Best neighborhoods in BR?? (Baton Rouge: for sale, condo, low crime)

[TXto??]

Possible move to BR from Houston at the end of the summer for husbands job. We are looking for a safe, upscale, family friendly (we have a 13 mo. old) neighborhood. Our price range is 350k-475k. I really do prefer the charm of updated older homes and not newer neighborhoods or suburban looking developments.
I would also like a location near the center of activities, restaurants, shopping, etc. I assume this would be closer to LSU but am not sure. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[WhoDat2011]

Originally Posted by TXto??

Possible move to BR from Houston at the end of the summer for husbands job. We are looking for a safe, upscale, family friendly (we have a 13 mo. old) neighborhood. Our price range is 350k-475k. I really do prefer the charm of updated older homes and not newer neighborhoods or suburban looking developments.
I would also like a location near the center of activities, restaurants, shopping, etc. I assume this would be closer to LSU but am not sure. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I prefer 70817 zipcode. For my money its my favorite part of the city because it has a low crime rate. I would suggest talking to a realtor. A few good sites that I am not affiliated with to look at homes in your price range are:

www.agent225.com
www.latter-blum.com
www.kw.com

Have a blessed day
Welcome to Lousiana!

[annie_himself]

I worked in a house in The Settlements at Willow Grove (or just Willow Grove) today. Beautiful homes, the development is in a suburban area although the entire development doesn't resemble a typical suburban subdivision.
The most upscale historic neighborhoods would be Beauregard Town and the Garden District.
In my opinion it may be harder to find a renovated home in an older neighborhood up for sale, many of the renovations in the area are currently lived in. You will find some new construction, however.
Interested in a condo?

[TXto??]

I really appreciate your responses. A condo is not realistic for us with two large dogs, a cat and a toddler. I will look into Beauregard Town and the Garden District. I keep reading about the neighborhoods off of Highland Road. Are these housing developments? Also, what about the neighborhood called Tara?

[point80]

Even though Highland Rd gets fairly 'suburban' as you go south from LSU campus, it's very pretty and would strike most as very charming and nice as far as suburbs go. Definitely worth a look.

[mhounit]

Highland Rd has housing developments and individual properties as well .

[trafficsucks]

Originally Posted by annie_himself

I worked in a house in The Settlements at Willow Grove (or just Willow Grove) today. Beautiful homes, the development is in a suburban area although the entire development doesn't resemble a typical suburban subdivision.
The most upscale historic neighborhoods would be Beauregard Town and the Garden District.
In my opinion it may be harder to find a renovated home in an older neighborhood up for sale, many of the renovations in the area are currently lived in. You will find some new construction, however.
Interested in a condo?

Why would the poster want a townhome with a price range of up to 475k?

I would however recommend The Settlements at Willow Grove. Beautiful upscale neighborhood that's about 60% completed.

[TXto??]

I looked at the Settlement at Willow Grove online, and while quite beautiful, it does not seem to have the established feel that we are looking for. I think we would prefer an older neighborhood with lots of large trees, etc. Thanks again for the feedback. Any other suggestions?

[trafficsucks]

Originally Posted by TXto??

I looked at the Settlement at Willow Grove online, and while quite beautiful, it does not seem to have the established feel that we are looking for. I think we would prefer an older neighborhood with lots of large trees, etc. Thanks again for the feedback. Any other suggestions?

You're going to be in for a rude surprise. The older homes are in the garden district and to be honest if you are looking for a safe area then you're going to have to narrow your search criteria. Baton Rouge has a serious crime problem (as well as high taxes and horrible schools) that has forced it's middle and upper middle class to flee to suburbs such as Prairieville in Ascension Parish.

Go to Baton Rouge news, sports and entertainment on The Advocate and look for the crime map. You'll see what parts of Baton Rouge you should avoid moving too.

[TXto??]

I didn't realize that crime was so bad. I appreciate the link to the crime map. What is your opinion of the neighborhoods close to LSU like University and College Hills?