Housing in Port Allen?? (Baton Rouge, Lafayette: apartments, to rent, new house)

[Safigirl88]

Hi,

I'm moving to Louisiana from Florida really soon and need some help please! My husband got a job in Lafayette and I got a job in Baton Rouge! So we're trying to look into Port Allen housing but can't seem to find much online. Is it relatively safe there? And as far as traffic and the drive? Any recommendations I would really appreciate it! Thanx

[BRMan]

Originally Posted by Safigirl88

Hi,

I'm moving to Louisiana from Florida really soon and need some help please! My husband got a job in Lafayette and I got a job in Baton Rouge! So we're trying to look into Port Allen housing but can't seem to find much online. Is it relatively safe there? And as far as traffic and the drive? Any recommendations I would really appreciate it! Thanx

Port Allen between LA 1 and the river is OK. You may also want to look ar Brusly and Addis, which are towns south of Port Allen which have received some suburban growth. This growth has largely NOT occurred in Port Allen.

As to traffic, you have two challenges (1) the I-10 bridge between BR and Port Allen (also known locally as the "new bridge") backs up with traffic at rush hour, and there always seems to be some kind of wreck on that bridge, (2) the I-10 stretch between BR and Lafayette is hit or miss in terms of bad traffic, because you have people who don't know how to drive through the swamp. Plus, you have odd things happen, like a well blowout which required traffic diversion to US 190 (which parallels I-10)

If you like the small town atmosphere of Port Allen, you may also like some other small towns on US 190 like Erwinville and Krotz Springs. I'm throwing these "long shots" out because you're more equidistant between BR and Lafayette, and on your trip to BR, you get the "old bridge", which doesn't have as many traffic issues.

[Ronald120]

Btw, how new is that I-10 bridge across the Miss River in Baton Rouge?? I get the impression as if it was built in the late-70's, early-80's or something.

[BRMan]

Originally Posted by Ronald120

Btw, how new is that I-10 bridge across the Miss River in Baton Rouge?? I get the impression as if it was built in the late-70's, early-80's or something.

Here's the funny thing - the "new bridge" was opened in 1968. But since the "old bridge" has been around since the 1920s, it IS the "new bridge."

And, yes, that's the I-10 bridge that crosses the Mississippi just south of downtown/the Capitol.

[darylwi]

In Port Allen, the best areas are between LA-1 and the River. There are also some newer small subdivisions west of Port Allen along LA-76, Rosedale Road. You have to head out past the high school.
Also, most of LA-1 between Addis and Brusly isn't bad and there are several new subdivisions along that stretch, including an area of new houses around the new Westside YMCA. They are starting to expand that subdivision already.
Housing on the westbank used to be the cheapest in the metro area. I've heard of several small 2 and 3 bedroom houses in Port Allen near Jefferson between LA-1 and the river for less than $140K. My uncle got his house over there for $70K in Landsdown, but that was 10 years ago now. You probably won't find much for $70K now.
From Port Allen, the commute to BTR is relatively simple and easy. You're the first exit on the westbank, and if traffic on I-10 is that bad, you can exit off on Nicholson (the first exit on the eastbank which offers easy access to downtown and LSU). I have friends who consistently make that commute in less than 15 minutes, whereas it takes me 20-30 minutes to come from the eastern area of town.
I lived in Plaquemine for years. The commute was only rough maybe 15% of the time. And it's probably worse coming from that way because traffic tends to back up over the intracoastal waterway (ICWW) in the mornings. This is important if you live in Brusly-Addis. But many times, I drove in the left lane, passed the entrance ramp to the new bridge and just took the old bridge. The entire trip around takes about 13 miles, 15 minutes in good traffic.
The trip across the basin to Lafayette takes about 55 minutes in good traffic. But conditions can be hit or miss out there. 4 out of 5 days it's fine, but that one day will be hell. If they close the bridge while you're out there, you're in a real fix. People get stuck out there for 2-4 hours at a time in serious accidents, but they don't happen every week (although we'll go through spells where it seems there's one every other day for a week or two).

[staciarena]

hi, I am was a resident of Port Allen for about 14 years and it is not a bad place to live but it is a small town every one knows everyone and baton rouge is a just over the bridge and traffic can be bad around 5 o'clock but thats normal for Baton rouge. Now port allen is about 5 miles from Baton Rouge but is also about 40 miles from Lafayette so that is not very good for your husband unless he doesnt mind. Now if you have children or ever plan to in this area if find the high school is not so great of an education. It's an ok town i would say. I hope this helped you make a decision. Have a good one and good luck!

[esta1960]

Hi, all i can tell you is that I have a brother and sister n law who has lived in Port Allen for a number of years and have been very satisfied. I have also been considering moving there! As for the traffic, just be ready for certain times of the day. it can be quite hectic with backed up traffic. For housing, I don't know what else to tell you except maybe checking classifieds or going through a realtor. If you are looking to rent, there is apartment finder online. You can also check online at 2theadvocate.com who has links to houses and apartments. Good luck to you both.