Located along the Mississippi River, Donaldsonville represents the historic old-time charm of life along on the Mississippi, as well as Louisiana specifically. Serving as the seat of Ascension Parish, the town of Donaldsonville was once the capital of Louisiana. As a result, the area is known for its historic flair and classic architectural stylings. Though part of the greater Baton Rouge metropolitan area, the town is considerably quieter than its location might suggest—making it possible for residents to enjoy a quiet, serene way of life while still within reach of urban amenities. For those looking for quieter vibes and historical charm, Donaldsonville has plenty to offer.
Donaldsonville
Located in Ascension County
Historic Louisiana style
Houses in Donaldsonville reflect the vintage charm of the surrounding area. With lush greenery, sizable yards, and old-school stylings, a walk down the sidewalk may have residents feeling as though they’ve transported back in time. Homes in Donaldsonville are typically comprised of single-family ranch styles, along with Louisiana-classics such as shotgun homes. In addition to these, historical Victorian and Victorian revivals are also present—leading to that “blast from the past” feeling being even more present. Prices for homes range anywhere from $100,000 to $640,000, with shotgun homes being cheaper and homes in the more historic areas of town being on the upper end.
Lush greenery, historic landmarks
Those looking for an opportunity to appreciate nature—and the local area’s history—can do so at Louisiana Square in Donaldsonville. The park (officially designated a historical local marker) is situated right next to the Ascension Parish Courthouse and close to where the original state capitol building was located, the area is surrounded by meticulously maintained greenery. Those with an appetite for history can find their fill here, and if hungry for more, can even have a picnic nearby afterwards.
Cajun comfort food in Donaldsonville
One of the first things to come to mind when thinking of Louisiana is the cuisine, and in that regard, Donaldsonville has residents covered with the Grapevine Café, a local favorite serving up classics like gumbo and Cajun pasta. The community Walmart serves as the one-stop shop for basic needs and groceries, though the area has smaller shops as well (for those looking to shop local). Nearby Gonzales features a Tanger Outlets for those looking to buy from their favorite retail chains at a good price.
Festivities and fun
Donaldsonville’s Louisiana Square serves as the hub for all sorts of fun festivals and events for the area’s residents. During the holiday season, families (and everyone else in the holiday spirit) can gather for “The Stroll on the Square”—an annual celebration featuring craft goods, live music, and an appearance from Santa Claus himself. The craftier residents of Donaldsonville will have a ball at the arts, crafts, and farmers market on the first Saturday of each month, allowing residents to buy and sell artisan goods and fresh produce.
Scholarly pursuits at Donaldsonville High
Students in the Donaldsonville area can start their academic careers at Donaldsonville Primary school for kindergarten through second grade, Lowery Elementary school for grades three through five, then Lowery Middle, and finally Donaldsonville High School. According to Niche, these schools earned scores of B-plus, B-minus, C-plus, and C-plus, respectively. Students at Donaldsonville High can take advantage of dual enrollment to get an early start on their college careers.
Easy interstate access, Baton Rouge nearby
Thanks to Louisiana Highway 18 running through the town, residents of Donaldsonville are never far from where they need to be. Car-dependent, the town is less than 40 miles from Baton Rouge and all the amenities that come with an urban college town. Those looking for even more hustle and bustle can find it just over an hour away, as New Orleans is just over 60 miles from the town.
Written By
Gerald Withers
Photography Contributed By
Andrew Williams
Video By
Samantha Houtchens
Agents Specializing in this Area
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Matt Noel
Matt Noel
Responds QuicklyColdwell Banker ONE
(225) 529-1792
145 Total Sales
3 in Donaldsonville
$110K - $265K Price Range
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David Landry
David Landry
Responds QuicklyDavid Landry Real Estate, LLC
(225) 529-1924
276 Total Sales
1 in Donaldsonville
$193,000 Price
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Richard Spears
Richard Spears
Responds QuicklyKeller Williams Realty-First Choice
(225) 529-1802
436 Total Sales
7 in Donaldsonville
$85K - $220K Price Range
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Kelli Guidry
Kelli Guidry
Responds QuicklyReal Broker, LLC
(985) 772-6508
176 Total Sales
1 in Donaldsonville
$135,000 Price
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Rae Broussard
Rae Broussard
Responds QuicklyKeller Williams Realty-First Choice
(985) 304-9786
434 Total Sales
1 in Donaldsonville
$175,000 Price
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Angela Pitts
Angela Pitts
Responds QuicklyCraft Realty
(225) 577-5349
87 Total Sales
1 in Donaldsonville
$328,000 Price
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
- Pre-K to 2nd
- Public
- 6th to 8th
- Public
- 9th to 12th
- Public
Donaldsonville Housing Trends
On average, homes in Donaldsonville, LA sell after 97 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Donaldsonville, LA over the last 12 months is $179,900, down 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$194,250
Median Sale Price
$179,900
Median Single Family Sale Price
$189,745
Median Change From 1st List Price
5%
Last 12 months Home Sales
78
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-10%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$103
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes for Sale
14
Months of Supply
2.20
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
Distribution of Home Values
Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
Donaldsonville Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
7,634
Median Age
38
Population under 18
27.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$27,879
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$49,891
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
81.7%
College Graduates
11.3%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
55.5%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
61''
Average Winter Low Temperature
41°F
Average Summer High Temperature
91°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
41
/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
30
/ 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.