2022 Best places to raise a family in Louisiana

• Suburb of Baton Rouge, LA

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  Rating 3.9 out of 5  103 reviews

Current Resident: My home is technically within Prairieville, however my life had been centered mostly around Geismar (though that wasn’t an option). A lot of my childhood has been spent in the Dutchtown school’s, and despite the amount of times I’ve moved I have enrolled in the primary, middle, and high school. Though I am not the most sociable person I am often able to find people related to me or know people related to me. It gives me a sense of there is family everywhere. Overall, it is comforting and what I consider home no matter where I move to.... Read 103 reviews

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• Population 33,228

• Suburb of New Orleans, LA

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  Rating 4.04 out of 5  27 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived in Destrehan for 22 years, and I have made many lifelong friends from it. Because it is a small town, more meaningful friendships have been able to blossom. One thing I would love to see change in Destrehan is the food and shopping choices. Being that it is so small, it is hard to open new stores and restaurants because it is hard to keep business booming.... Read 27 reviews

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• Population 11,658

• Suburb of New Orleans, LA

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  Rating 4.1 out of 5  72 reviews

Current Resident: 4 years ago my dad was offered a job in New Orleans, thus forcing my entire family to pack up all of our stuff for the fifth time and move across the country. To say the least, I wasn't happy. I thought I was moving to the middle of the swamp, as depicted in the Princess and the Frog. My world seemed to be crashing down. But, when we arrived in Mandeville it wasn't nearly as bad as my nightmares had depicted it. Mandeville is the prime example of upper-middle class suburbia. But, Mandeville isn't entirely rainbows and unicorns. I have lived in 5 states and never have I ever struggled so much to find my niche. I have been to three schools in our area and it took me a solid 4 years to find true friends. Mandeville has taught me more about myself than any other place. I have had to do things that would seem crazy to younger me and have been out of my comfort zone more times than I can count. But that's how I've learned to comfortable and confident in who I am. So thank you Mandeville.... Read 72 reviews

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• Population 12,567

• Suburb of Baton Rouge, LA

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  Rating 4.25 out of 5  36 reviews

Current Resident: Some things that I admire about Zachary is how strong of a community it is and how supportive the community is towards that Zachary Community School District. Ever since I have lived there, I have watched their school district expand to build new schools and as well as more apartments and neighborhoods for people to live in. Some things I would like to see change are the restaurants and events being lead by Zachary leaders. I believe Zachary has the potential to be a growing city with open minded people to lead the way.... Read 36 reviews

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• Population 17,699

• Suburb of Baton Rouge, LA

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  Rating 4 out of 5  31 reviews

Current Resident: Shenandoah is a very diverse neighborhood. Most of my best friends live here. My elementary school and current high school are located within the neighborhood. The athletic club, SOAC, has a great gym, beautiful tennis courts, and a well kept pool. I work at the pool as a lifeguard, and have met so many genuine people. There is a park in the neighborhood and I always see kids playing and old couples walking. There is a baseball field at the park and I enjoy going with my softball teammates to get some reps in. I can remember going to the park and playing as a kid. I love driving in my neighborhood because I grew up there and everywhere I look I have memories. The elementary school was my first big adventure. I drive by and remember being on the safety patrol and putting up the flag and helping with carpool. I can remember our 5th grade kickball tournament and our 5th grade play. I love riding my bike around the neighborhood with my friends. This neighborhood feels like home.... Read 31 reviews

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• Population 21,045

• Suburb of New Orleans, LA

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  Rating 4.5 out of 5  4 reviews

Current Resident: I absolutely love the location! Everything is nearby as well. If I can't walk to it the drive isn't more than 15 minutes. There's plenty places to visit and things to do, no matter what time of day. Always clean and the people are not only friendly and helpful, but abundantly diverse. I've met so many new friends and haven't had an issue with anyone or anything. The price of living in such a nice area is reasonable. On top of all that, cops are always making their rounds so I feel safer here than the bigger city nearby. I'd recommend this area to anyone of my friends and family.... Read 4 reviews

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• Population 6,099

• Suburb of New Orleans, LA

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  Rating 4.09 out of 5  23 reviews

Current Resident: It is a small community, but they band together for what matters. The whole town comes out to fundraisers and festivals. The high school football games are constantly packed with season ticket holders. Anyone would love Luling!... Read 23 reviews

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• Population 14,522

• Suburb of Lafayette, LA

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  Rating 4.27 out of 5  41 reviews

Current Resident: Youngsville, Louisiana is an amazing town overall, even though it does have some draw backs. Recently a new high school was built, the first one in over 50 years. There is a decent bit of places to eat out, a place to buy appliances, and it has it's own little economy. It is a high income area and has a low crime rate. Because of this it is a little more expensive to live in Youngsville and people can be snobbish. My largest complaint would be the people, as they sometimes believe they are better than others and treat others worse.... Read 41 reviews

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• Population 14,118

• Suburb of New Orleans, LA

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  Rating 3.83 out of 5  29 reviews

Current Resident: St. Rose is a town where you can walk down the street without almost any fear. Yes we have our fair share of crime, but not much. Everyone here for the most part is friendly, and you can tell by just the wave of a hand. The school system here is one of the best in the state for public schools. ACT scores could be higher as an average, but the graduation rate is very up there. You have a well range of businesses in the area. You don't need to go that far to get what you need.... Read 29 reviews

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• Population 6,770

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• Population 8,469

• Neighborhood in Baton Rouge, LA

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  Rating 4.08 out of 5  25 reviews

Current Resident: Baker, Louisiana is a very family oriented city to live in, but there aren’t that many jobs or activities for younger children/teens.... Read 25 reviews

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• Population 35,892

• Suburb of Baton Rouge, LA

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  Rating 4.4 out of 5  5 reviews

Current Resident: In Addis, there are constantly new opportunities for housing, because the neighborhoods are always growing. The public schools in this area are 4A so their scores prove a lot. The nightlife here is great for families because it's pretty peaceful, and calm for the most part. The Addis policemen are usually pretty aware of what is going on around them so the safety is also another plus. As far as commute time, everything is pretty close together so it would take little to no time to reach a grocery or convenience store, a gas station etc.... Read 5 reviews

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• Population 5,635

• Suburb of Baton Rouge, LA

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• Population 7,688

• Suburb of New Orleans, LA

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  Rating 4.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Current Resident: I like that Montz is a small town about an hour from New Orleans. You can find good people and good southern food. We sure do know how to cook some good crawfish and shrimp. In Montz everyone is friendly and don’t mind helping anyone in need out. It’s a really good school district. Destrehan is one of the best school around. They have a excellent academic program. They have many of resource to be the best and help the kids full fill there needs... Read 2 reviews

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• Population 2,037

• Town in Louisiana

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  Rating 4 out of 5  4 reviews

Current Resident: There are many things to be loved about my hometown, but the most noteworthy is the community. Neighbors look out for each other, and everyone is family here. With such a small population, it's a great place to live if you want to be connected to nature (which can be hard to find in the 21st century!) The only real downsides are the nearby chemical plants and the fact that most business close around 9 pm. If those things don't bother you, its a wonderful place to start a family.... Read 4 reviews

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• Population 1,761

Parent: Overall I really enjoy living in this area. I like my local church and love my job. I like Antique Alley, a section of town with antique store and boutiques. We have lots of town spirit.... Read 18 reviews

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• Population 11,904

• Suburb of Baton Rouge, LA

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  Rating 4.2 out of 5  5 reviews

Current Resident: It's very homey and a close community, while not knowing every single person. I have lived here my whole life and it is safe. It is also very safe. There are many small, locally owned businesses. There is good and affordable food. The environment is very family friendly and a great place to start and grow your family.... Read 5 reviews

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• Population 2,690

• Suburb of Baton Rouge, LA

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• Population 6,760

• Suburb of New Orleans, LA

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  Rating 4.08 out of 5  12 reviews

Current Resident: The Good Life! Abita Springs is a beautiful small town with excellent restaurants, walking distance to physicians, dentist, groceries, cafe's and restaurants, schools, museums, bike trails, woods, etc. A wonderful place to raise a family and enjoy the good life. Small town American is still the place to be.... Read 12 reviews

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• Population 2,571

• Suburb of Baton Rouge, LA

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  Rating 4.33 out of 5  3 reviews

Current Resident: a great, quiet small town; advantageously located 40 minutes from New Orleans and 20 minutes from Baton Rouge. 5 minutes from the small city of Gonzales for shopping and restaurants. Ascension Parish schools are terrific. Near the interstate, so travel is easy as well.... Read 3 reviews

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• Population 1,567

• Suburb of New Orleans, LA

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  Rating 4.33 out of 5  3 reviews

Niche User: I love this area not only because I grew up here but because of the small town lifestyle. Everyone is super friendly; neighborhoods are extremely safe. The public schools are phenomenal. There are tons of opportunities to be involved whether it's at church, craft classes, library classes and activities, sports, etc. If I had kids a place like this would be where I would want them to grow up.... Read 3 reviews

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• Population 2,993

• Suburb of New Orleans, LA

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  Rating 3.92 out of 5  38 reviews

Former Resident: Belle Chasse has everything a small town needs: kind people, unique history, and a strong future. Right on the cusp of New Orleans, Belle Chasse is immersed in the cajun-creole culture. Home to the Plaquemines Parish Orange Festival, citrus tree groves line Highway 23 that have survived decades of climate change. One thing that never changes, the warmth of the people.... Read 38 reviews

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• Population 10,241

• Suburb of Baton Rouge, LA

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  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Former Resident: Westminister is a relaxed, family-friendly neighborhood which boasts a neighborhood pool, tennis courts, and an elementary school. The neighborhood watch is very attentive, which makes this area one of the safer locations in baton rouge. The traffic is light, and there are a few restaurants within the neighborhood shopping center.... Read 1 review

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• Population 2,713

• Suburb of New Orleans, LA

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  Rating 4.13 out of 5  56 reviews

Current Resident: I love living in Covington. I moved here 11 years ago with my family. Amazing public schools that I attended as well as plenty of private schools. There is a lot of history associated with Covington. There is lots of family friendly restaurants and other activities. Lots of outdoor activities can be enjoyed in the area, whether it’s running, biking or boating. Several state parks in the area.... Read 56 reviews

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• Population 10,471

• Suburb of Baton Rouge, LA

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  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Current Resident: Quiet, Community living with public parks and respectable residents. Many neighborhood activities and neighbors are generally and genuinely sociable and respectful of one another. Well-groomed lawns and property and an overall sense of pride in neighborhood residents and visitors.... Read 1 review

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• Population 8,472