Lafayette, LA Area Guide

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Lafayette, LA

Lafayette, LA ranks as the state’s fifth-largest city and serves as the unofficial capital of Acadiana, home of Cajun culture, festivals, and boudin. As the primary hub for the medical profession and oil industry in southwest Louisiana, Lafayette’s growth allowed for beautiful new neighborhoods, world-class restaurants, and plentiful green spaces.

Lafayette straddles the banks of the Vermilion River and with a population of approximately 126,000, it is one of the largest cities in Louisiana. Bus service covers most of the major streets in the city as well as part of the surrounding towns of Broussard and Carencro. With only 12 routes, the bus service fails to assist Lafayette’s population adequately. Traversing the city on most days requires a car.

However, you quickly learn Lafayette's layout. Ambassador Caffrey, Camellia, and Evangeline Thruway serve as the major arteries crossing the Vermilion River, while West Congress St., Johnston Street, Kaliste Saloom Road, and Verot School Road run parallel to the river. A trip of any length in the city usually requires driving one of these streets.

Lafayette’s cost of living ranks in the bottom half of American cities. Home prices are also well under the average. However, upscale neighborhoods of various ages exist in multiple convenient locations across the town. The low cost of living enhances the feel of a city with many top-notch amenities.

Known worldwide for its food, Lafayette boasts many top restaurants. Prejean’s and Randol’s feature world-famous Cajun food with Cajun music and dancing on offer. Beyond the signature Cajun food, Lafayette offers a diverse selection of cuisine, including Indian, Mexican, Thai, Greek, Lebanese, French, and Spanish. As the center of Acadiana, Lafayette’s population contains higher levels of diversity than many southwestern Louisiana towns (which are also much smaller).

Lafayette also boasts international festivals. Festival Acadiens et Creoles and Festival International highlight the offerings, headlining the spring and fall festival seasons. Festival International fills downtown Lafayette with music from all parts of the globe and the best cooking in town while Festival Acadiens fills Girard Park with stages and food. A host of other festivals in Louisiana and the surrounding cities provide entertainment for most weekends in the spring and summer. And did we mention Mardi Gras? Lafayette boasts the best carnival in the state, outside of New Orleans.

Green spaces dot Lafayette’s landscape. Girard Park, bordering the University of Louisiana, provides a walking track and place to spread a blanket to feed the ducks. The Horse Farm, set in the center of town, also offers uninterrupted green space for public consumption.

Lafayette’s people welcome newcomers with open arms. With the unofficial motto of “Laissez les bons temps rouler” (Let the good times roll!), Lafayette offers a laid back, yet feisty, attitude. What’s boudin? Don’t ask. Try it. You’ll love it.