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Central

Central

$313,639 Average Value
$214 Average Price per Sq Ft
15 Homes For Sale

Baton Rouge suburb whose schools are major draw

Roughly 15 miles away from Baton Rouge, the suburban city of Central is known for its highly rated school district. In fact, it's a big reason why it became a city a quarter-century ago. In 2005, the community voted to break away from the East Baton Rouge Parish School System and incorporate, giving it the power to run its own schools. Today, Central contracts out most of its services — though it recently approved the construction of a larger city hall.

The city is mainly residential, so many of its 30,000 residents commute to the state capital or the petrochemical refineries along the Mississippi River. "A lot of people are going to be heading towards Baton Rouge for work or the other side of the river," says Chase Pino, a Realtor for Brittney Pino & Associates, who's originally from the area. "We have a lot of industrial plants and facilities like that."

Large estate homes can be had in Central, and often come with plenty of land.
Large estate homes can be had in Central, and often come with plenty of land.
Many Central residents work in oil with companies like the Placid Refining and Exxon Mobile.
Many Central residents work in oil with companies like the Placid Refining and Exxon Mobile.
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Highly rated Central Community School System, plus private options

Central is served by the Central Community School System, which receives an A-minus grade from Niche. Niche also ranks it as the fifth-best school district in Louisiana. Two Kindergarten- to second-grade elementary schools, a third- to fifth-grade intermediate school, a middle school and a high school make up the district. The city's private schools are also popular. "You've got a good public school system, but you also have Central Private School and St. Alphonsus Catholic School within the city limits," says Pino. Central Private is K-12, while St. Alphonsus is K-8.

In Baton Rouge, Louisiana State University is the state's largest college, with an enrollment of nearly 40,000. The capital is also home to Southern University and A&M College, an HBCU with roughly 8,000 students.

St. Alphonsus Catholic School teaches academics in a faith-based environment.
St. Alphonsus Catholic School teaches academics in a faith-based environment.
Central High School has a student-teacher ratio of 18 to 1.
Central High School has a student-teacher ratio of 18 to 1.
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Homes in newer subdivisions, plus new-builds

The median home price in Central is $280,000, comparable to the median in Baton Rouge but higher than nearby suburbs. Most of Central is made up of single-family homes, with newer homes located in subdivisions. Those outside subdivisions tend to be older and on larger plots of land. Homes dating from the 1970s and '80s are typically brick ranch-style homes. New construction homes in planned developments are generally larger and pricier, in the $300,000 to $550,000 range.

Greenwell has entire subdivisions with single story ranch style homes.
Greenwell has entire subdivisions with single story ranch style homes.
A two-story French style home is one of the many new home styles being built in Central.
A two-story French style home is one of the many new home styles being built in Central.
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Youth athletics at Central Sports Park

The Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge maintains several parks throughout Central, including Central Sports Park. The complex includes seven baseball or softball fields, four multiuse fields and a fishing lake. The park hosts local youth sports and tournaments. The Blackwater Conservation Area offers trails and fishing in a nearly 60-acre park. Smaller pocket parks include the Jackson Community Park, which has a playground and a splash pad. Central has about a dozen churches of different faiths.

Various baseball games can be played at once on the many fields at Central Sports Park.
Various baseball games can be played at once on the many fields at Central Sports Park.
Blackwater Conservation Area is the perfect location for a dog walk.
Blackwater Conservation Area is the perfect location for a dog walk.
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Community events include Cooking in Central

While Central was incorporated relatively recently, the city government and chamber of commerce have worked to foster a feeling of community. "Central's gotten more into community events with the newer mayor," Pino says. "He's had a lot to do with the recent growth." Celebrations include an annual Mardi Gras dance by the chamber and the city's Mardi Gras krewe, Krewe de Centrale. The Cooking in Central festival was founded in 2006, right after the creation of the city. The event has been held every spring since, with food vendors, music and carnival rides.

Central Square for shopping and dining

Shopping centers with supermarkets and small businesses are located mainly along Hooper Road and Sullivan Road, including the Central City Shopping Center at the intersection of the two thoroughfares. The Central Square mixed-use development has mostly chains and some local restaurants around Sullivan Road; a Walmart Supercenter is also here.

Enjoy a delicious Mexican meal at Zilantro's in Central.
Enjoy a delicious Mexican meal at Zilantro's in Central.
Central has many box and grocery stores like a Walmart Market and Walmart Superstore.
Central has many box and grocery stores like a Walmart Market and Walmart Superstore.
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About 15 miles to downtown Baton Rouge

Downtown Baton Rouge is about 15 miles from Central via Interstate 110, about 7 miles away. The closest hospitals are in Baton Rouge, including Ochsner Medical Center. Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport is an 8-mile drive and offers flights to hubs like Houston, Dallas and Atlanta. New Orleans is 90 miles east, and Lafayette is 70 miles west via I-10.

Crime rates in East Baton Rouge Parish

The city of Central operates a small police force but also contracts with the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office. While crime statistics specific to Central are unavailable, FBI data shows lower violent crime rates in East Baton Rouge Parish than national and state figures. Property crime rates in the parish were comparable to the national and state rates.

Central experiences hot, humid summers and cool winters. The city can be affected by hurricanes or tropical storms, though its risk of flooding is lower than other areas closer to the river or the Gulf.

Lia Jones
Written By
Lia Jones
Clayton Hurst
Photography Contributed By
Clayton Hurst
David Strayer
Video By
David Strayer

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Rhonda Causey, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Central Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$419,900
Median Sale Price
$399,355
Median Single Family Sale Price
$419,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
22
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
10%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$214

Area Facts

Number of Homes
313
Number of Homes for Sale
15
Median Year Built
2016
Months of Supply
8.20
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,033
Above the national average
1,930
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,438
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
9,583

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Feb 1
    Open Sun 1PM - 3PM

    13236 Magnolia Square Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70818

    $648,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 3,129 Sq Ft
    • 13236 Magnolia Square Dr
    • New 22 days ago

    Southern elegance in the highly sought-after Village at Magnolia Square in Central. This custom built, two-story home offers 4 bedrooms plus an office and 3.5 bathrooms, located in the top-rated Central School District and directly next to the community pool. Thoughtful architectural details include a raised front porch, brick steps, French doors, upper balcony, lantern lighting, interior brick

    Dustin Alexander PINO & Associates

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  • Sunday, Feb 1
    Open Sun 12PM - 2PM

    12221 Hampton Village Ave, Baton Rouge, LA 70818

    $480,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,642 Sq Ft
    • 12221 Hampton Village Ave
    • New 26 days ago

    Beautifully updated home in the highly desirable Hampton Village Estates, located within the Central School System. This spacious home features a split open floor plan with four bedrooms and three full baths, offering both comfort and functionality. Hardwood floors flow throughout the main living areas, with tile in all bathrooms. The primary suite includes a fully renovated master bath (2024)

    Marilu Suarez Casa Real Estate LLC

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  • Saturday, Jan 31
    Open Sat 10AM - 4PM

    9964 Stone Water Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70818

    $318,249

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,727 Sq Ft
    • 9964 Stone Water Dr

    4.99% (5.73%) interest rate on GOV loans + closing cost assistance available! *TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR A LOW INTEREST RATE ON GOV LOANS & CLOSING COST ASSISTANCE, A BUYER MUST USE SELLER'S PREFERRED MORTGAGE & TITLE COMPANY. NOT AVAILABLE ON ALL HOMES. OTHER RESTRICTIONS APPLY. CONTACT COMMUNITY SALES MANAGER FOR DETAILS.* The Settlement on Shoe Creek is a 150-acre traditional neighborhood development

    Carlos Alvarez RE/MAX Total

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Neighborhoods in Central

Property Mix - Square Feet

Weather

Annual Precipitation
62''
Average Winter Low Temperature
42°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

35 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

37 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Central
Rhonda Causey
Dawson Grey Real Estate
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