A Moss Bluff / Lake Charles real estate questions... (Baton Rouge, Lafayette: for sale, condos)

[mark_marquette]

I am planning to go to graduate school in Lafayette, but homes seem much more affordable in Baton Rouge and Lake Charles. I was leaning towards Baton Rouge, but now I'm not so sure. I am familiar with Lake Charles and I have been there a couple of times. I don't mind the drive to Lafayette for school since it will only be two days a week.

I know Moss Bluff is kind of the up and coming area, but houses there are out of my price range. (I'm trying to stay under $90,000) I have seen some condos for sale on Perkins Ferry Rd in my price range. Does anyone know anything about these? Is the area okay? I was also looking online at some older homes near the mall. (I remember that seeming like an okay area.) Maybe I'm wrong, but one thing I did remember noticing was that one side of Lake Charles seemed very different than the other side. I am a white middle class guy from California... I'm not racist or anything, but at the same time I don't want to be in a neighborhood where I will be totally out of place. (I hope that makes sense?)

I would really appreciate some input on where to look that is in my price range. Outside Baton Rouge has lots or affordable new construction in the low 100ks. (Which is do-able with some help from my parents.) Is there anything like that in Lake Charles?