Born in 1925, Clifton Chenier grew up in Opelousas, Louisiana, a small city in Acadiana. Influenced by traditional French Creole music and the burgeoning rock ’n’ roll scene in the 1950s, Chenier took up the accordion, put together a band and began playing a new style of music. The genre slowly adopted the name “zydeco,” and Chenier was crowned its king. Today, a popular festival and parade help Opelousas celebrate its status as the Zydeco capital of the world. While the population of roughly 15,000 is slowly declining, Opelousas residents often have deep roots in the area, staying for the city’s industrial jobs and low cost of living.
Opelousas was established in 1720.
Opelousas is a small quant South Louisiana town.
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Comparatively affordable Opelousas housing
The median home price in Opelousas is $174,500, less than half the national figure. “A house here, you can get a lot more than you would even just down the road in Lafayette,” says Lana Soileau, a Realtor with Real Broker, who has lived in the area for 45 years. “You get some good bang for your buck.” Well-maintained ranch-style homes and bungalows often make up the top end of the market, while cottages and national-style dwellings are frequently more affordable.
Ranch style homes are very common throughout Opelousas.
Bungalows can be found when looking to move to Opelousas.
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Opelousas' festival celebrating its musical heritage
The Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival often draws over 10,000 attendees. “The festival is a big deal,” Soileau says. “People come from all over the world to attend.” Anchored by plenty of zydeco music, the festival also includes a parade through downtown Opelousas.
Across Interstate 49 from downtown, Evangeline Downs has a casino and racetrack. Residents and visitors head to the casino for race weekends plus live music and entertainment.
Downtown Opelousas' bounce back
Like many downtowns, Downtown Opelousas went through a rough spell in the late 20th century. However, the Opelousas Main Street organization is helping to reinvigorate the area. Landry Street, the main drag downtown, has bars, boutiques and music venues. Meanwhile, shopping centers line Creswell Lane and the frontage roads around I-49, with supermarkets, hardware stores and chain restaurants.
Landry Street in Downtown Opelousas has bars, boutiques and music venues.
Creswell Lane in Opelousas has many shopping centers like St Landry Plaza.
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French-immersion programs at St. Landry schools
The St. Landry Parish School District serves the city of Opelousas and receives an overall C-plus grade from Niche. Students can attend specialty schools, including Ecole St. Landry, which offers immersion into French, or the Magnet Academy for Cultural Arts, which receives a B-plus grade. Private school options include Opelousas Catholic School, rated B-plus. A campus for South Louisiana Community College is located downtown, and students can also head to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, about 25 miles away.
Magnet Academy for Cultural Arts was opened in 2005 to educate the many talented students.
Opelousas Catholic School has an overall Niche grade of B+.
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Recreation at city parks on either side of downtown
Residents enjoy two main parks in town. South City Park has several baseball fields, tennis courts and a playground. Donald Gardner Stadium, on the park's east side, serves as the home field for Opelousas High School football. Meanwhile, North City Park offers a swimming pool, playgrounds and an event pavilion.
South City Park has many different activities to enjoy.
North City Park has many different activities to enjoy.
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Agriculture, oil and manufacturing jobs in Acadiana
Opelousas is in the heart of Acadiana, where agriculture has long been a way of life. Today, manufacturing and the oil industry also employ large numbers of Opelousans. I-49 runs 25 miles south to Lafayette, the region’s largest city, and 60 miles north to Alexandria. Lafayette is also home to the nearest commercial airport, serving hubs like Dallas and Atlanta.
Interstate 49 runs through Opelousas connecting it to Lafayette and Alexandria.
Opelousas is in the heart of Acadiana, where agriculture has long been a way of life.
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Crime rates and environmental risks
According to FBI data, violent crime and property crime rates in Opelousas are higher than state and national figures. While violent crime rates have stayed somewhat steady over the last five years, property crime rates have slowly dropped.
Opelousas experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters. Hurricanes can affect the city with damaging winds and heavy rain, though its inland location means flood risk is lower than in areas closer to the Gulf Coast.
Written By
Brendan Doyle
Photography Contributed By
Andrew Williams
Video By
David Strayer
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On average, homes in Opelousas, LA sell after 152 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Opelousas, LA over the last 12 months is $210,000, down 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Tucked away in the quiet Nottingwood Estates, this stunning home sits on an oversized lot just under 1 acre and delivers the ultimate entertainer's dream. The backyard is truly show-stopping, featuring an inground gunite pool, wood-burning outdoor fireplace, brick pizza oven, and an extended covered patio with cathedral ceilings with stained wood planks, and exposed beams. The outdoor kitchen is
Built in 1965, this beautifully maintained home exudes timeless charm. Offering 1,461 square feet of living space, it features 2 spacious bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, all set on a generous double frontage lot measuring .419 of an acre -- a rare find so close to town. Step inside to a warm and inviting living area complete with built-ins, a gas fireplace, and abundant natural light. You'll
Magnificent Grand Acadian-Style Custom Home on 1.37 Acres!Situated on a meticulously maintained, tree-shaded corner lot, this stunning property offers exceptional curb appeal with expansive front and rear porches lined with French-style doors and custom upscale wood-frame windows. A large front and backyard provide ample space along with a workshop and RV cover.Step into the beautiful backyard
Eligible for Rural Development 100% Financing!Looking for more space, privacy, and peace without giving up convenience? This 2019 Clayton home offers the best of both worlds. Tucked away on a quiet, oversized lot, this modern farmhouse-style home gives you room to breathe--yet you're still just minutes from Sunset, Opelousas, and Church Point.Inside, you'll find 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, and TWO
Your search for the ultimate Louisiana estate ends here with this extraordinary 11.308-acre tract on Highway 31 in Opelousas. This is a rare 'plug-and-play' opportunity to build your dream home or create a private recreational paradise just south of the city, featuring over $90,000 in recent site improvements that allow you to skip the months of infrastructure logistics. The property boasts a
Discover the potential of this charming 3-bedroom, 1.1-bath, 1,800 sq ft country-style home--perfect for those looking to personalize a property with great bones and unique features. While it is a fixer-upper, it offers wonderful spaces to build upon, including two inviting sunrooms filled with windows and natural light, as well as a welcoming front porch that sets the tone for peaceful country
Welcome to this beautifully designed 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home offering 2,177 square feet of elegant living space. This French-style residence blends timeless architecture with modern comfort, featuring an inviting fireplace that creates a cozy centerpiece in the living area.Enjoy peace of mind in Flood Zone X, along with a covered patio and porch--perfect for relaxing mornings or entertaining
Land zoned for commercial use in highly visible and accessible area of Opelousas, near landmark retail. Has parking pad for 2 vehicles with room to expand and build to suit. Great through street adjacent to medical professional building and apartment complexes. No flood insurance mandate.
Your dream home awaits! Step into luxurious living with this split-level fully remodeled 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home, sitting on approximately 2 acres where privacy and elegance meet functionality, creating the perfect haven for both relaxation and entertaining. The front entrance welcomes you into a spacious 4,255 (approx) square-foot interior adorned with high ceilings, many Anderson doors and
Tucked away in the quiet Nottingwood Estates, this stunning home sits on an oversized lot just under 1 acre and delivers the ultimate entertainer's dream. The backyard is truly show-stopping, featuring an inground gunite pool, wood-burning outdoor fireplace, brick pizza oven, and an extended covered patio with cathedral ceilings with stained wood planks, and exposed beams. The outdoor kitchen is
The beautiful farmland presents phenomenal development opportunities with road frontage and access from three sides. Situated just 5 minutes from the Interstate and a major state highway, this property offers plenty of room for a subdivision. Several tree lines adorned with majestic oak trees enhance the picturesque setting. Located just a few miles outside the city, the property provides a
This tract presents an excellent opportunity to own a buildable piece of land with everything you need to get started. With blacktop frontage, access is convenient and reliable, while the setting provides the peace and privacy of country living. Electricity is already on site, making it an ideal spot for your new home, weekend retreat, or small homestead. The acreage is just the right size for
This property offers an excellent opportunity to own a small acreage tract with all the features needed to create a comfortable homeplace. With blacktop frontage, access to the property is easy and convenient, making it ideal for those who want country living without sacrificing accessibility. The tract is buildable and already equipped with electricity on site, cutting down on development costs
This charming, newly remodeled 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers a perfect blend of modern comfort and peaceful country living in the Lawtell community. Nestled on a spacious lot of approximately 0.81 acres, the property features a wide-open floor plan accented by fresh paint and elegant crown molding throughout. The updated kitchen is a standout with stylish butcher block countertops and a gas
Welcome to your new home sweet home! This charming 3-bedroom house in Opelousas is perfect for anyone looking for comfort and convenience. With 1.5 bathrooms and a spacious 1400 square feet, you'll have plenty of room to relax and unwind.This property is pet-friendly, so bring your furry friends along! Enjoy the included amenities that make life easier:- Refrigerator- Exhaust
3 bed 1 bath house available for rent, section 8 accepted. Central ac and heat, stove and refrigerator provided. Pets allowed with management approval and $250 nonrefundable pet fee.
Come check out this beautiful remodeled 2-bedroom, 1-bath home. New paint, new floors, and storm efficient windows will be sure to make you feel right at home. Stop by and make this one yours today!
Welcome this rental to the Opelousas market, providing adequate housing for Opelousas residents! This home welcomes Section 8 recipients! Come and take a look to get settled in to your new place! Your new home has 3 large bedrooms, 1 bathroom, living room, and den inside, with a dining area and big kitchen! Enjoy the appliances that are readily provided, refrigerator, oven, heating, and cooling
Welcome to 2515 Terry, nestled in the sought-after Lakeview Subdivision near I-49. This beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 1-bath home is move-in ready and waiting for you to make it your own.The home features central air and heat, ensuring comfort year-round. Inside, the vinyl plank and tile flooring add a contemporary touch, combining durability with style--perfect for busy households and easy
This cozy and charming home is in a desirable and friendly neighborhood, where comfort meets convenience! This charming 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom property is perfect for those seeking a peaceful living environment with easy access to all essential amenities.
Spacious home out the city limits of Opelousas.Freshly updated home ready for you to move in.3 bedroom, 2 baths, spacious kitchen, dining area, living area.Screened in back patio.
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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.
