Lower price points and a family-friendly atmosphere in Westlake
Westlake lies west of the Calcasieu River, across from the larger city of Lake Charles . Relatively affordable price points for modest but updated midcentury homes helped attract younger homebuyers, and today, the suburb offers a family-friendly atmosphere. Residents gravitate to its highly rated schools, nearby recreation and myriad community events. “Our demographic in Westlake is a lot of first-time homebuyers,” says Ambra Reinking, a Realtor with Compass and longtime resident of Westlake. “In return for that, we have a lot of family events because most of our demographic is families that are moving into the area.”
Updated midcentury homes, plus newer builds near the golf course
Grid-style neighborhood drives branch off from both sides of Sampson Street, the community’s main drag. Homes feature large, grassy front lawns shaded by scattered trees. Ranch-style houses might date back to the 1950s, though many have updated interiors. These sell for $90,000 to $250,000. “We have a lot of investors that went in and updated the older homes, and turned around and sold them for affordable prices,” Reinking says, noting that those affordable prices are lower than those in nearby communities. Westlake’s median sales price of roughly $190,000 is more than $50,000 below Moss Bluff 's. Newer brick builds are generally concentrated on the community’s northern half, including developments near the golf course, and range from $200,000 to $350,000. Larger waterfront homes can sell from $700,000 to $950,000.
Portions of Westlake are within FEMA-designated flood zones, especially near the rivers on the community’s edges. Homeowners may be required to maintain flood insurance.
Highly rated Calcasieu Parish schools in the community
Westlake is served by the Calcasieu Parish School Board, which receives a B-plus overall grade from Niche. Students can attend Westwood Elementary, which receives an A rating. S.P. Arnett Middle and Westlake High each get a B grade. Westlake High dates back to 1891 and offers career education options through the district, including programs in business management and agriculture. Nearby colleges include McNeese State University in Lake Charles.
Parks include sports facilities, a waterpark and nearby hiking
Recreation in Westlake centers on Pinederosa Park. The complex has playgrounds, a walking path and a splash pad, plus several baseball fields. The Lazy Gators Water Park was completed at the park in 2025, offering a pool, a lazy river and waterslides. Across the street from Pinederosa Park is the National Golf Club of Louisiana, a public course with practice facilities. Locals also enjoy hiking, camping and boating at Sam Houston Jones State Park, across the Calcasieu West Fork from Westlake. “Sam Houston Jones is on the West Fork River, and I actually live across the river from it, so we go there quite often to just walk around or go explore,” Reinking says. “We’ll paddle our kayaks over there and go check it out.” Hunters can head roughly 35 miles south to the Sabine and Lacassine National Wildlife refuges, especially known for waterfowl.
Well-known local restaurants and a grocery store on Sampson Street
Shopping and dining options are concentrated on Sampson Street, which cuts north-south through Westlake. Locals grab groceries at Market Basket, while several dollar stores sell discount goods. Fast-food eateries include a McDonald’s and Popeyes. But spots like El Tapatio Dos and Jeanne’s Bourbon Street BBQ are community staples, each drawing visitors from across the Lake Charles area. More shopping options can be found in Sulpher, Moss Bluff and Lake Charles.
Festivals and family events throughout the community
West Fest is Westlake’s flagship festival, held each fall at Pinederosa Park. The event features local food vendors, artisans and live music for the entire afternoon. Residents also come together to celebrate holidays, including a Christmas event held at City Hall with a holiday market and an appearance from Santa Claus. Mardi Gras is important throughout the region, and residents often head across the river into Lake Charles for the city’s parades. Located on the water, the Horseshoe Lake Charles casino in Westlake is a popular spot with locals, featuring concerts, events and Louisiana’s only Gordon Ramsay-branded restaurant.
Easy commutes to Lake Charles or nearby refineries
Interstate 10 cuts through the southern tip of Westlake, connecting it to Lake Charles just across the water, about 10 miles away. However, many residents work at the refineries and chemical plants around Westlake. While most people drive, the parish provides an on-demand transit system for rides throughout the area. Lake Charles Regional Airport, 15 miles south of the community, offers flights to Dallas and Houston. The closest emergency room is at the CHRISTUS Oschner St. Patrick Hospital, 5 miles away in Lake Charles.
