Lafayette

While you might not have heard of North Lafayette Parish, you’ve more than likely heard of Anthony Bourdain. The late chef and writer gained fame for his travels seeking out the tastiest food in the world, and he found some of his favorites right here in Cajun Country. Bourdain stopped into Laura’s II some years ago, and fans have never forgotten his unabashed love of the stuffed turkey wings. Laura’s II is still serving them up, and North Lafayette Parish is still a wonderful place for food, culture, and history in a rural setting. This vibrant community began in 1755 when French-speaking Acadians emigrated from Canada and settled along the Vermilion River. Today, people from all over the state come to Lafayette Parish to shop, eat, attend school, and take part in cultural events. Those living in the northern part of the parish know there are no nearby downtowns or public transport, and that's exactly why they choose it. Homes throughout the parish are a wonderful mix of traditional and contemporary styles. There are manufactured homes as well as custom-built residences, and brick is a favorite building material here. Acadian homes mingle with ranch styles, cottages and French-inspired houses, and lawns are very well-kept. Prices range from $135,000 for a three-bedroom cottage to $800,000 for a four-bedroom contemporary new construction. The area is served by the Lafayette Parish School System, one of Louisiana's largest school districts. Children might attend Evangeline Elementary, Edgar Martin Middle or Acadiana High, all of which have earned a B-minus or higher from Niche. Evangeline Elementary participates in a world language immersion program, where students are taught core subjects like math and science in French. Edgar Martin Middle offers deaf education classes and is known for its soccer, track and basketball teams. Acadiana High operates an Academy of Business for students seeking a career or post-secondary degree in the field. The school also has Chromebooks available for check-out in the library. On the outskirts of the city of Lafayette, you’ll find LARC’s Acadian Village. LARC is a nonprofit with 50 years of experience helping people with developmental disabilities and their families through residential, vocational and community support services. All the proceeds from the village go to the organization. And the village itself is worth an afternoon out even without a worthy cause. There are a dozen homes throughout the site representing Acadian, or Cajun, lifestyles over the past few centuries. The oldest was begun in 1800 and had an addition put on in 1840. Exhibits in the homes include looms, blankets, spinning wheels, and more while there are larger displays on Cajun music and blacksmithing tools. Traveling north through the parish, you’ll come to Farm d’Allie Golf Club. This 18-hole championship course was designed by Jeffery D. Blume and occupies 215 acres. Located on bottomland, or the former riverbed of the Mississippi River, the course was once used as a cotton field, cattle ranch, and horse-riding area, so “farm” was a natural name for the course. Opened in 2000, the course has a driving range and welcomes golfers of all ages and skill levels. There's no retail shopping in North Lafayette, but should you find yourself getting hungry, there’s no need to fear. The area has popular restaurants like Prejeans or Poche’s. Prejeans has been in business for the past 40 years, and the family-owned operation hosts live music twice a week. Recently remodeled, the eatery serves stuffed shrimp and mushrooms, chargrilled oysters, smoked duck gumbo and much, much more. Poche’s Restaurant and Market has been cooking with tradition and spices since 1962. This boudin and BBQ spot is family-owned and -operated and specializes in Cajun classics such as marinated pork and crawfish etouffee. Steeped in history and culture, North Lafayette Parish is a haven for those craving a rural lifestyle with access to great food and recreation.

Lafayette’s Acadiana Wood neighborhood is a bit of an enigma. Over 90% of it is peaceful residences nestled between the Vermillion River and Louisiana Highway 167. There are lush mature trees, a community pool and even an animal hospital. The remainder is a lively shopping area called Acadiana Mall. It’s surrounded by apartment buildings, eateries and entertainment opportunities. Together, these seemingly disparate parts create something greater than themselves: a nearly self-contained city within the city. Acadiana Wood seamlessly transitions from the coziness of home to the fun of recreation centers to the excitement of a great meal. Living in the neighborhood offers easy access to several major roadways as well as beautiful views of the Vermillion River. There is quite a stock of both established and new housing along with available lots of varying sizes near the waterfront. Many people have been taking advantage of the space in Acadiana Wood to build customized residences, and these French Country homes primarily sport red brick and stucco facades. You’ll see plenty of Acadian and ranch-style houses too. Prices here range from $230,000 for a three-bedroom, two-bathroom ranch-style to over $3 million for a Mediterranean-inspired mansion with five bedrooms and eight baths. Students here can attend Broadmoor Elementary, Edgar Martin Middle or Ovey Comeaux High. All three are highly rated by the education ranking website Niche, and Broadmoor Elementary is a National School of Excellence along with being a Louisiana School of Academic Distinction. The institution also has an active Parent Teacher Organization, which helps keep the entire community engaged. Edgar Martin Middle is one of the most diverse schools in the state according to Niche. It has dedicated classes for deaf students as well as those for whom English is a second language. O. Comeaux High is a school specializing in performing, visual and applied arts. It’s known for its Spring musical and extracurriculars like Speech Squad or the Robotics Club. At the heart of the neighborhood is the Acadiana Mall. This enclosed shopping center serves the greater Acadiana region and has done for over 40 years. Opened in 1979, the mall has become an anchor of the community more than just economically. In 2005, it became the staging area for the group of volunteers known as the Cajun Navy, who rescued thousands of flooding victims during Hurricane Katrina. Open seven days a week, the center offers stroller and wheelchair rentals as well as a children’s area complete with a bungee jump trampoline, arcade and Build-a-Bear Workshop. Nearby, two of the city’s favorite restaurants are waiting to be sampled. Sushi Masa is more than a Japanese restaurant. It’s also an all-you-can-eat lunch and dinner establishment. If you’ve ever dreamed of being able to have unlimited sushi, this spot is worth waking up for. And speaking of waking up, The French Press is a breakfast, brunch and lunch eatery serving upscale versions of Louisiana favorites. Stop by for the modern comfort food and try the grits and grillades, a Cajun benedict or the boudin biscuits. Acadian Wood allows residents to live in a comfortable residential area while keeping close proximity to excellent dining and shopping options.

Arnould Heights might not be the first name to pop up when thinking about Lafayette, mostly because the neighborhood’s name isn’t well known. It’s a bedroom community located not far from Cajun Field or the Cajundome. It has a small commercial corridor with grocery stores, a bank and a pharmacy along West Congress Street and Ambassador Caffery Parkway, two of the area’s major roadways. But being nestled between downtown and the suburbs makes the neighborhood a wonderful combination of convenience and relaxation. The 020 and 015 buses have multiple stops throughout the subdivision, and the area isn’t far from the numerous restaurants on Johnston Street either. <br><br>Walking along the well-maintained and shaded sidewalks of Arnould Heights, you’ll notice the houses are just as meticulously cared for. Apartments, condos, town houses and single-family residences fill the area, although the most popular dwellings are still ranch-style houses built in the 1970s or later. Not many homes come to the market at once here as Cindy Herring, Broker and Owner of Cindy Herring Real Estate points out. “Arnould Heights currently only has one active listing with a price of $99 per square foot of living area along with one pending sale for a home with 1,327 square feet for $136 per square foot.” She further explains, “There were three homes sold last year, and their average price was $111 per square foot. Many of the houses there range from 1800 to 2000 square feet of living space.” Even with limited housing stock, the neighborhood is proving popular with those looking for single-family detached dwellings or for townhouses and condos. In fact, a two-bedroom condo starts in the $105,000 price range while a regular ranch-style residence with three bedrooms lists for $215,000. <br><br>Children in Arnould Heights can attend schools in the Lafayette Parish School System, Louisiana’s second most diverse and sixth largest school system. S.J. Montgomery Elementary has a dedicated English as a Second Language program and has earned a grade of B-minus from the education ranking website, Nitch. Lafayette Middle School partnered with the National Wetlands Center and the National Marine Fisheries Center to create an Enviornmental Science Academy to teach children through hands-on learning about the state’s unique ecosystems and how to save them. Lafayette High has earned a grade of A-minus from Niche as well as being ranked as one of the best college preparatory schools in the state. <br><br>Residents of the neighborhood don’t have to venture far to find some of Lafayette’s finest green spaces. Neyland Park spans 30 acres and includes a recreation center with an indoor Olympic-sized pool. Fans of baseball can play whole games or just get in some practice at the batting cages. Chargois Park has a large open area for play as well as soccer fields, a walking track and a playground complete with baby equipment. Covered picnic areas make a great way to beat the heat and catch your breath between pickup games of basketball or sessions at the outdoor fitness station. <br><br>In addition to green spaces, Arnould Heights is also close to the various restaurants of Johnston Street. Within the neighborhood, the choices are a bit slimmer but still pack great amounts of flavor into each and every dish. Soul Haus has built its reputation on providing comforting meals and the feeling of home every time you walk in. Specializing in plate lunches and boiled seafood, this Southern eatery rotates menu items throughout the week. Saigon Noodles is a haven for Vietnamese cuisine, and the quaint, cozy spot is famous for simmering its pho broth up to 16 hours.

Bendel Gardens takes its name from Henri Bendel, the fashion icon who bought the area in 1927. Residents live near the Vermillion River among mature oak and magnolia trees on streets that feature diverse architectural styles. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette and Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center are located within Bendel Gardens, making the area a hotspot for students and healthcare professionals. Cajun and Creole culture is pertinent throughout the area. Locals can enjoy the region’s flavors at establishments like Bon Temp Grill, and they can listen to Cajun music under mature oaks at the Lafayette Farmers and Artisans Market. For a change of pace, residents can head to one of the area’s many parks, like Girard Park, to spend the day outside. Bendel Gardens is a walkable community in the heart of the Lafayette area, offering locals luxurious properties and proximity to Lafayette’s amenities. Properties in Bendel Gardens range from early 20th-century Acadians to midcentury modern ranch-style dwellings to new contemporary builds. Lots are also available for those interested in custom-built properties. Homes range from under $100,000 for a condo to over $1.4 million for a larger home. Some properties sit by small streams or the Vermillion River, offering residents waterfront views. Most people rent their homes, and many properties have attached garages. Bendel Gardens’ geography makes it different than other communities in the greater Lafayette area. “It has the most hills of any neighborhood in Lafayette. The city is flat, so it’s unique,” says Tyler Albrecht, a Realtor with Keaty Real Estate, who has sold multiple homes in the area. Magnolias and mature oaks with hanging moss border narrow streets, creating a whimsical feel to the area. Bendel Gardens residents are just a short drive away from Moncus Park, which hosts the Lafayette Farmers and Artisans Market every Saturday. Visitors can enjoy listening and dancing to Cajun music under mature oak trees while feasting on local flavors and perusing the different booths. The park also hosts local food trucks some Fridays. Residents here can also check out some of the area’s many restaurants, like Bon Temps Grill, which serves up Cajun and Creole flavors and fresh seafood. For a night out, locals can head to one of the many bars clustered around the University of Louisiana Lafayette, like Freetown Boom Boom Room, which features live music, karaoke and even movie nights. On days they’d like to dine in, locals can pick up their groceries at one of the supermarkets nearby, like Champagne’s Market. Locals here have their pick of many nearby parks. Visitors of Girard Park can take refuge from the sweltering Louisiana sun by spending the day relaxing under tall oak trees. Sports enthusiasts can challenge their friends to a match on one of the many courts, while those who enjoy fishing can head to the pond to try to catch a fish. Kids cool off on the splash pad or play with their friends on the ADA-accessible playground. Boaters can take advantage of Beaver Park’s pond, which offers a boat ramp and fishing pier. The park is also home to a tennis center that offers lessons. On a day off, locals can head to the Hillard Art Museum to peruse through different rotating exhibits. They can also go to the Vermilionville Historic Village to learn more about folklife near the banks of the Bayou Vermillion River from the mid-18th century to the late 19th century. Visitors visit the Healer’s Garden to learn about medicinal plants used by Creole, Cajun, African Americans and Native Americans in the area during that period or learn more about the area’s culture through guided tours, cooking classes and live music. Children can enroll in the Lafayette Parish Public School District, which boasts a teacher-student ratio of 18 to 1 and is ranked as the 2nd best school district in Lafayette by Niche. Students can attend Woodvale Elementary, L.J. Alleman Middle and Lafayette High. All three schools received A-minus ratings from Niche, and the high school offers career and vocational programs. The Academy of Health Careers is a magnet program at Lafayette High that offers students specialized healthcare classes and partnerships with healthcare facilities and clinics. Bendel Gardens is home to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, which receives a Carnegie R1 classification, showcasing the university’s involvement in research. The University of Louisiana Lafayette is one of 250 universities around the world in the National Academy of Inventors, and the university is also known for its nursing and engineering programs. Bendel Gardens’ central location in Lafayette makes many destinations just a walk or short drive away. The area is very walkable, but since public transportation is limited, locals will need a car for farther away destinations. Lafayette Regional Airport is right outside Bendel Gardens, making it just around a 2-mile drive away for some residents. A major employer in the area is Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center, making Bendel Gardens appealing to healthcare professionals seeking short commutes. Another major employer in the area is the Lafayette Parish School District, and some schools, like Lafayette High, are about 3 miles away.

Settled along the banks of the Vermilion River, Bois de Lafayette has the convenience of city living because of its proximity to other neighborhoods and amenities. “It’s conveniently located right next to River Ranch, which is a big commercial destination,” says Realtor Arla Slaughter from Latter & Blum and longtime Louisiana resident. “You can access all the high-end restaurants and shops in River Ranch without paying River Ranch prices.” In the neighborhood, residents have space to spread out and breathe in subdivisions and gated communities. Bois de Lafayette’s active culinary scene celebrates Cajun cuisine and culture. Chris’ PoBoys has served the area since 1978 and brings the Louisianna sandwich to life with classic and specialty options. Ruffino’s On The River lives up to its name with a stellar view of the Vermilion. With fresh seafood and steak, Ruffino’s provides a higher-end dining option. Once a month, they offer 5-course dinners prepared in front of guests. Bois de Lafayette also boasts many bakeries that honor the French tradition. Lucia makes classic French pastries and cakes. Poupart Bakery specializes in traditional king and Mardi Gras cakes. Bois de Lafayette residents find fresh produce within the neighborhood at Fresh Pickin’s. This market connects shoppers with locally sourced and grown foods, from produce to seasonings, jelly and honey. Around 2 miles away is a Walmart Supercenter. River Ranch has a Fresh Market just 2 miles away. Just 3 miles away, locals can find a Costco and Target. Bois de Lafayette’s central location means it isn’t far from everything the parish has to offer. “We are known for our festivals,” Slaughter says. “Festival Internationale is the largest free music festival in North America.” This festival celebrates francophone music with local and international performances. The Festivals Acadiens et Creoles is a celebration of Cajun and Creole food, music and culture every year in Girard Park. In Moncus Park, the Lafayette Farmers and Artisan Market brings local vendors and residents together every Saturday morning. While it has produce and food, this market goes beyond traditional farmers' markets by offering crafts and gifts. River Ranch also hosts local events, like Rhythms on the River, a six-week outdoor concert series in the spring and fall on Thursday. French-inspired and New Orleans architecture is common in Bois de Lafayette. Townhomes and houses may have a balcony on the second floor with wrought iron detailing. Many homes are located within gated communities or planned subdivisions, creating a unique feel and culture for each community. Wide streets are lined with mature oaks swinging low with Spanish moss. Houses in this neighborhood will range from $200,000 to $800,000, depending on the size and location. Niche ranks Corporal Michael Middlebrook Elementary School as Louisiana's 28th most diverse public elementary and grants it a B-plus. Paul Breaux Middle School encourages language literacy with its Spanish and French immersion programs. Niche gives this school a B. O. Comeaux High School shows its love for the arts through its two art academy programs—Academy of Visual and Applied Arts and Performing Arts Academy. It receives a B-minus from Niche. For a private option, St Pius Elementary School sits at the center of the neighborhood, serving grades kindergarten through eighth. Girard Park has 33 acres of amenities and facilities, from a fishing pond and two playgrounds for kids of different ages to a jogging trail over a mile long and outdoor exercise equipment. Moncus Park is a newer outdoor amenity boasting a fishing pier and pond, a splash pad and a treehouse. There is also a walking trail loop and boardwalks through the Louisiana wetlands. Pinhook Road and Kaliste Saloom Road connect the neighborhood with others and downtown Lafayette, only 3.6 miles away. The 070 Bus runs along both streets, linking residents to shopping centers. Bois de Lafayette is only 3.5 miles from Lafayette Regional Airport, which offers major airlines like Delta and United. The nearest hospital is Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center, located 3.6 miles from Bois de Lafayette. “Lafayette is small enough to get across in 15 minutes,” Slaughter says.