Louisiana offers quiet living in a historic river town
Louisiana lies on the west banks of the Mississippi River, offering a peaceful small -town atmosphere with a historic Main Street and views of the waterfront. Public parks and local waterways provide recreational opportunities, and the waterfront backdrop serves as a popular destination for walks and picnics. With community events and businesses in downtown, the hamlet has a selection of shopping, dining and entertainment options. “It’s a historic river town with an abundance of history,” says Dusty Thornhill, founder of Thornhill Real Estate & Auction Co with over 20 years of experience. “It also has easy proximity to Route 79. If you travel for work, it’s not far from Hannibal and Illinois.”
Modest homes and renovated properties in Pike County
With small rolling hills and views of the Mississippi River, the city follows a grid layout, and houses sit on narrow roads and linear square blocks. Built from the late 1800s to the 1900s, modest cottages, Minimal Traditional houses and fixer-uppers may sell from $10,000 to $110,000. Raised ranches, split-levels, Craftsman bungalows and ranch-styles can go between $120,000 and $260,000. Lots are usually under a quarter-acre, and families have enough room to keep a small garden or lawn space. “There are a ton of homes there that go from $10,000 to about $50,000,” Thornhill says. “These homes need lots of work; the structure of the houses are there, but you almost have to build a completely new home. In general though, houses average around $100,000 to $150,000.” Manufactured homes and multi-family properties can go between $35,000 and $220,000. Blight can pose challenges to the city, and houses in designated flood zones may be required to have flood insurance.
Public school system serving Louisiana
The city is served by Louisiana R-II School District. Students may attend Louisiana Elementary School and then continue to Louisiana Middle School. Louisiana High School has sports programs for softball, football, track, golf and cheer. All three schools have a B-minus grade from Niche.
Parks and local YMCA offer many recreation opportunities
Riverview Park offers a hilltop view of the Mississippi River, and those into water sports can find a boat ramp several streets down the river. In addition to providing youth sports and afterschool programs, Twin Pike Family YMCA has an indoor heated pool, an aerobics room and indoor track. Sunset Park has a play area and open green spaces, and Wallace memorial Park features sports fields. The Mississippi River offers more water sport opportunities, including boating, kayaking and fishing.
Local shopping and dining options in Louisiana
Local businesses and restaurants line along North 3rd Street and Georgia Street. K.C.'s Place is a local buffet decorated with sports memorabilia, while Izola's Place serves breakfast and brunch classics. Dollar General and County Market line along Georgia Street, and residents can also shop for fresh produce at the local farmers market between May and October.
Distance to Hannibal and St. Louis
U.S. Routes 54 and 79 pass through the community. Hannibal is about 30 miles north, and St. Louis is approximately 100 miles away. St. Louis Lambert International Airport is 70 miles south of the community, and Pike County Memorial Hospital is in the city.
Events and celebrations in Louisiana
For over 40 years, the Louisiana Country Colorfest happens annually in October, featuring family-fun activities, an art show, a car show, live entertainment and food. Winter festivities include a Christmas parade, a home tour on the first Saturday of December and a craft fair.
