$164,654Average Value$122Average Price per Sq Ft3Homes 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.
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On average, homes in Freetown-Port Rico, Lafayette sell after 33 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Freetown-Port Rico, Lafayette over the last 12 months is $132,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath home in the heart of Lafayette with excellent investment potential! Featuring a brand new roof only 2 years old, this property is a great candidate for a renovation project, flip, or rental investment. The cozy layout offers plenty of natural light, old style charm, and its all ready for your personal touch. Situated on E Vermilion Street, you'll be minutes from UL
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
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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
Very cute free town home within walking distance to UL. The cutie has tons of natural light, recent floors and fresh paint stove, refrigerator and washer/dryer in unit.
Modern Student Living! Unbeatable Location! Brand new 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartments only steps away from The University of Lafayette. Featuring in-unit laundry, all appliances included, and roomy living spaces in a quiet setting. Secure your spot today for a fall semester Aug 1st move in date!
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