Relocating to BR in July--Trying to Figure Out "Good Areas" (Baton Rouge: for sale)

[batonrougeorbust]

Let me apologize in advance for the length...

My husband and I are relocating to Baton Rouge in July from Kentucky, and we're only making one trip down to scope out places in June, so I'm trying to figure out the lay of the land as quickly as possible and would appreciate any help.

I've been lurking and reading the forums and from what I can figure out, we should avoid north of LSU, the northgates, Mall City (which I'm still not sure where it is), north of Florida, Gardere, and downtown.

The "good" areas are Bluebonnet, the Mall of Louisiana, the Garden district, Corporate and Jefferson, which is the area known as Bocage, and Lee Rd.

I'm a bit confused, though. Gardere and Bluebonnet are so close to each--is there some line where it goes from bad to good? Is anything north of Florida bad or are there some good areas? What area constitutes the Mall of LA? The Garden district?

My husband will be working right off of where 10 and 12 split, so something in that area would be ideal. We don't have kids, so we don't care about school districts. We'd like to stay in BR and we would prefer a quiet, nice neighborhood (within walking distant to shops and restaurants is a huge plus).

Our budget is around $800 for at least a two bedroom and we want a house or at least a duplex. We don't want to live in a complex. Is this possible in BR or are our expectations too unrealistic? If it possible, what areas should we start looking in? Does anyone know of any good websites to search for houses for rent (besides craigslist, which mostly seems to have apartments or houses out of our price range).

Thanks so much. We would really appreciate the help. And on a side note, we're thrilled to be moving to BR--we're from the Gulf Coast of MS and AL, so it's like coming home.

[darylwi]

Originally Posted by batonrougeorbust

I'm a bit confused, though. Gardere and Bluebonnet are so close to each--is there some line where it goes from bad to good? Is anything north of Florida bad or are there some good areas? What area constitutes the Mall of LA? The Garden district?

Bluebonnet as a whole is pretty good, but there's an area right around Highland that is borderline. From there north to Gardere Lane is a pretty rough area. And pretty much all of Gardere is bad.
The Garden District is north of City Park and City Park Lake, follow Dalrymple north to Park Blvd into the GD.
The Mall of LA is near I-10 and Bluebonnet. Down the road at Perkins is Perkins Rowe.


My husband will be working right off of where 10 and 12 split, so something in that area would be ideal. We don't have kids, so we don't care about school districts. We'd like to stay in BR and we would prefer a quiet, nice neighborhood (within walking distant to shops and restaurants is a huge plus).
I'm guessing Essen Lane, United Plaza area. That's a pretty good area to be because it gives you options. And it's a good area. Some walkable areas, besides Perkins Rowe, would be Bocage near Towne Center. You're close to a lot of services in this area and within easy walking distance.

Our budget is around $800 for at least a two bedroom and we want a house or at least a duplex. We don't want to live in a complex. Is this possible in BR or are our expectations too unrealistic? If it possible, what areas should we start looking in? Does anyone know of any good websites to search for houses for rent (besides craigslist, which mostly seems to have apartments or houses out of our price range).

Honestly, $800 for a two bedroom anything borderline unrealistic nowdays here. If you're lucky, you could run into a townhome or some sort for rent in the garden district or downtown, but they still typically run $900+. There are apartments to rent. But one bedrooms at decent complexs typically start around $600+ so I guess if you're lucky, $800 for a two bedroom is possible. But don't expect luxury by any means. You can sacrifice luxury and still be in a nice area of town though.

Thanks so much. We would really appreciate the help. And on a side note, we're thrilled to be moving to BR--we're from the Gulf Coast of MS and AL, so it's like coming home.

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[Innotech]

my grandparents lived in a very nice older subdivision called Goodwood on Audubon Avenue. [/mod] edit [/mod]the area is really safe and very nice. It really shook up that area because its such a quiet subdivision with huge trees and generally peaceful. But it is also close to the 10/12 split a bit further south which is why I suggested it. Some of the homes are older so its possible that you could find a home for a bargain. I havent been around there in so long though so I cant say for sure if its still like that.

Actually, it is in the area of Jefferson Highway and corporate, which as you said is one of the safe spots you have located. Audubon is right off of Jefferson. that is a really really pretty area and the trees are like giant tunnels.

[helpmez]

We live in Old Goodwood, which is off Jefferson Hwy by Towne Center. We have been renovating our home there and are renting in a subdivision called Tara. It is located between Old Hammond Hwy and Goodwood Blvd-Tara Blvd runs from one to the other. We are currently paying $1400/mo for a 4 bdrm/2 bath house with a living room,dining room,kitchen and family room. The house has a good size lot. There seem to be quite a few for sale/for rent signs going up right now in this neighborhood. It would be a convenient location for your husband-fairly easy access to interstate 10 and 12. The homes were built probably in the late 60's? Our permanent home is in a great neighborhood and does sometimes have homes to rent, but I don't think you will find anything less than $1200. You might look for a place to rent on Jefferson Hwy closer to Bluebonnet. There are quite a few condos/townhomes down that stretch, and it is very close to I 12.
Hope this helps!

[Innotech]

yeah my grandparents house was easily built in the 50-60s. Even had gas heating. It was one of the better places in Baton rouge to live. I think it still is.

[MetroBTR]

Idk about Tara Boulevard. That whole Tara/Broadmoor area has been going down in recent years. Older couples whose children have all gone off to their own lives are either dying or moving to the suburbs or into condos, etc. and some of the people moving in are not as desireable as the former residents. If you move around Towne Center I would suggest anything along Old Hammond starting at Chevelle Drive and going westward and anything along Corporate Blvd. or going southeast on Jefferson. The Jefferson Terrace neighborhood north of the Mall of La is okay.

[batonrougeorbust]

Thanks for all the help so far. I have a couple of new questions, though. First, it seems that we may have to go with an apartment complex--does anyone know anything about Longridge Luxury Apartments or the Highland Club? Also, some people have posted that they used rental services or real estate agents to find a place. Does anyone know of good ones they could recommend? Thanks so much!