Nicknamed "Louisiana's Sweet Spot"
With a population of about 2,000 people, Sorrento is a quiet place – but it’s undoubtedly scenic and surrounded by unique retail options, making it a natural fit for those who like a mix of rural and suburban lifestyles. Humid, green and located on the Mississippi River, it certainly expresses the slow Southern lifestyle. Yet residents find liveliness at The Cajun Village, a collection of local vendors and artisans which are housed in historic buildings. Plus, Sorrento is part of Ascension Parish, placing it 30 miles from Baton Rouge and 50 miles from New Orleans, earning it the nickname of “Louisiana’s Sweet Spot.” Realtor Shane Robertson with Flavin Realty says "this is a real quiet area, where people originally from the city may move to, but what also draws people here is the good school system."
Minimal Traditional homes for $200k
Given the rural tendencies of Sorrento, it’s not uncommon for homebuyers to see open lots for sale on country roads. A 2-acre parcel can sell for $147,000. But for those who want a move-in ready property, they can just as easily find a Minimal Traditional home on a 1.5-acre property for $190,000. These three-bedroom homes will have an elongated, rectangular layout and come with modern finishes inside. Neighbors can be seen from the unfenced yard, creating sense of community. Other versions may include brick accents on the façade, a carport and additional space bringing the total to four bedrooms. Several highways cross through Sorrento, so homebuyers will notice that residential streets tend to fork off at irregular intervals from these main thoroughfares. This does have the advantage of cutting down on random traffic passing through, and promotes the quiet lifestyle that Sorrento is known for.
Competitive clubs at East Ascension High
A well-regarded school system adds to the neighborhood’s appeal. Sorrento Primary School scores high, with an A in diversity and an A-minus overall from Niche. Gonzales Middle has a student-teacher ratio of 16-to-1, and earns a B overall. East Ascension High has a 16-to-1 student-teacher ratio, and gets a B-plus in clubs and activities. In 2023, the school’s marching band participated in a national competition by covering songs written by Metallica.
Pelican Country Club is a former sugar cane farm
On the west end is Pelican Point Golf & Country Club. The course covers a former sugar cane farm, and is covered by 30 acres of lakes, making for a scenic experience. A more defining body of water sits on the southern border of Sorrento: the mighty Mississippi River. Romeville Park sits near the water and offers athletic facilities and a playground
Jelly-stuffed beignets at The Coffee House
Community vibes are found at The Coffee House at the Cajun Village. Not just a place to grab coffee, patrons are also seen chowing down on cheeseburgers and jelly-stuffed beignets. Quirky décor like old machinery and carafes enhance the rustic atmosphere. Ralph’s Market on the west end gives residents plenty of options for weekly groceries, and the retail destinations in Gonzales can be found by driving just a mile north – there’s Walmart, Lowe’s and other big box stores clustered around the high school.
I-10 for getting to the big cities
One of the big advantages of living in Sorrento is the access to numerous key transportation routes. Interstate 10 runs east-west across the middle of the neighborhood, which is the best way for residents to explore the region, whether that’s Baton Rouge or New Orleans. Route 61 runs along the northern border, and is ideal for getting to the retail destinations in Gonzales. Route 22 is the primary north-south thoroughfare in Sorrento, and leads residents to the Sunshine Bridge when crossing the Mississippi River.
Jambalaya and reptiles
One of the biggest festivals of the year is the Jambalaya Festival, which is held in Gonzales every May. Dancing, live music and carnival rides are other diversions in between the festival's main culinary draw. For those who aren't shy around reptiles, The Repticon Reptile & Exotic Animal Show is an eccentric extravganza with live animal demonstrations. It comes to Gonzales several times throughout the year.
Photography Contributed By
Andrew Williams
