Crowley is a center for rice milling in southern Louisiana, earning the moniker the “rice capital of the world.” Starting in the late 19th century, the city’s location on the railroad a made it a prime location for milling the locally grown rice. Today, Crowley is still a center for milling, with the crop being the focus of an annual festival that attracts thousands to this city of 11,000 people. “It’s just a quaint little town.” says Michelle Leger, a realtor at eXp Realty and Crowley resident.
Victorian homes and land for sale
The median price for homes in Crowley is $170,000, lower than nearby Lafayette and the state median. The city has various housing styles, from Victorian and Elizabethan-style homes in the city’s historical district to single-story ranches and bungalows. Plots of land are also available for purchase north of downtown. “The historic district is a beautiful part of Crowley that consists of beautiful tree-lined streets and older homes,” says Leger.
Ranch-style houses offer a relaxed, suburban feel in Crowley.
Crowley, Louisiana, features beautiful Victorian-style home featuring intricate woodwork and wrap-around porches.
1/2
Rice milling and research
Rice continues to be the bedrock of Crowley’s economy. The crop is grown throughout Acadia Parish, but several companies still use Crowley for milling. Supreme Rice has a milling operation in the town and started a multi-million-dollar expansion of its facilities in 2022. Cajun Country Rice also operates the Falcon Rice Mill, one of the country’s oldest family-run rice mills. Louisiana State University has had a rice research station near Crowley since 1908 to support the rice industry.
Crowley, Louisiana, is known as the "Rice Capital of America."
Crowley's mills help make Louisiana a top U.S. rice producer.
1/2
Crowley celebrates rice and music
Rice is also a cause for celebration for the citizens of Crowley. Since 1937, every October, the city has held the International Rice Festival, which attracts thousands of people. The festival features live music, a rice-eating contest, multiple parades and carnival rides. “I go to it every year, have since I was a child,” says Leger. “I take my grandchildren every year and ride the rides with them."
Crowley is also home to several musical attractions, including the J.D. Miller Recording Studio Museum, the oldest recording studio still operating in the state. The Grand Opera House, which has been in the city since 1901, was renovated in 2008 and regularly hosts musical acts.
Public and Private Schools in Crowley
Students in Crowley attend Acadia Parish Public Schools, which has a B grade on Niche. Several religious private schools are in the area, including Notre Dame High School, which also has a B rating, and Northside Christian School, which has a C+. South Louisiana Community College has a campus just to the west of downtown.
Students at SLCC can earn certifications in healthcare and trade skills.
Notre Dame High School epitomizes academic excellence in Crowley.
1/2
Concerts in the park and baseball
Levy Park in downtown Crowley has a tennis court and playground and has been hosting a concert series since 2014. The Tony Robichaux Sports Complex features numerous tennis courts and baseball fields, including the refurbished Miller Stadium, which has been in the city since 1948. “The ballparks were redone a few years back,” says Leger. “Now they are able to host tournaments, which has put us on the map a little bit more.”
Families gather at Tony Robichaux Sports Complex in Crowley for community sports events.
Levy Park in Crowley features playgrounds and walking paths.
1/2
Dining and shopping downtown
Most dining options in Crowley are downtown along Parkerson and Eastern Avenues. Sam’s Place on Parkerson serves pizzas and sandwiches and features live music. The Vanilla Bean has breakfast and various coffee drinks. Just to the north of downtown, Allons Mange serves higher-end meals as well as brunch.
Downtown also has several smaller boutique clothing and vintage stores, but retail options such as Walmart and ShopRite are further north.
Crowley's Walamrt is the go to spot for groceries and fresh produce.
Allons Manger is a popular eatery in Crowley, Louisiana.
1/2
Crime and Transportation in Crowley
Crime statistics for Crowley were not readily available. The closest airport to the city is Lafayette Regional Airport, 27 miles to the east. Interstate 10 connects Crowley to cities such as Baton Rouge and Houston.
Here to help with honest information on area homes. If you are looking to buy are sell I will give you clear information without wasting your time. I enjoy helping and getting to your GOAL of home ownership. I will do what is required to make it happen. I truly enjoy my career and would love to assist you.
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.
