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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Short Sale Approval!! This brick 3-bedroom, 2-bath home, with a full size wall safe and a 2 year-old roof, sits on a double corner lot in Royal Gardens subdivision, Opelousas South. It features an oversized primary bedroom and bath, a cozy gathering room, and a private kitchen and dining area. The covered patio includes a hot tub, and the large metal shop provides ample space for hobbies, outdoor
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.
This expansive, classic-style residence beautifully balances timeless charm with modern flexibility. Designed with a dual purpose--whether for a thriving business or a welcoming family environment--the home boasts a full front porch that invites relaxation and conversation. Its layout emphasizes both communal space and private retreat, making it an ideal choice for diverse needs.The heart of the
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
Exclusive La Poste De Opelousas is a gated community in Opelousas South. This property at 190 Imperial St, Landry features a welcoming front porch and a covered patio, perfect for outdoor living.Inside, a wall of windows showcases a neutral color palette that complements any decor. Durable laminate wood flooring runs throughout, and a stylish foyer provides privacy as you enter the home.The home
Great opportunity to own a investment property and get residual income on a monthly bases or Renovate this home and make it your personal home. Make this home a part of your portfolio
Step into this well-built 1966 home that exudes timeless charm and thoughtful design. The residence features a formal dining room, a cozy kitchen with a breakfast area, and a spacious gathering room perfect for family and friends. With 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, there's plenty of space for comfort and privacy.A major plus is the roof, which is only 5 years old--providing added assurance and
Country living in the peace and quiet across from Bayou Teche. Corner lot is .49a with two sheds and majestic oak trees. Center match walls, new AC in and out, new ducts. Close to Church, Schools, Grocery store and gas station
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
This solid constructed property is a standout opportunity for those looking to personalize a home or invest in one with excellent long-term potential. It boasts 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and offers 2,603 square feet of living space on a generous 1.03 acre lot in the well-established Fort Hamilton Heights neighborhood. New roof installed in 2021. Whether you're looking to renovate, invest, or build
An impressive 23 x 35 workshop offers exceptional space for projects, storage, equipment, or recreational vehicles, complementing this well-maintained traditional-style home with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and 2,464 square feet of living area. It's all situated on a corner lot with more than 3/4 of an acre just minutes from I-49 in Opelousas. Inside, the renovated kitchen features updated
Discover this spacious 2-bedroom, 1-bath home, offering a large gathering room and an open kitchen--perfect for entertaining. The house is in excellent condition, ready for immediate move-in, and qualifies for 100% financing, making it an accessible choice for many buyers.With plenty of space for parking, you'll never worry about finding a spot. The chain-link fence surrounds the yard, providing
Welcome to this well-maintained 3-bedroom, 1-bath single-family home located in a quiet and established neighborhood in Opelousas. This home offers approximately 1,051 sq. ft. of living space on a large lot (nearly half an acre), providing both comfort and outdoor space.This property features spacious bedrooms with closets, a large living area, and an open kitchen with ample storage, making it
Mary Adams ThomasMARY & COMPANY REAL ESTATE SERVICES
Cute 2 bed/1 bath mobile home in Country View Mobile Home Park. Quiet country living. Lawncare included! Call us for your showing today!Pets: Small dogs only (25lbs or less) Non-refundable pet fee $300. Pet rent $15/month.Electricity: ClecoWater: City of OpelousasTrash: Bayou State WasteElementary School: Call SLPSDMiddle School: Call SLPSDHigh School: Call
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
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.
Welcome to this freshly updated 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom single-family home located in Opelousas neighborhood. This home has been recently painted and features new laminate vinyl flooring, offering a clean, modern, and low-maintenance living environment. The layout includes a spacious living room and separate dining area, providing functional space for families. The bedrooms are well-sized with
Mary Adams ThomasMARY & COMPANY REAL ESTATE SERVICES
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