Firstly why Lafayette, Louisiana?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Lafayette
• State: Louisiana
• Population: 127,657 people
• Lafayette’s quick summary would be Celebrated for its rich Cajun culture and the lively Festival International de Louisiane.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 10,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 8,000 annually
• Net Migration: 2000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 1,000
• Number of Homeless people: 400

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it known for its vibrant music scene and Cajun culture attracting tourists and residents

Perk #1: Lafayette Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 35%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 57%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $49,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Lafayette is $45,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $-4000 in negative cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Lafayette’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 85 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,040
• Property Tax %: 0.9%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,100
• Rent for an average house: $1,500
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Downtown
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Lafayette, Youngsville, Carencro, Broussard, and probably could include Scott
• Avg. Age of Homes in Lafayette: 65 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Lafayette’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Lafayette are  Education, Healthcare, and Retail
• Lafayette Job Scene: limited job market primarily in oil and agriculture
• The General Tech Scene: developing tech scene centered around energy and local services , ,
• Lafayette Resident’s pay $1,000 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Lafayette: 9%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 80 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 6

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Lafayette

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $90 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-49 connects Lafayette to the surrounding regions
• Commute Time: 25 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: slowdowns on Johnston Street
• Transportation Score: 37 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Lafayette: 70,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.5
• No. of Car Washes: 5 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Lafayette: expresslane.org
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 57 of 100
• Local Airport: Lafayette Regional

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Lafayette’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Hurricanes
• General Weather in Lafayette is best described as features a humid subtropical climate with hot humid summers and mild winters offering beautiful spring blooms and comfortable autumns
• Winter Weather in Lafayette i’d describe as mild and rainy
• Spring Weather in Lafayette can be described as warm with rain possible
• Summer’s in Lafayette are mostly hot and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Lafayette is usually warm with sunny intervals
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 40 days in summer
• Days in a row in Lafayette below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 63 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality influenced by local emissions
• Lafayette Winter Air generally acceptable air quality influenced by local sources

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Lafayette Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Lafayette 6
• While the number of trade schools inside Lafayettes’s city limits are 3
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Lafayette Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Lafayette Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Lafayette only Doctors is about 65
• Local Hospitals here is  5
• Full-time Lafayette only Police Officers is about 140
• Crime Rate Index: 50/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Lafayette’s Monthly utility bill average is $90
• Lafayette’s Monthly Gym Membership: $50
• Lafayette’s Water Quality Score: 70

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Lafayette

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 10 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: city known for its Cajun culture and music scene
• You might enjoy local music at the Cajundome
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Lafayette  features a festive nightlife with live music clubs cultural events and vibrant restaurants celebrating Cajun culture

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Lafayette

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Offers a rich mix of Cajun cuisine and local eateries
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 30 scattered around Lafayette
• The Popular Sports Team is Lafayette Cajuns
• Top Level Political Climate in Lafayette can be described as politically mixed city with strong emphasis on culture and community
• Lafayette’s Longer standing religious establishment is Lafayette First United Methodist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Lafayette Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Lafayette has 15 Parks?
• Lafayette City Park is Lafayette’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Lafayette Farmers Market normally open Wednesday 3pm-6pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, fishing, and cultural tours

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Lafayette Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Lafayette can be described as pleasant pace with a rich Cajun culture and community vibe
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Lafayette exploring nature visits to parks local festivals arts and crafts
• The Cities people commute to from Lafayette are New-Iberia 13 miles away Baton-Rouge 50 miles away Breaux-Bridge 14 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Lafayette or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: slowdowns on Johnston Street. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Lafayette’s Hurricanes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Downtown is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Lafayette are New-Iberia 13 miles away Baton-Rouge 50 miles away Breaux-Bridge 14 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 50 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Lafayette has 0 days in a row below freezing and 40 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Lafayette people have an average (positive or negative) $-4000 in negative cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   400 homeless people living in Lafayette. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically mixed city with strong emphasis on culture and community could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Lafayette.

Retiree & Senior Life in Lafayette

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might access property tax assistance programs that support housing costs
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Veranda
• Lafayette Senior Center provides community events wellness programs and meal services for older adults

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Lafayette, Louisiana?

If Lafayette, Louisiana ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Lafayette, Louisiana, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!