$182,268Average Value$147Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
Back with culture like never before post-Laura
Downtown Lake Charles is the cultural heart of the city — a heart that sometimes needs resuscitating. In 2020, Hurricane Laura hit the area hard. One high rise near the lake had nearly all its glass blown out by high winds. But life in Southern Louisiana is all about resiliency. In downtown Lake Charles, that means building resiliency into new construction with future storms in mind, while also nurturing the neighborhood's already strong sense of community. The cultural cachet of New Orleans tends to steal the spotlight 200 miles away, but Lake Charles has its own downtown brimming with events, restaurants, shops and parks, many of which recently returned after Hurricane Laura drove them out. "We're the most highly populated of our five-parish area, so we're able to bring in artists and bands and all kinds of things from around our area into downtown," says Cameron Fultz, executive director for the Arts & Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana. "There's actually quite a lot to do around here, especially for free or on the cheap. There's a very community-driven arts scene and culture around here. It's very laid back. I would say it's a big town in a small city."
Enjoy world-class entertainment and events in Downtown Lake Charles.
Explore the natural beauty and southern hospitality of Lake Charles.
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Recovery efforts creating more housing options
Hurricane Laura left a lot of damage in downtown Lake Charles, and rebuilding is still ongoing in some parts. In particular, the northern neck of land between the lake and Interstate 10, around the Lake Charles Visitor Center, is among the most significant development areas in the city, though not for residential space. "There's a new giant Children's Museum is being built there. They're doing a lot on the beach fronts. And soon, they're actually going to be replacing the I-10 Bridge," Fultz says. Rebuilding has brought more options into the central parts of downtown, particularly for renters and condo owners. Recently built condos in a new traditional style typically begin around $225,000, sitting roughly in the middle of the neighborhood's price range for single-family homes. Most of these detached new traditional homes can be found just beyond the reaches of downtown. Because most have recent renovations, they typically sell for between $115,000 and $320,000.
Embrace the urban lifestyle in Downtown Lake Charles apartments.
Explore the convenience of townhouse living in the heart of Lake Charles.
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Beach days and library visits on the lakefront
Parks are in full supply around downtown. Practically all of the lakefront is park land, so even a morning jog offers a scenic view. On the north shore of the lake, swimmers can enter the waters at North Beach while sunbathers watch from the white sand shoreline. Across I-10, a public boat launch offers access to the lake. On the opposite end of the lakefront, Millenium Park's playground and splash pad attract dozens of kids and their parents from across the city. Meanwhile, its transient marina provides a place to lay anchor for however long is needed. Meetups occur between residents and their pets further into downtown at Bark Du Lac Dog Park. And if it's raining, there are several indoor activities to kill some time, such as classes and programs at the Calcasieu Parish Public Library Carnegie Memorial Branch.
Come fly a kite in the fields at Bord du L.Ac. Park.
Go crabbing in Lake Charles at Veteran's Memorial Park.
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Students begin at John J. Johnson Elementary
Students in downtown Lake Charles begin school with kindergarten through second grade at John J. Johnson Elementary, which earns a Niche score of B. For grades 3 through 5, students attend Ralph F. Wilson Elementary. Next comes Ray D. Molo Middle Magnet School for grades 6 through 8, followed by Washington-Marion Magnet High School for grades 9 through 12. Aside from Johnson Elementary, all other schools in the pathway have Niche scores of C.
Educational opportunities abound at John J Johnson II Elementary.
Cultivating a love for learning at R. F. Wilson Elementary School.
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ChuckFest, art strolls and other free cultural events
The anchor point of Downtown Lake Charles, Bord Du Lac Park, ties the region's culture with frequent events, whether ticketed shows at the Lake Charles Event Center or free concerts at the Arcade Amphitheater. But following Laura, the city was without its constant schedule of events – a trend that has changed with the return of most annual events. "It took about two years to really get back to a place where we could have those things. But there's a lot we lost. We lost a few traditional theater houses. So, we're kind of still writing that part of the story a little bit." Nowadays, the Gallery Promenade, the Spring Art Walk and the annual Mardi Gras parade on Ryan Street have all returned. Many more events continue to happen downtown, like ChuckFest, a free all-day extravaganza of music, food and Southwest Louisiana culture.
Car dependent with plenty of parking
Ongoing and recently completed pedestrian infrastructure improvements have made some parts of downtown more friendly to those who rely on the heel-toe express. Although bus routes also service Downtown Lake Charles, the city is a largely car-dependent area, so most residents commute by car. The good news is that downtown isn't strenuously congested at most hours. "Some people have the opinion that our parking situation downtown isn't good. And that's just not true. There's plenty of parking, I think," Fultz says.
Bringing back brunch at Pujo Street Cafe
A few years after Laura, many downtown businesses have finally reopened. Residents can once again swing into the historic buildings that house businesses like art galleries, Pujo Street Cafe for a New Orleans-style brunch, or Corner Market to shop for knickknacks. Villa Harlequin offers an intimate setting for upscale Italian dishes. There's plenty of casual options too, like Tia Juanitas Fish Camp, beloved for its hearty regional delicacies like gumbo and boudin. After a meal, MacFarlane's Celtic Pub draws in diners looking for a nightcap or live music. But, according to Fultz, "The only problem with our downtown, in my opinion, is there's not a lot of grocery stores or things to supply the everyday needs of people who live directly downtown." That means residents usually travel less than a mile south for groceries at a nearby Walmart Neighborhood Market.
Enjoy a taste of local flavor at Pujo St Cafe, Downtown Lake Charles.
Savor delicious meals in a cozy setting at Pujo St Cafe, Lake Charles.
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Things to consider
Altering bodies of water is the great pastime of the Lower Mississippi River Basin, especially in southern Louisiana. In fact, some of downtown – particularly Bord Du Lac Park – is all human-engineered land dredged up with drainage projects in the early 20th century. Previously, the city's pumps and drains were going into disrepair. However, recent history has compelled the city to modernize its drainage and pumping systems. "The city's been working really hard on resiliency just in general," Fultz says. "Previously, anytime it rained, there'd be a pool outside, but it's actually been getting a lot better." Nonetheless, buyers looking near the lake, especially near the Pithon Coulee Pump Station on Lakeshore Drive, should consider the hazards of these areas.
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
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Parks in this Area
Millennium Park
Veteran's Memorial Park
Bord du L.Ac. Park
Bord Du L.Ac. Park
Captain Daniel Johannes Goos
North Beach
Bark Du Lac Dog Park
Transit
Airport
Lake Charles Regional
16 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Lake Charles
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
7
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Downtown Lake Charles Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Lake Charles, Lake Charles sell after 199 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Lake Charles, Lake Charles over the last 12 months is $157,500, down 13% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Step into luxury and convenience with this 3-bedroom, 2-bath townhome nestled in the heart of downtown Lake Charles. Designed with style and functionality in mind, this modern residence features an open-concept layout, sleek finishes, and an inviting atmosphere perfect for both everyday living and short-term rentals. Whether you’re looking to invest or settle in, this property offers incredible
This spacious vacant lot offers a prime location in the heart of Lake Charles, Louisiana, making it the perfect opportunity for your next development project or dream home. Situated in a desirable neighborhood, the property boasts ample space for various possibilities.
Turnkey opportunity in Charleston Point! This fully furnished 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath executive townhome is ideally positioned directly across from the Lake Charles lakefront, Millennium Park, and the Lake Charles Event Center. Offering an open-concept living, kitchen, and dining area with granite countertops, pantry, and laundry, the home is thoughtfully designed for comfortable living or immediate
The only urban-style luxury apartments in downtown, Lake Charles. Erdace Apartments is a four-story elevator community featuring 270 units. Our beautiful apartments feature 10ft ceilings and spacious, private balconies. Erdace is poised at the center of everything: fine dining, shopping, art, and entertainment. With a gated parking garage, large workout facility, stylish clubhouse, two
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
EMILY ROSS,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
963
Median Age
44
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
22.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$30,536
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$58,898
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
81.7%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
22.2%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
8.2%
% Population in Labor Force
62.9%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
60''
Average Winter Low Temperature
44°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
40/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
7/ 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.
