely love living downtown!”
