Once a railroad town, now centered on Louisiana Tech
Like many cities and towns in North Louisiana, Ruston was initially shaped by the railroad. But by the middle of the 20th century, Louisiana Tech University had grown into the city’s main draw, a title it still holds today. “The university is kind of the lifeblood of the city,” says Barry Brasher, a Realtor at the Brasher Group who has lived in Ruston for four decades. “Tech and the city are now really merging together — not that they were ever far apart, but the university now has property almost all the way to the main street.” Ruston also offers a highly rated public school system and a lively, walkable downtown area for its roughly 20,000 residents.
There are references to the railroad everywhere in Ruston and its influence on the city.
Campus life is full of action at LA Tech in Ruston.
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Ruston's academic focus from kindergarten through college
Students in Ruston are zoned into Lincoln Parish Public Schools, rated A-plus and ranked the state's second-best district by Niche. High school football is a big part of the community spirit, and students generally attend A-rated Ruston High School, winner of nine state championships. With more than 11,000 students, Louisiana Tech University is the fifth-largest school in the state. Grambling State University, a historically Black college, is 5 miles west of town.
Students at Ruston Elementary School are taught to dream big and have fun in class.
Teachers at Ruston High School are making lifelong learners one student at a time.
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Fan Base is one of several spirit wear shops in Downtown Ruston that get you ready for the game.
Shopping and dining in downtown Ruston
Route 167 splits into two one-way roads through downtown Ruston. The two roads, Vienna Street and Trenton Street, are the city's main commercial drags, creating a walkable district with restaurants, boutiques and spirit wear shops for Tech. On weekends, students flock downtown to restaurants and bars like Ponchatoulas. “You can park and walk from campus,” says Brasher. “It’s very convenient.” Shopping centers like the North Park Mall offer chain restaurants and department stores north of Interstate 20.
Cheering on the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
As a Southern college town, Ruston sees an uptick of energy and school spirit during the fall football season. The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs play at Joe Aillet Stadium, which seats nearly 30,000. College basketball also has a proud history at Louisiana Tech, where the women’s team has won three national championships.
The city has several festivals and events, including the Louisiana Peach Festival. Held on the first weekend of June, the celebration has been held since 1951 and includes live music and awards for fruit vendors.
Ruston residents can catch a game at Joe Aillet Stadium where the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs play.
The Thomas Assembly Center is a sports arena in Ruston, that hosts basketball games and other events throughout the year.
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Ranch-style homes and cottages throughout Ruston
Housing west of downtown focuses on apartments and rentals for Louisiana Tech students. However, many single-family homes sit east of downtown and north of the interstate. Brick ranch-style homes and small cottages are most common, while larger Acadian-style homes make up the high end of the market. The median price in Ruston is $260,000, considerably lower than the national median of $406,100.
Ranch style homes take advantage of all the large lots in suburban Ruston.
Cottage homes are one of the most common styles in the city of Ruston.
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Youth sports tournaments at the Ruston Sports Complex
Ruston heavily invests in local recreation. A leading example is the Ruston Sports Complex, a 185-acre facility that features 20 baseball and softball fields, nine tennis courts and an indoor gym with six basketball courts. “They have baseball tournaments and softball tournaments,” says Brasher. “They’re fully booked. I don’t even know if they’re even booking for dates next year because every weekend is taken up.” Railroad Park sits adjacent to the tracks downtown and hosts many city events, and residents can also explore suburban parks with playgrounds and trails.
Head to the Ruston Sports Complex on the weekends to catch one of the many youth sports tournaments.
Railroad Park sits adjacent to the tracks downtown and hosts many of the favorite events in Ruston.
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Access to Monroe and Shreveport via I-20
Most residents work in the city, with Louisiana Tech and the Northern Louisiana Medical Center being major employers in the region. Interstate 20, the main route across North Louisiana, cuts through Ruston. Monroe is roughly a 30-mile drive to the east, while Shreveport is closer to 70 miles west. For commercial flights, residents can head to Monroe Regional Airport, which offers service to Dallas and Atlanta. There is currently no passenger rail service in Ruston, but Amtrak is studying the feasibility of a line along I-20.
Crime rates and hazardous heat
According to FBI data, the violent crime rate in Ruston is in line with the state rate and has held steady for the past five years. The property crime rate has increased over that same period and is now higher than the state figure.
Ruston has hot, humid summers and cool winters. Triple-digit temperatures are not uncommon in the summer months.
Written By
Brendan Doyle
Photography Contributed By
Mitchell Hester
Video By
Drew Webster
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