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Moving to Baton Rouge in 2025?
Complete Moving Guide
This is a complete guide for Moving to Baton Rouge.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to Baton Rouge.
Planning to move to Baton Rouge?
Moving is considered one of the biggest decisions of one’s life. Whether you move within or out of state you will have to face many challenges. If you are planning to move to Baton Rouge, you must be aware of these features or challenges in the city. The climate of Baton Rouge is hot and humid where temperatures can go higher than 90-degree Fahrenheit. However, the city experiences frequent rainfall throughout the year and is prone to hurricanes. The cost of living in the city is generally lower than the national average. The city is rich in cultural heritage influenced by Cajun and Creole traditions. The city is known for its Southern Hospitality. It is home to Louisiana State University (LSU) which adds a youthful vibe to the city. The city has higher crime rates and you need to be prepared for the risks. There are so many things that you should learn about Baton Rouge before you move to the city-
- Quick Facts About Baton Rouge
- Top Reasons To Move To Baton Rouge
- Pros And Cons Of Living In Baton Rouge
- Best Neighborhoods In Baton Rouge
- Cost Of Living In Baton Rouge
- Job Market In Baton Rouge
- Major industries in Baton Rouge
- Education System in Baton Rouge
- Transportation And Navigation In Baton Rouge
- Things To Do In Baton Rouge
- Taxes In Baton Rouge
- Insurance Required In Baton Rouge
Quick Facts of Baton Rouge
Let us explore some interesting and unique facts about Baton Rouge-- Baton Rouge is the capital of Louisiana.
- The city is famous for its delicious Cajun and Creole cuisine.
- The city is located on the Mississippi River which is a vital waterway for commerce and transportation.
- The Louisiana State Capitol is a landmark in Baton Rouge.
- The name “Baton Rouge” is French for “Red Stick” which refers to a cypress pole marked with red dye.
- The city has several haunted locations like the Myrtles Plantation and the Old State Capitol.
- Bengal Punch which is a precursor to modern sports drinks was invented at LSU in the 1950s.
- The city has several historic districts like the Old Governor’s Mansion and the Capitol Park Museum.
- The city offers birdwatching opportunities with a variety of migrant birds.
Top reasons to move to Baton Rouge
Before planning your move, find the reasons to take such a huge step. The move must make you happy and here are some of the best reasons to move to Baton Rouge-
- Cost of living- The city offers an affordable cost of living which is lower than the national average. The cost of housing, utilities, and groceries are generally more affordable.
- Cultural Heritage- The city is a unique blend of Cajun and Creole cultures, cuisines, and traditions. Baton Rouge has a unique vibrant arts scene with music, festivals, and more.
- Job Market- The city has a growing economy and a strong job market. Several industries are contributing to economic growth like healthcare, education, and more.
- Education- The city offers high-quality education with the presence of top schools, colleges, and universities. The prestigious public research university- the Louisiana State University (LSU) is in Baton Rouge.
- Recreational opportunities- There are many beautiful parks, lakes, and recreational opportunities in Baton Rouge. The city has proximity to the Mississippi River and the Gulf Coast.
- Climate- The city has warm winters and hot summers with plenty of sunshine.
- Sense of community- The city has a family-friendly environment and the people of the city are known for their Southern Hospitality. The city has a strong sense of community.
Pros & Cons of Living in Baton Rouge
A new city will bring many challenges, and if you know about the pros and cons of living in Baton Rouge, you can experience an easy move.Pros of living in Baton Rouge | Cons of living in Baton Rouge |
---|---|
The cost of living in the city is affordable compared to other cities | The summers can be very hot and humid which can be uncomfortable |
The city boasts a unique blend of Cajun and Creole culture and traditions | The city is located in hurricane-prone region |
The economy is growing with a strong job market | The public transportation options are limited in the city |
There are numerous outdoor activities for recreation | data-bTraffic congestion can be a problem during peak hours |
The city is known for its warm and welcoming Southern Hospitality | Crime rates are higher in the city |
The enjoys mild climate with warm winters and hot summers | data-bLouisiana politics can be divisive and controversial |
Best Neighborhoods in the Baton Rouge
Finding a new home in a new city can be challenging but this is a primary task on your moving checklist. Before you move to Baton Rouge, it is better to explore many neighborhoods online. Here, we have compiled a list of some of the best neighborhoods in the city-
- Southdowns- This neighborhood is known for its family-friendly environment, good schools, and mix of older and newer homes.
- University Acres- This is one of the best neighborhoods that are family-friendly. It is a popular destination for professionals as it offers various housing styles.
- Garden Districts- The neighborhood is known for its historic homes and beautiful architecture. This location is in proximity to LSU.
- Highland- A neighborhood popular for its mix of old and new homes. It is close to LSU and the state capitol.
- Sherwood Forest- This neighborhood offers peace with ample green spaces and a strong sense of community.
- Baton Rouge Country Club- This is a prestigious neighborhood with tennis courts, golf courses, and clubhouses.
- Broadmoor- This neighborhood is a historic location with beautiful homes, a tranquil atmosphere, and more.
Cost of living in Baton Rouge
Creating a moving budget and evaluating the cost of your move is essential if you want to experience a smooth transition. The cost of living is the prime factor that can help you determine the finances that you need in the new city. Generally, the city offers an affordable cost of living, and here is the breakdown for the same-
Category | Baton Rouge (in USD) |
---|---|
Housing |
|
Average Monthly Rent for a 1-Bedroom Apartment | $900 |
Median Home Price | $250,000 |
Utilities |
|
Monthly Utility Bill (Electricity, Gas, Water, etc.) | $150 |
Transportation |
|
Average Monthly Cost of Owning a Car (Gas, Insurance, Maintenance) | $300 |
Food |
|
Monthly Grocery Bill | $300 |
Healthcare |
|
Monthly Health Insurance Premium | $200 |
Housing Market in Baton Rouge
The housing market in Baton Rouge is currently a buyer’s market. The home prices are relatively stable and there has been more supply of homes than the demand. The market can fluctuate and the specific neighborhoods will have different trends. The median sale price in the city is around $200,000.
Average rental cost in Baton Rouge
The average rental cost in Baton Rouge is around $1,200 per month. The average rental cost depends on many factors including location, size, and type of the property.
Baton Rouge job market
Most people move to another city to find a better job, and you can learn about the economy and job market of Baton Rouge in this guide. The job market in the city is experiencing steady growth in various sectors. However, the job market can be influenced by various factors including economic trends and industry demands. Before you plan to move to the new city, explore its job market online.Top Career Options in Baton Rouge
Before you move to Baton Rouge, learn about the employment opportunities in the city, and explore the job market data and top career options. Here, we have provided the data for career options available in Baton Rouge-
Job Title | Average Salary | Entry-Level Salary | Number of Employees |
---|---|---|---|
Chief Executives | $199,330 | $66,030 | 80 |
Nurse Anesthetists | $198,050 | $168,580 | 60 |
Architectural and Engineering Managers | $164,410 | $93,990 | 330 |
Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric | $160,280 | $138,810 | 40 |
Industrial Production Managers | $137,370 | $82,640 | 420 |
Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors | $134,910 | $78,030 | 80 |
Chemical Engineers | $134,000 | $100,660 | 470 |
Pharmacists | $132,180 | $99,520 | 880 |
Petroleum Engineers | $128,970 | $110,350 | 60 |
Optometrists | $126,740 | $64,580 | 50 |
Median Salary in Baton Rouge
The median salary in Baton Rouge is $50,155 per year. The median salary depends on factors including experience, job role, and more.
Transportation And Navigation In Baton Rouge
Understanding the transportation and navigation of a city before moving there will help you understand more about the city. The transportation of Baton Rouge primarily depends on the car as owning a vehicle in the city is essential for most residents. Public Transportation- The city has different options for public transportation like CATS (Capital Area Transit System) which operates buses throughout the city. Ride Sharing options- There are Uber and Lyft as ride-sharing modes of transportation. Navigation- The city is easy to navigate as it has a well-developed network of roads. The city is situated along the Mississippi river which is a major waterway for commercial shipping. You can use a GPS navigation system and real-time traffic updates at Waze or Google Maps.Major industries in Baton Rouge
The economy of Baton Rouge is driven by a range of industries including-- Healthcare
- Tourism
- Retail
- Services
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Real Estate
- Agriculture
Education System in Baton Rouge
A quality education is crucial for a better future for your children. Before you move to Baton Rouge, learn about the quality of education, top schools, colleges, and universities in the city. In this section of the guide, we have listed the top schools, colleges, and universities offering a wide range of education -Elementary Schools in Baton Rouge |
---|
Tanglewood Elementary School |
Bullion Primary School |
Dutchtown Primary School |
Zachary Elementary School |
University Laboratory School |
Middle Schools in Baton Rouge |
---|
Sherwood Middle Academic Magnet School |
McKinley Middle Magnet School |
Glasgow Middle Magnet School |
Dutchtown Middle School |
Park Forest Middle School |
High Schools in Baton Rouge |
---|
Baton Rouge Magnet High School |
Episcopal High School |
Catholic High School |
St. Joseph’s Academy |
University High School |
Colleges and Universities in Baton Rouge |
---|
Louisiana State University (LSU) |
Southern University and A&M College |
Franciscan Missionaries of Our lady University |
Baton Rouge Community College |
River Parishes Community College |
Best things to do in Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge offers a wide range of activities for people of all ages-- You can take a riverboat cruise to explore the Mississippi river and enjoy fishing.
- Explore the Louisiana State University to visit the LSU Museum of Art or catch a football game.
- Plan a tour of the historic state capitol building to learn about its history.
- You can explore the Old State Capitol to explore the exhibits on Louisiana’s past.
- Visit a local restaurant to enjoy the delicious Cajun and Creole cuisine.
- Baton Rouge is home to a major football team known as the LSU Tigers, catch a game.
Taxes in Baton Rouge
Taxes are considered an essential expense while evaluating the cost of living in a city. Learning about the taxes in the new city will help you prepare financially-Sales Tax- The state sales tax in Louisiana is 4.45% and the local sales tax rate is 5.5%, so the total sales tax rate in Baton Rouge is 9.95%.
Income Tax- The state has a progressive income tax system where the tax rates range between 2% to 6 %.
Property Tax- The property taxes in Louisiana vary by parish and municipality.
Vehicle Registration Fees- This fee is applied when you register your vehicle in the city.
Excise Taxes- The excise taxes are applicable on goods like gasoline, alcohol, and tobacco.
Type of insurance required in Baton Rouge
Buying the right insurance means securing yourself, your family, and your valuables from damage or loss. When you move to a new city or state, you buy moving insurance to protect your belongings from damage or loss. Before you move to Baton Rouge, learn about different insurance required in the city-
Auto Insurance- The drivers in Louisiana are required to carry minimum liability coverage which covers bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident caused by you.
Homeowners Insurance- This insurance will protect your home and household belongings from several risks including theft, fire, and other natural disasters.
Renters Insurance- If you are renting, this insurance will cover the house and the personal belongings and provide liability coverage.
Health Insurance- This will cover the medical expenses but is not legally mandatory.
Professional Liability Insurance- This will be required by the professionals to protect them against malpractice claims.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. It is recommended to conduct thorough research and consult relevant experts before making any decisions related to relocation.
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