Lake Arthur is a quiet lakefront town in south Louisiana
Lake Arthur is a traditional south Louisiana destination in the heart of Cajun Country. Residents enjoy slow-paced, waterfront living in this town of about 2,500 along the lake with which it shares a name. The small town hasn’t changed much over the years, even with the addition of a few more businesses along Louisiana 26, which connects the community with Interstate 10. Modern highlights include a lakefront park and a pair of above-average community schools. “It’s a little, sleepy town. It’s quiet, and the lake is a big attraction,” says Sheryl Manuel, a self-employed Realtor who sells homes in the area.
Options include lakefront homes and older, more affordable homes
An eclectic mix of homes along the lake are the community’s most expensive. The adjacent lakefront is lined with piers, several of which have boats docked at the end. Ranch-style homes on spacious lots stand out as they mingle with older housing stock along quiet streets in the heart of town. Mature trees add color to the serene surroundings. Ranchers often come with carports, and some feature attached garages. Cracker homes and shotgun-style designs are common among smaller offerings. “It’s very, very affordable because the homes are older,” Manuel says. “It’s a very low cost of living.” Many of the older homes are priced in the $50,000 to $100,000 range. Larger homes range from about $120,000 to around $600,000. Residents can expect long, hot summers and plenty of rain and humidity. The area is at high risk of flooding. Several inland homes are elevated on cinder blocks, and lakefront homes require flood insurance.
Lake Arthur Park offers several amenities on the waterfront
Lake Arthur Park is the community’s recreational centerpiece. “It’s got some of the oldest oak trees around,” Manuel says of the setting. “It’s also got courts for tennis and pickleball, playgrounds and all kinds of great stuff for families. The 11-acre green space features a beach and a boardwalk. Residents can fish and launch boats there, too. “Just across the lake is some of the best duck hunting you’ll find,” Manuel adds. Lake Arthur connects to other nearby lakes, offering plenty of adventures for boaters and anglers. Ballfields anchor Dickie Chapman Recreation Park. Nature lovers can experience the landscape and wildlife of Cajun Country via the Flyway Byway, a scenic, 55-mile stretch that includes the route from Lake Arthur to Jennings along Louisiana 26.
Residents can dine on the water, at local hidden gems
The community features the Regatta Seafood and Steakhouse, a lakefront restaurant that is a regional attraction. Patrons can enjoy fine dining while watching boats go by as the sun sets. Live music adds to the ambience. “Regatta is great, but the hidden secret is Nott’s,” Manuel says. “It’s very much simple looking on the outside, but the food is phenomenal.” Nott’s Cajun Restaurant is located in the middle of a residential area, and it would be easy to miss, if not for the giant red crawfish out front. A few shopping and dining options are available on Louisiana 26. Pappy’s Drive Inn is a local institution along the corridor that has been serving up comfort food classics since 1957. More shopping and dining options can be found in Jennings, about 10 miles north.
Two community schools are rated above average
Students don’t have to leave the community to attend school. Lake Arthur Elementary School, which serves students in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade, is rated B-plus by Niche. Lake Arthur High School is rated B. They are part of Jefferson Davis Parish Schools, a district rated B-plus. Eligible students can transfer within the district.
Hospital, Interstate 10 are nearby
Ochsner American Legion Hospital is conveniently located in Jennings, which provides access to I-10. The interstate connects west to Lake Charles, about 45 miles away, and east to Lafayette, about 50 miles away. Lafayette Regional Airport is about an hour’s drive from the community.
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Written By
Matt Pallister
