Louisiana is one of the best states to live in the United States, with affordable housing, great public and private schools, and safe cities. But what sets it apart and makes it one of the happiest states are its vibrant culture, lively communities, flavorful and diverse cuisines, and beautiful outdoors. Home to Mardi Gras, jazz music, and a bustling nightlife, Louisiana has a laid-back atmosphere, and people seem to embrace and enjoy its multicultural diversity. From the iconic New Orleans with its Creole cuisine, festivals and college football, to Elmwood, a suburb with an active nightlife and a great selection of restaurants, here’s our list of the best places to live in Louisiana, the USA.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on May 20, 2024.
1. Baton Rouge (from USD 156)
The capital city of Louisiana, Baton Rouge, is definitely on the list of the best places to live in the state. Spreading along the Mississippi River, Baton Rouge is home to live music, a dynamic culinary scene, rich history, and emblematic architecture. The city boasts a variety of cultures, making it easy for anyone to feel at home immediately. Some of its most iconic attractions include the Old State Capitol, which currently hosts a museum in its Gothic-style building, Spanish Town, the city’s oldest neighborhood that’s sprinkled with eclectic architecture and quaint stores, and the Garden District, known for its lush vegetation and as the set for many movies.
Holiday Inn Baton Rouge College Drive I-10, an IHG Hotel
Address: 4848 Constitution Avenue
3.38 km (2.1 mi) from City-Brooks Community Park
2. Metairie (from USD 183)
Reasonable pricing with free parking and good value for the amenities offered.
Spacious rooms with kitchenettes, free guest washing machines, and a good fitness center.
Conveniently located near restaurants, malls, and a short drive from Bourbon Street in New Orleans.
Delicious hot breakfast with plenty of food options, though some guests found the breakfast to be average.
Nestled on Lake Pontchartrain’s south shores, Metairie is a suburb of New Orleans and a place of high-end boutiques and upscale 1920s homes on the one hand, and retail shops, a plethora of restaurants and bars on the other. Metairie’s people especially love its nightlife and diversity, but it is also a great place for families, offering affordable housing and some top public schools. One of the main attractions in the area is Lake Pontchartrain itself, where local restaurants get their fresh seafood, a place for boating, fishing, and paddleboarding.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Metairie New Orleans
Address: 2730 Severn Ave.
108.05 km (67.2 mi) from City-Brooks Community Park
3. Lafayette (from USD 158)
The city of Lafayette is an excellent place to stay if you’re looking for a happy, relaxed destination, where you can always have a good time. Home to great food, good music, and vibrant culture, it’s for good reason that the city has been named “the happiest city in America.” People come here for the quality of life and stay for the dining and entertainment options and the general laid-back atmosphere.
Homewood Suites Lafayette-Airport
Address: 201 Kaliste Saloom Road
85.77 km (53.3 mi) from City-Brooks Community Park
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4. New Orleans
Reasonably priced B&B with complimentary breakfast and snacks
Beautifully decorated historic home with spacious rooms, free Wi-Fi, and 24-hour tea and coffee
Safe and charming neighborhood in the Garden District, close to streetcar stop and Magazine Street
Delicious homemade breakfast with a variety of options, including mini quiches, and nearby dining recommendations
There’s no other feel-good destination like New Orleans. Home to jazz music, the iconic Mardi Gras festival, and Creole cuisine, the city is one for the bucket list. But what takes New Orleans from a vacation destination to a top place to live in Louisiana are its great universities, college football, and a sense of community. Some of the best neighborhoods to live in include Gentilly, great for suburban life, Garden District for its lush outdoors, and Faubourg Marigny for Indie music and eclectic restaurants.
Maison Perrier Bed & Breakfast
Address: 4117 Perrier Street
117.21 km (72.9 mi) from City-Brooks Community Park
5. Prairieville (from USD 88)
Reasonable pricing for a budget property with efficient amenities.
Efficiency units with kitchenette suites, a dog relief area, and 24-hour coffee availability.
Conveniently located near Blue Bayou and a mall, with easy access to a main highway.
Adequate continental breakfast and various dining options in the surrounding area.
Situated south of Baton Rouge, Prairieville is one of its suburbs and a great place to live and start a family. With excellent public schools and housing, a good job market, and an affordable living cost, Prairieville can easily pass as one of Louisiana’s best places to live. Although it has a somewhat rural feel to it, this small and quiet town offers a lot of activities, especially outdoors, including parks like Cedar Ridge Drive Park, Kendalwood Road Park, and Bayou Manchac, a swamp known for its alligators.
Americas Best Value Inn & Suites-Prairieville
Address: 17301 Airline Highway
21.21 km (13.2 mi) from City-Brooks Community Park
6. Youngsville (from USD 224)
Reasonable cost compared to most B&Bs, with a personal touch and homey feel.
Beautiful outdoor area, spacious rooms, and engaging staff. Some rooms feature unique amenities like Japanese toilet-bowls and bidets.
Quiet, peaceful country setting, but a car is essential due to the remote location. Close to attractions like the Tabasco factory and other local sites.
Delicious and substantial breakfast, with opportunities to enjoy complimentary wine and southern Sippin’ hour by the pool. Some guests found the breakfast to be limited and not reflective of the local cuisine.
Although it almost doubled its population in the past decade, Youngsville remains a small city, part of Lafayette’s Metropolitan Area. Rated as one of the best places to live in Louisiana, the city is known for its diversity, nightlife, and public schools. It is considered a safe city and a good housing market, attracting many families with children and young professionals. The city boasts lots of parks and green outdoor spaces, restaurants, and a socially active community.
Louisiana Cajun Mansion
Address: 4304 Decon Road
90.53 km (56.3 mi) from City-Brooks Community Park
7. Elmwood (from USD 193)
Considered the best place to live in Jefferson Parish, Elmwood is a suburb of New Orleans, only a 20-minute drive away from big city life. Its residents are mostly families with children and young people. The city boasts a vibrant nightlife, with lots of bars, restaurants, and coffee shops. It is also a place with good housing and public schools.
Residence Inn by Marriott New Orleans Elmwood
Address: 1080 Elmwood Park Boulevard
107.67 km (67.0 mi) from City-Brooks Community Park
8. Bossier City (from USD 164)
Bossier City has a rich and diverse history, as it was a railroad, airbase, and oil town. Today, however, Bossier City’s staple is its casinos. The city also has lots of new shopping spots and many restaurants, lovely nature and outdoor attractions. Louisiana Boardwalk is where travelers and residents gather for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Other notable attractions in and around town include its aquarium which has brightly colored coral reefs, sharks, and jellyfish, the Barksdale Global Power Museum, and Cypress Park.
Comfort Suites Bossier City - Shreveport East
Address: 7950 East Texas Street
331.43 km (206.0 mi) from City-Brooks Community Park
9. Covington (from USD 205)
On the other side of Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans, Covington is only a 50-minute drive away from the home of Mardi Gras and jazz music. Covington is another great place to live in Louisiana for families and young professionals, in particular. Public schools in this suburb are above the region’s average, and the nightlife and house market are both excellent. Although small, the town boasts great restaurants and shops. Some of the locals’ favorites include Abita Brewing Company, where you can try a selection of lagers and ales, Café Du Monde for freshly roasted coffee, and Children’s Museum of St. Tammany, a fun learning place for all ages.
Residence Inn by Marriott Covington Northshore
Address: 101 Park Place Boulevard
103.51 km (64.4 mi) from City-Brooks Community Park
10. Mandeville (from USD 104)
Situated on Lake Pontchartrain’s northern shores, Mandeville is a city with beautiful beaches and many green spaces. Staying in Mandeville means having the great outdoors and its spectacular sites are just a step away, no matter where you live in the city. From the splash pad at Mandeville Trailhead, a kids’ favorite, to Fountainbleau State Park’s lakefront trails and beaches, the city is an outdoor lover’s paradise.
Comfort Suites Mandeville - Covington
Address: 68073 Highway 59
108.04 km (67.2 mi) from City-Brooks Community Park
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Louisiana, home to jazz music, Mardi Gras, and Creole cuisine
There aren’t many states that can be proud of counting so many cities where people are so happy and relaxed. It might be the laid-back atmosphere, the great music, or flavorful cuisine, or maybe the Mardi Gras festival, or maybe a little bit of everything. One thing’s for sure - there are plenty of great places in Louisiana that people are happy to call home. Check out our above list of the best places to live in Louisiana, the USA.
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