The northeast Louisiana city of Bastrop, located about 20 miles from Monroe, was named for Dutch businessman Felipe Enrique Neri, Baron de Bastrop. Incorporated in 1852, this community of about 10,000 developed into a manufacturing center. And though some industries have closed over the years, the city’s lower costs have made it an option for commuters and those looking to retire. “People live here or buy a home, and they work in Monroe. So, it's like a little quiet town,” says Ruby Brown, a real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty Parishwide Partners.
Inexpensive homes being fixed up
The median price for homes in Bastrop is $115,000, lower than the state and national median. Home styles include ranch and Craftsman homes. Plots of land are for sale throughout the area. Homebuyers have been renovating properties, lately. The cost of homes here has attracted residents who work in Monroe and retirees who have decided to move back to the city. “You do get more for your money in Bastrop,” Brown says.
Craftsman homes in Bastrop are popular among historic homebuyers.
Bastrop's ranch-style homes often feature large, welcoming front porches.
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Industrial decline, but jobs remain
The International Paper Company had a large paper mill in Bastrop until it closed in 2008. In the mid-2010s, Drax Biomass, a producer of wood pellets, opened a production facility in Morehouse Parish near the city. DG Foods has a poultry processing plant to the southeast and several trucking companies also have operations in Bastrop.
The 49-bed Morehouse General Hospital also is an employer and offers a range of inpatient and outpatient services.
Morehouse General Hospital in Bastrop provides essential healthcare to the local community.
DG Foods has been a significant part of Bastrop’s industrial sector.
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Public and private school selections
Morehouse Parish Public Schools serve the area. The district has five schools, over 3,000 students and a C rating on Niche. Other kindergarten through 12 options includes Beekman Charter School, which has a B grade, and Prairie View Academy, a private Christian school with a C-plus. Louisiana Delta Community College also has a campus in the city.
Bastrop High School epitomizes academic excellence in Bastrop.
Delta Community College in Bastrop is known for its strong commitment to local education.
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Local parks and art
Located on a bluff 13 miles north of downtown, Chemin-A-Haut State Park offers fishing, small boat launches and over eight miles of trails. Smith & Wilson Park is the oldest park in Bastrop and has a baseball field, playground and skate ramps. AP Carter Memorial Park is the largest park, 25 acres, and includes six tennis courts, baseball fields and RV parking. Across from AP Carter Park is the Snyder Museum and Art Center, which features a rotating series of art exhibitions and landscaped grounds. The center can also be rented out for weddings and events. In Bastrop’s downtown, The Rose Theatre has been open since 1927 and features community theatre productions.
AP Carter Park in Bastrop features sports fields and playgrounds.
Chemin-A-Haut State Park north of Bastrop is a popular spot for camping and family picnics.
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Dining downtown and local shopping
The bulk of Bastrop's dining options are on Madison and Jefferson Avenues. Slayden’s Bar-B-Que serves classic barbecue dishes and PoBoy sandwiches. Paesanos Italian restaurant serves grilled steaks along with traditional pizza and pasta dishes. Downtown has several boutiques and shops, including Seligman’s Department Store, which has been in the city since 1897. Larger retail options, including Walmart and Super 1 Foods, are east of downtown.
Super1Foods in Bastrop offers fresh produce and grroceries.
Slayden's in Bastrop features smoked meats, southern cooking and a family friendly enviornment.
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Interstate and airport access
Monroe Regional Airport is the closest airport to the city and serves Dallas-Fort Worth and Atlanta International. US Highway 165 connects to Interstate 20 in Monroe.
Crime in Bastrop
Crime statistics for Bastrop were not readily available.
Written By
Tyler Patchen
Photography Contributed By
Robert Pierce
Video By
Alex Finneran
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
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Charming brick home featuring 3 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms. Located in a desirable neighborhood, this home offers new flooring throughout for a fresh, updated feel.
Great Income! Park has one Site Built Home, 3 mobile Homes, and one Lot. All in a great high demand location! Site Built and 3 Mobile Homes are Park Owned with one Lot Rented. Each Unit has it's own utility meter, Owner pays water and divides charges between tenants. Owner maintains landscape.
Please don't disturb the tenants. Minimum 24-hour notice required. No showings without prequalification or proof of funds. 15 individual properties make up this investors dream! One unit is a vacant lot with potential. 14 Units are frame on piers and constitute 2 - 3 bedrooms. Currently 66% occupied and generating income. Several units will require some work. Do not disturb tenants, contact agent
This is part of a 2-unit investment property package. 120 Fairview and 124 Eastwood. This property is tenant occupied so all showings must provide proof of funds or pre-qual letter.
This is a great starter home! 3 bedrooms with 1 bathroom located in a good area. You will have plenty of space to meet all your needs or it could be a great investment. This property is tenant occupied. A 24-hour notice is required. There is a long-term tenant in place. The monthly rent is 900.
This is part of a 2-unit investment property package. 120 Fairview and 124 Eastwood. This property is tenant occupied so all showings must provide proof of funds or pre-qual letter.
Welcome to this spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath home located on Gladney Drive in Bastrop. With a functional layout and plenty of room to grow, this property is perfect for families or anyone needing extra space. Inside, you’ll find comfortable living areas designed for everyday living and entertaining. The home offers four bedrooms, providing flexibility for guests, a home office, or hobby space. Step
Come home to this elegantly designed 4 bedroom 4 and a half bath modern Tudor home perfectly situated on 5 acres. This immaculate home comes complete with a 3 car garage, KitchenAid appliances, 2 laundry rooms, wet bar, master bath habitat, Ipe decking, and a shop.
This charming town & country retreat is nestled in a peaceful rural setting, conveniently close to town, offering both tranquility and accessibility. Each bedroom features a TV, ensuring private entertainment. The living area provides plenty of space to relax, while the fully equipped kitchen makes dining in a breeze. Step outside to enjoy the deck or gather around the fire pit for cozy nights.
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