Possible move from London, UK to Lake Charles area (Sulphur: apartments, rental)

[RJharrow]

Hi all,

We might possibly be relocating to Louisiana, Lake Charles area from London due to a potential employer for my wife who works in the healthcare sector. The prospect employer is St. Patrick Hospital. Our Details/queries are as follows:

1. We have a 7 yr old son - so, we are looking for different options for our son's school.
2. Wife will potentially be working at St. Patrick Hospital (CHRISTUS St. Patrick | Serving Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana)
3. We are looking a family friendly neighbourhood, I keep reading about south of lake charles as the best option, though it's best to get varied opinions on this.
4. We are looking to rent apartment/house for 2BR to begin with.
5. We will be looking also for buying a car (though we can deal with this once important things are sorted first)

Many Thanks for your help.

Regards.

[CTtcg]

Well that'll be a culture shock if you do move.

1. Prien Lake Elementary, Nelson Elementary, and St. John's Elementary are considered better public schools. There are also several private Catholic schools like Immaculate Conception.
2. South Lake Charles is more family friendly. You can find some good neighborhoods in Moss Bluff, a residential community about 10 minutes north of Lake Charles. Also, you can find some good neighborhoods in Sulphur, Louisiana, but that would require driving over the bridge for a daily commute. So I would think you're better off in a place in LC.
3. There are many apartments and rental home options. There are also more townhomes being built all over the city, if that's an option for you.
4. Will you buy used or new?

[RJharrow]

Thanks for your response CTtcg, at the moment, we are not keen on buying new car, probably a used one will do to help with the transportation needs. Will look into those neighbourhood you mentioned. We've been to Chicago, New York and DC for a visit and that was the only side we have visited in the US, so, its nice to know more details about Louisiana, at least getting to know the area (through research and forum) before actually landing there.

Regards.

[cBach]

Hello, growing up in Lake Charles my soccer coach was from the UK, they came over and never left.

If you have the means, ICCS (Immaculate Conception Cathedral School) is absolutely tops in the area. The great thing about that school is it is literally walking distance to St. Patrick's Hospital. In that case you could get a home in the area bounded by Lakeshore Drive, Lake Street, Dr. Michael Debakey Drive, Ryan Street, and Park Ave. That area is full of historic homes and southern charm and is within walking/biking distance of Bord Du Lac Park and downtown Lake Charles. In theory you could get a home within walking distance of St. Patrick's Hospital and within walking distance of ICCS. That would be the best option.

If you prefer public schools, then that pushes you further south, you want to be in the area bound by West Prien Lake Road, Nelson Road, and Country Club Rd. That area features the best public schools, as well as a booming residential and casino area. The nearest park is Prien Lake Park and the Country Club is in that area (good if you're a golfer).

[RJharrow]

Thank you cBach for your input, will definitely take note of all those you mentioned.