$167,792Average Value$157Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
History and diverse heritage on display in Freetown-Port Rico
Freetown-Port Rico is a standout neighborhood just next to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and the city’s downtown. Formed around the end of the Civil War, the area got its name from being a safe haven for freed enslaved people. Over the years, more cultures gravitated to it, and soon, residents from Africa, Lebanon, the Middle East, Greece, Spain and Ireland filled the primarily residential space. The neighborhood was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2016, with more than 670 buildings contributing to the designation. Today, this quaint neighborhood is home to specialty shops, places of worship, recreational spaces and music venues.
“Freetown has a very rich history. Not everyone knows about it, but everyone that learns about it is very interested in it,” says Tyler Albrecht with Keaty Real Estate. “There are mostly older homes on piers in the area. They have wood frames and have been there 50 to 100 years. The neighborhood is also very diverse. Some people have lived here their entire lives, and some are new college students.”
Cottages and bungalows in a historic housing district
Living in a historic district can offer some interesting advantages for homeowners. Historic tax credits might be available to preserve and restore houses, but even if not, the designation often encourages owners to take especially good care of their property, keeping the values high. Most homes in Freetown-Port Rico were built before the 1950s and are primarily made of cottages and bungalows. But strolling the streets will reveal a few Folk Victorians, Tudor Revivals and even a minimal traditional or two. The neighborhood also has a unique homeowners association called the Freetown-Port Rico Coterie. This 12-member board of elected residents makes plans and solves challenges to benefit the area. Prices range from $180,000 for a two-bedroom town house to $255,000 for a three-bedroom, two-bath detached single-family residence.
Highly rated education and extracurriculars at Lafayette High School
Students in the area might attend Woodvale Elementary which has an active Parent Teacher Committee, a student-produced morning newscast, science lab, typing club and music classes. Paul Breaux Middle features both French and Spanish Immersion courses along with a respected gifted program. There are also plenty of options for the athletically inclined with choices like soccer, track and field, volleyball and basketball. Lafayette High has been ranked the #6 standout high school in the state by Niche, an education ranking website. The diverse facility is a Louisiana Distinguished School accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. It sponsors speech and debate teams, arts programs, a school newspaper and the yearbook.
Ice cream and Cajun specialties add flavor to shops and restaurants
One of the loveliest things about living in a historic district is all the unique, long-lasting shops you can find. Borden’s Ice Cream Shoppe, for instance, has been operating in Lafayette since 1940 and is the only Borden’s run ice cream retail store left in the world. Evoking decades past, this true neighborhood business will remember your name after the first visit. Even before you get in the door, the friendly bovine face of Borden’s own spokes-cow, Elsie, greets you with a smile as you approach. Open seven days a week, this old-fashioned ice cream parlor has outdoor seating, malts and milkshakes, and, of course, freshly churned ice creams.
Another neighborhood gem is the Acadian Superette. In business for almost 40 years, the shop took a turn in 2015 when it was bought by Robert Autin. Not only the owner but the executive chef too, Autin built a new patio, fireplaces and smoking equipment to ensure all the meats sold here would be made in-house. The Lafayette native makes the store’s charcuterie as well as Cajun specialties such as boudin sausage and Tasso. If you’d like to stop in for a hot meal, locals are especially pleased with the BBQ plate, Ragin’ Cajun Po-boy and the Reuben, complete with house-made pastrami.
Community spirit fueled by history near downtown Lafayette
Freetown-Port Rico is a charming area just next to downtown Lafayette that welcomes residents with its combination of history and community spirit.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Charles Ditch,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Beavers Park
Baseball/Softball
Fishing
Picnic Area
Heymann Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Picnic Area
Girard Park
Parc Sans Souci
Parc Putnam
Transit
Airport
Lafayette Regional/Paul Fournet Field
5 min drive
Bus
Vermilion Street & Forrest Street
Bus
Vermilion Street & Pinkhook Road
Bus
Garfield Street & Gordon Street
Bus
Vermilion Street & Alley Street
Bus
Vermilion Street & Taft Street (Outbound)
Bus
Garfield Street & Walton Street
Bus
Pinhook Road & General Mouton Avenue (Outbound)
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Freetown-Port Rico
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Freetown-Port Rico Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Freetown-Port Rico, Lafayette sell after 27 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Freetown-Port Rico, Lafayette over the last 12 months is $207,500, down 80% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath townhome located just 0.4 miles from University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Freshly painted in 2019, along with no carpet throughout, offers a clean, updated feel. Downstairs includes the living room, kitchen, and primary suite, while upstairs you'll find two additional bedrooms, a shared bathroom, and a versatile landing space. Additional highlights
Hard corner commercial lot with great visibility and easy access to Hwy 90 North and South, offering exceptional exposure and convenience for both local and through traffic. This site provides strong frontage, high daily traffic counts, and seamless connectivity to major Lafayette corridors--making it an ideal location for retail, service, users looking to capitalize on visibility and
Duplex was moved to this location around Dec 2019 and has been partially renovated and vacant. Units have been wired with separate meters, re-plumbed for sewer and water but not connected to utility provider. No HVAC and no hot water heaters installed. Unfinished interior including bathrooms and kitchens. Front unit is 3 bedroom, 2 bath, kitchen, laundry living room and 1 unfinished room that is
The Quarters Student Living, a pet-friendly and gated community located just steps from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, offers the ultimate off-campus living experience. Our fully furnished 1, 2, 3, and 4-bedroom apartments are designed with students in mind, featuring private bathrooms, in-unit washers and dryers, and spacious common areas perfect for relaxing or studying. Rent at The
This cozy and stylish home offers the ideal blend of convenience and charm! Easy access to local shopping, dining, and ULL campus! Call us for your showing today!
Property Id: 1226138This is an upstairs 2 bedroom 1 bath unit close to downtown and university. The unit has been recently refreshed/remodeled with new paint throughout, new laminate flooring in living area and features a private staircase which opens into a unique floor plan. The home has original hardwood flooring and tile in the bathroom (No Carpet). Kitchen comes with the gas
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Charles Ditch,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,230
Median Age
30
Population Density
8 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
9.1%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$24,499
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$37,393
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
93.9%
College Graduates
32.2%
Advanced Degrees
6.1%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
56.7%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
63''
Average Winter Low Temperature
44°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
63/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
80/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
