Watson

It’s not unusual for towns to spring up around important features like a river or a crossroads. It just so happens that Watson, Louisiana has both. This unincorporated area is close to Denham Springs and Baton Rouge, and its heart is formed around the junction of Louisiana Highways 16 and 1019. Bordered on one side by the twisting Amite River, the neighborhood provides easy access to everyday essentials, recreation and multiple dining options. European settlers have been here since at least the 1860s, and the Watson Post Office was established in 1894. The area was originally called Live Oak, and many community members still use that name. In fact, several local schools and at least one church use the moniker, too.

Watson stretches over a unique combination of open land and tightly packed residential and commercial areas. Semi-urban and semi-rural, you’ll find plenty of room to build your custom home should the existing choices not be exactly what you need. From small starter homes to mid-size traditional houses to large contemporary estates, Watson has them all, particularly ranch-style homes from the 1970s. If you’re a fan of gardening or lawn care, large lot sizes can help you create your own leafy green haven. Housing prices range from $160,000 for a three-bedroom, two-bath traditional home to $475,000 for a five-bedroom, three-bath newly constructed estate.

Students in Watson can attend several schools such as the Live Oak facilities. Live Oak Elementary was a 2022 Top Gains Honoree earning an A for student progress and participates in a web-based accelerated reader program. Live Oak Middle is one of the top 100 best public middle schools in Louisiana according to Niche. Its sixth graders take part in a technology program that allows them to have school-furnished laptops for classes and homework. Live Oak High School was established in 1895 as a one-room schoolhouse. In the many years since, it’s become one of the top 25 best college prep public schools in the state according to the educational ranking website Niche.

Meandering along the highways, you’ll find no shortage of Louisiana’s beauty or unique recreation opportunities. Basics Paintball offers low-impact sessions of the sport along with the nearly no-impact sensation, Gellyball. Found east of Baton Rouge, locals and visitors alike frequent the business for birthdays, team-building events, and even bachelor parties. The challenging courses and large playing fields make the experience fun and challenging for first timers and seasoned players alike. Rental packages contain all the equipment you need for a great round of ball, be it gel or paint.

Oak Point Fresh Market has been owned and operated by the Sumich Family since the first store opened in 1956. The 30,000-square-foot Watson store was established in 2006 and is run by the third generation of proprietors. The family’s strong belief in quality products has continued since the beginning of the full-service grocery, and strong ties to the community has helped the store to expand into a second store in the Baton Rouge area. In addition to high-quality meats and freshly baked bread, the store offers local produce, Louisiana seafood and gorgeous bouquets.

Watson also has dining options to suit every palate. Papis Fajita Factory is a full-service Mexican restaurant specializing in fajitas. Its calling card is the fajita tower: a three-level experience with four different types of meats and melted cheese covered in a crawfish cream sauce. The extensive menu of Tex-Mex, Mexican and Latin American dishes ensures no one leaves hungry while the fully stocked bar makes the best margaritas around. Open every day of the week, the eatery offers tempting salads, enchiladas and playful presentations of tacos and desserts you’ll have to see for yourself.

Watson is an unincorporated community not far from Baton Rouge that provides residents with the comforts of suburbia without the sensory overload of the city.

Written By

K.T. Phillips

Photography Contributed By

Greg Riegler

Video By

Nathan Allen