$247,806Average Value$125Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
A rural community receiving suburban growth
Where its southern neighbor of Moss Bluff is a more suburban and developed environment, less than a mile up U.S. State Route 171, "Gillis is more countryside -- cowboys, ranch homes and acreage," says Realtor Vicky Fuselier of Exit Realty Southern. "Once you leave Moss Bluff, it starts to get hilly and it's lots of land that's cheaper to live on out there." But while the cost of homes is generally lower than in Moss Bluff and other suburbs of Lake Charles, a competitive buyer's market in the suburbs is causing new construction to creep northward into Gillis gradually. "Now that more and more people seem to be moving up there, the lots are getting smaller," says Realtor Tim Feist of Century 21 Bono Realty. Even though the rural atmosphere is evolving alongside increasing suburban stylings, Gillis will likely continue to offer the idiosyncrasies of a rural lifestyle for a while, at least until it gets its own supermarkets, parks and critical infrastructure.
Newer Acadian-style homes next to established ranchers
The town's residential areas come into view on the shoulders of well-paved country roads as drivers turn at Gillis' only stoplighted intersection. The further one drives down Gillis Cutoff or Topsy Road, ranchers set far back on massive lots display Gillis' agricultural roots. But these homes are often occupied by multigenerational owners and rarely sell. Far more common are manufactured homes and new construction located in growing subdivisions. Single- and double-wide manufactured homes sell for between $100,000 and $185,000, often found in tightly packed communities. Next door, single-family subdivisions like Oak Meadows contain a mix of newer homes, some built around the early 2000s, and others built within the last 5 years. The vast majority of Gillis' new slab homes are built in an Acadian style, featuring tall, shingled roofs and natural sidings, causing them to sell for a higher price range of $200,000 to $230,000.
Explore luxury living in a big, beautiful house located in the quiet charm of Gillis.
Families love the quiet charm of Gillis where nature and community thrive together.
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Boudin balls and burgers from Gillis Grocery
Its frontier-themed businesses especially illustrate the small-town charms and design of Gillis. The Gillis Grocery, a food market at a busy intersection, invites travelers in off U.S. Highway 171 with its warm wooden exterior. Inside, shoppers find a full-service deli counter serving regional delicacies like boudin balls, crawfish pie and chicken gizzards, plus standard fares like burgers and fried foods. Also sold there are essential grocery items. Next door, yet another old saloon-like building houses Gillis Meat Market, which offers a place in town for choice cuts of duck medallions and other meats, plus prepared foods like boudin. Aside from those options, the closest full-scale grocery store is a Walmart Neighborhood Market roughly 5 miles south in Moss Bluff. There are additional restaurants to try on the way to and from Moss Bluff, like Los Ponchos Mexican Grill, a regional chain famous for its buy-one-get-one deal on margaritas.
Gillis Grocery in Gillis, Lake Charles, offers fresh produce, daily essentials, and friendly ser
Find everything you need at Gillis Grocery, for everyday shopping convenience.
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Farmers market at Gillis Meat Market
With very few businesses in town, the Gillis Trade Days farmers market tends to draw large crowds seeking organic fruits, veggies and other produce without driving all the way south to Moss Bluff. Religion is also an essential generator of community bonds in Gillis. Some residents attend weekly services at First Baptist Gillis in addition to special events like New Year's Eve parties and a Thanksgiving Festival. Additionally, the church hosts camps that are open to the public, which help keep kids occupied during summer break.
Discover premium cuts and fresh meats at Gillis Meat Market, located in Gillis, Lake Charles.
Gillis Meat Market, Lake Charles, offers quality meats and friendly local service.
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Fully car-dependent, no sidewalks
Roughly 20 miles of highway separate Gillis from the job centers around Lake Charles, making it a car-dependent area. Paratransit bus services stop roughly 8 miles shy of town, although local schools do provide transportation to students. There are no neighborhoods with sidewalks in town, but traffic is so low that most residents walk on residential streets without much worry for their safety.
Explore a variety of charming houses in Gillis, perfect for every lifestyle.
Find cozy, affordable houses in Gillis, ideal for creating a quiet, family-friendly lifestyle.
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School playgrounds and trips to parks in Moss Bluff
Without a park in town, many residents make do with their own private pools and backyard playsets. Louisiana state law also allows for the public use of school buildings, including the playground at Gillis Elementary. Roughly 7 miles south, the Don Manuel Memorial Sports Complex maintains 10 baseball diamonds, shaded basketball courts and a multipurpose sports field. Recent investments seek to improve the park's amenities, including a new playground and pickleball courts for the fall 2024 season. Gillis is also known for an outdoorsy lifestyle, perhaps even more than suburban Moss Bluff. But with few navigable waterways in Gillis, anglers have to hitch their small craft and trail it south to River Bluff Park if they want to use a public boat ramp and put in their small craft.
Don Manuel Memorial Sports Complex in Gillis offers top-notch facilities for sports enthusiasts
Discover the serene landscapes of River Bluff Park in Gillis, a perfect nature retreat.
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Small class sizes at Gillis Elementary
Students in Gillis begin school in town at Gillis Elementary, which has an overall Niche grade of B. Distinguished from other schools in the district for its small class sizes, students receive personalized attention with an average class size of 15 students per teacher, which is below the national average of 17 students. Once they reach 6th grade, students head south to attend Moss Bluff Middle School, which has a B-plus Niche score. By ninth grade, students begin attending Sam Houston High School, also in Moss Bluff. In addition to a B-plus Niche score, the school boasts other distinctions, like a spot in the top 55 public high schools for athletes in Louisiana.
Students are the highest priority at Gillis Elementary School.
Moss Bluff Middle School offers plenty of AP and Honors courses.
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Septic systems and bayou flood zones
Although Gillis is further north and of slightly higher elevation than most portions of the Lake Charles area, it is still prone to flooding, mainly because Gillis does not have a sewer system. All homes in the area rely on mechanical septic sewers for wastewater disposal, which presents its own struggles and costs with upkeep. Heavy rain runs off streets into parallel drainage trenches that connect with a network of small bayous segmenting the landscape. Several portions of town are thus designated flood zone AEs – a special hazard flood zone. Structures in these areas are more at risk than others and often require flood insurance.
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
Lauren Dunn,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Transit
Airport
Lake Charles Regional
30 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Gillis
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Gillis, Lake Charles sell after 190 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Gillis, Lake Charles over the last 12 months is $246,880, down 5% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover the perfect blend of luxury and comfort with this custom-built home by LaRocque Homes in Moss Bluff. Boasting 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a 2-car garage, this home is designed with your lifestyle in mind. The open floor plan is ideal for modern living, with stunning antique beams that beautifully separate the dining and living areas. Enjoy the tranquility of a screened-in patio
2009 Clayton mobile home on large lot, spacious kitchen/dining combination, large family room, split master, concrete driveway and parking, metal roof, dead end street. All measurements are more or less. Owner/Agent
Discover this stunning new construction 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home located in the tranquil Meadows Subdivision, just minutes from Gillis Elementary and the conveniences of town. Embrace the serene country atmosphere while enjoying modern living. This home showcases exceptional craftsmanship and upscale finishes throughout. Step inside to find elegant vinyl plank wood and decorative tile flooring,
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lauren Dunn,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
894
Median Age
36
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
29.3%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$88,372
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$97,519
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
92.8%
College Graduates
19.5%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
6.5%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67.1%
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®
32/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
13/ 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.
