Monteigne

Mature trees, apartments, condos, and single-family houses fill Lafayette’s Monteigne neighborhood. An established bedroom community, the Coulee Mine stream flows through the middle of the area, splitting it between streets of residences and streets of small trade shops. The neighborhood is so centrally located in midtown, residents can walk to arenas like the Cajundome or Cajun Field as well as to schools like Lafayette High or the Southern Louisiana Community College. It’s also close to downtown, Ochsner University Hospital and Clinics and stops for the 015/Congress and 020/Cameron-Dulles buses.

Monteigne is the sort of place where people pass their homes from one generation to the next. Because of this, not many residences are on the market at any one time. There are limited lots for sale in case you’d like to create your own custom dream house. Otherwise, you can find homes that have been recently renovated or some waiting to be. Architectural designs here are overwhelmingly traditional with many town houses, Acadians and ranch-style dwellings represented. Prices range from $75,000 for a one bedroom and bath condo to $225,000 for a ranch-style home with three bedrooms and two baths.

Students in Monteigne attend schools overseen by the Lafayette Parish School District, the second most diverse and sixth largest system in the state. Young children could attend S.J. Montgomery Elementary which has a dedicated English as a Second Language program and has received a B-minus grade from education ranking website, Niche. Lafayette Middle scores well in diversity and operates an Enviornmental Science Academy in conjunction with the National Wetlands Center & the National Marine Fisheries Center. This gives students hands on opportunities to learn about Louisiana’s unique ecosystems and how to protect them. Lafayette High School is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and has been named one of the best college preparatory schools in Louisiana. The A-minus school also runs an Academy of Health Careers for those wishing to pursue employment in the medical field.

Not far from Monteigne is one of Lafayette’s favorite green spaces. Neyland Park sprawls over 30 acres in the heart of midtown. The space is practically two parks in one since the large recreation center offers a gym, weight and game rooms, instructor-led classes and an Olympic-sized indoor heated pool on its own. But the outdoor area offers plenty of fun too. There’s a playground complete with baby equipment on site as well as batting cages, ball fields and basketball courts. The space is designed to be all inclusive and has ADA-accessible bathrooms and water fountains too.

While Monteigne is primarily residential, it does have its share of trade and crafts shops as well as a brewery, community college, and a handful of eateries. The Toy Room has everything a passionate fan of action figures needs. From new to used to vintage-in-box items, this well-organized spot lets you search by franchise for your next must-have collectibles.

Adopted Dog Brewing is Lafayette’s only brewery. It specializes in craft drinks made with the culture of Acadiana in mind along with an elevated pub food menu designed to highlight the various beers. Everything is brewed in-house, and guests are greeted with various brewing vessels on display throughout the building.

Café Habana City was the first Cuban restaurant and mojito bar in the Hub City. It’s known for flavorful family recipes, the smell of garlic, cumin and oregano, and upbeat Caribbean music as you enter. Created in 2002 by a first-generation immigrant family, the community has made the spot into a neighborhood favorite for plantain chips and pressed sandwiches.

Monteigne is also home to the South Louisiana Community College. Established in 1997, the learning institution offers over 50 programs leading to associate degrees, technical diplomas and certificates. Serving the great Acadiana region, it’s accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and teaches courses in business administration, culinary arts, digital media design, nursing, medical billing and more.

Located just minutes from downtown, Monteigne is a sometimes-overlooked bedroom community within walking distance of some of the city’s best schools and sporting facilities.

Written By

K.T. Phillips

Video By

Jacob Cardwell