Can you tell me about Lafayette?

[pandorafan5687]

Originally Posted by cass70506

I have been to many different parts of this country, I have lived in many different states. I am from Lafayette, Louisiana and by far its the best place to live. Yeah the climate sucks, and we don't believe in alot of things people in the north do (trust me I'm in the north right now and hate it). Lafayette, Louisiana is not uglier than any other city I have lived in. We have our own share of problems just like anywhere else and quite frankly if you don't like living in Lafayette, Louisiana get out, go we don't need you, Shaa. Oh and by the way if your in Lafayette, Louisiana its not coonass country anyway its Cajun blood that runs that town, coonass are further south of the state get your terms right!!!

What exactly is it that you hate about it?

[JimLFT]

Originally Posted by sailordave

Hmm, born and raised here. Left Lafayette for the Navy back in 1990. Some cities I've lived in include Orlando, FL; Norfolk, VA; Dallas, TX, and Gaeta, Italy. I've been to at least 15 different countries and seen famous cities including Barcelona, Gibralter, Monte Carlo, Venice, Florance, Athens, Rhodes, Istanbul, Jerusalem, and Cairo.

Sort of dispels the notion that in order to love this area, one must have never seen anywhere else! Ouch! To the moron who suggested this notion:

I've mentioned before that I fly for a living. Suffice it to say, my trips venture a bit beyond flying from New Iberia to Opelousas, so please credit this Lafayette resident with just a bit more knowledge on the subject.

Most of my trips are to Houston, but they frequently span to Santa Fe, or Northern California, or Philly and NYC. Miami on occasion, as well as the DFW and Chicago-land areas. Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Corpus Christi and San Antonio. Many many more over the decades of doing this.

But, Lafayette has always, and always WILL be home for me. And to think that there's not even a lick of Cajun blood in me. Transplant and proud....

Still want to suggest that those of us who love this area haven't seen anything else??

[Innotech]

Im from Baton Rouge originally but I definitely prefer Lafayette.

[aab7855]

For the urban (especially Northeastern) dweller: If you have an open mind, you will like Lafayette. If you can't divorce yourself from a more in-town, faster pace, the downtown area is small geographically and by no means a metropolis, but you will find what you are looking for. I lived in a 1920's, high-ceiling wooden house in the university area steps from the main drag (Jefferson Street). Within 3 minutes by foot I had access to a Lebanese grocery/deli, an ice cream parlour, a Vietnamese-run convienence store, a bank, a pool hall/college bar, a zydeco club/hotel and the University. Another 10 minutes walking put me "downtown" on Jefferson, which has too many bars and restaurants to name. The downtown/university area is filled with students, professors, bohemian young people, and many others. It is the only place where yard signs are mostly Democrat! Expect a historical neighborhood whose "rough around the edges" look gives it character- as well as cheaper rent.
If you wish to try an entirely different pace, good chunks of Lafayette are anything but urban. The whole strip mall/River Ranch/peaceful subdivision movement has taken much of the places heading south of downtown. Additionally, there are still nice places in quiet country settings, close enough to all conviences but still detached from development. After fleeing New Orleans for Katrina I enjoyed an entirely new pace and setting living in the rural southwest of Lafayette Parish (near Acadiana High School).
So its all what you're after. But if you expect open-minded folks and more ecclectic style, I'd stick to downtown. People tend to hold very conservative views elsewhere, but the French/Creole heritage makes for liberal celebrations and friendly people regardless of where you came from and what you believe. For many, Lafayette can be a great place to be.

[Innotech]

aab, you said you live in the southwest...I lived for a couple years with a friend in an apartment on West congress, just down the road from Acadiana High School, and thats more west, and even northwest rather than southwest. where I live now in the Broadmoor area is much more southwest.
The West Congress corridor is actually a really great place to live and its a short drive from everything.

[SacalaitWhisperer]

... and the West begins right there in Scott.