Chateau des Lions and River Ranch in Lafayette (apartment complexes, rental)

[wanderlust00]

Hubby and I are moving to Lafayette from the pacific northwest this summer and are looking at apartments. From my online search, we like Chateau des Lions and Main Street at River Ranch. Leaning towards Chateau as they have attached garages. Just wondering if anyone has any opinions/reviews/experience with either of these places. We are looking for a 3 bedroom and would like to stick under or around $2,000/mo. We don't want to buy as we'll only be there for a year or so. If you have other suggestions, I'd love to hear them. We lived in NOLA for a year up until Katrina, so we are well aware of the heat and humidity. Any information would be greatly appreciated!

[MCH07]

We were considering moving to Lafayette at one time and checked it out. I am not familar Chateau des lions but we are familar with River Ranch. River Ranch is quit pricy but very nice. However, i am not sure how much rental property they have there. But, definitely a great neighborhood to live. Good luck.

[lucyandpeanut]

I personally just moved out of Chateau after two years. It is the best value in town and has a great location. The complex is wonderful, staff is fabulous. I really enjoyed having an attached garage (costs extra at River Ranch). River Ranch - The Crescent is great - but pricey. Good Luck.

[nicoleba]

River Ranch is the newest and most affluent part of town. In my opinion, the only area remotely comparable to West Coast with retail & gourmet shops. It is only a few blocks wide and is located on Kaliste Saloom. I have been inside both River Ranch apartment complexes, The Cresent and Mainstreet. The Crescent is supreme. Mainstreet is more corporate housing, not as quality construction, and small.

Anything on Kaliste Saloom is going to be safe, clean, and convenient. I saw a new luxury apartments called Grand Pointe being built in a residential end of Kaliste Saloom, further down, they look nice. You will enjoy Lafayette, my personal favorites here are Joey's Meat Market, Prejean's Restaurant, and Old Tyme Grocery.

[beverlyj]

Chateu de Lions is really nice - a friend of mine used to live there.

[bpb2221]

The River Ranch apartments are ULTRA convenient. You can walk to restaurants, shops and Fresh Market. That alone would make it the hands down decision for my personal taste.
Chateau is nice (very close to mall), but River Ranch is something you will have to see in person. Once you are in the development you will understand why Main Street is so nice.

[nicoleba]

P.S. I found out that if you rent an apartment at The Crescent, it includes a complimentary membership to River Ranch City Club. Good luck with your move.