Welsh's strong schools and recreation in farm country
Surrounded by farm country, the small town of Welsh is a rural outpost of a little more than 3,000 people. “You have a lot of crawfish farmers, rice farmers, corn, soybean,” says Ambra Reinking, a Realtor with Compass and longtime resident of the area. “It’s more of a farm town. With those old farm towns, you’re raised there, you stay there.” Agriculture drives the town’s economy, but residents also have access to well-rated schools and outdoor recreation.
Ranch-style homes in town and larger properties outside
Within town, homes sit on modestly-sized lots along tree-shaded blocks. Houses range in age from the early 20th century through more modern builds. Ranch-style homes make up much of the market. On the outskirts of town, lots get larger, including several working farms. Smaller homes can sell for $70,000 to $170,000, while newer and larger properties go for $190,000 to $390,000. Welsh’s overall CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, lower than the national figure of 4.
Parts of Welsh are within FEMA-designated high-risk flood zones. Homeowners in these areas may be required to have flood insurance.
Education at well-regarded Jeff Davis Parish schools
Welsh is zoned to the Jefferson Davis Parish Public Schools system, which receives a B-plus overall grade from Niche. Students may start at Welsh Elementary, which gets a B-plus grade. Welsh-Roanoke Junior High gets a B, and Welsh High earns an A-minus. Niche ranks Welsh High as the best high school in the district. The school offers career programs in subjects including business, agriculture and health.
Outdoor recreation includes camping, hunting and fishing
Sportsman Park, on Welsh’s south side, is the most popular spot for recreation in town. Youth sports leagues play at the park’s baseball and softball diamonds, while locals can take part in more informal games of tennis or horseshoes. The park also features a playground and a small campground with RV hookups. However, residents often head outside town for more outdoor activities. The region is known for hunting and fishing, especially in Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge, 25 miles from Welsh. “Duck season is huge down here,” Reinking says. “If people enjoy hunting and fishing, this is definitely a place they want to be.”
Shops and restaurants downtown and along Russell Street
The intersection of South and Adams streets is the heart of downtown Welsh. While some of the 20th-century facades sit empty, city offices, a bank and various retailers occupy the storefronts. But more shops are located along Russell Street, such as Market Basket for groceries and several dollar stores. The Parish Seafood Company serves lunch specials and seafood baskets from a deli counter, plus prepared seafood boils to go. B & C’s Place is a watering hole popular with residents. Ten miles east, Jennings has more shopping options, including Walmart.
Welsh's farmers market and holiday celebrations
Local farmers bring produce into town over the warm months for Welsh’s weekly farmers market, held at Sportsman Park. The town also hosts holiday celebrations, including for Mardi Gras. These festivities are headlined by the traditional Mardi Gras Run, a costumed horseback ride through town. Otherwise, residents head to the county seat of Jennings for community events, like the Jeff Davis Parish Fair each fall.
Interstate 10 heads from Welsh to Lake Charles
Interstate 10 runs through Welsh, leading roughly 25 miles west to Lake Charles . Residents not working in agriculture tend to commute in that direction for work. Though the Jefferson Davis Council on Aging provides on-demand rides for seniors, most residents drive. Welsh has a general aviation airport, but Lake Charles Regional Airport is the closest spot for commercial flights. Oschner American Legion Hospital in Jennings offers services that include an emergency room.
