Why Calcasieu Parish is Calling You Home to a Simpler, Rural Life

Looking for land for sale in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana? This article offers an overview of what it’s like living, playing and exploring in Calcasieu Parish.

Calcasieu Parish (pronounced “cal-ca-shoo” - gesundheit!) is a remote, hidden gem in Southwest Louisiana that offers expansive and affordable rural land, perfect for those seeking the peace of country living.

According to Amanda White, VP of Communications with the Chamber Southwest Louisiana, Calcasieu Parish has a low cost of living, lower-than-average crime ratings, world-class food and a festival nearly every weekend.

“Equidistant between Houston and Baton Rouge, Calcasieu Parish strides the line between cowboy and Cajun cultures with lively music, amazing and spicy foods and a hard-working populace,” she adds.

Since the discovery of sulfur deposits in the region, Calcasieu Parish has historically been a petrochemical, industry-based region. Immune from the booms and busts of other industry-based regions, White says the area has been steadily growing in size and economy while maintaining the charms and steady pace of small-town living despite the current population of 205,234.

Here, we explore why this unique Louisiana town could be the answer to your rural living dreams and how you, too, could call this crawfish-loving state home.

Moving to Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana: Affordable Cost of Living and Land Prices

According to Gus Fontenot, director of projects and site development at the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance, Calcasieu Parish is among the most affordable areas in the state of Louisiana.

To put this into perspective, the Council for Community and Economic Research set the 2024 annual average composite index for the Lake Charles MSA at 86.3, with 100 being the national average.

By comparison, Lafayette was 87.2; Baton Rouge 92.8; New Orleans 112.4; Shreveport 95.7; and Monroe 88.3.

For those looking to purchase real estate, the average cost of an acre in Louisiana was recorded at approximately $3,200 in 2023, ranking at number 32 out of 48 farmland states in America. Compared to other states, Louisiana proves to be an affordable option all around.

Outdoor Enthusiasts and Wildlife Lovers Thrive in Calcasieu Parish

Outside of work, White says Southwest Louisiana is a paradise of swamps, rivers, historic oaks and moss-draped cypress trees.

“While outside, you might see an alligator,” she continues, “but you will definitely see some of the spectacular birds that frequent our byways, flyways and waterways. There are so many ways to enjoy the outdoors in our region: hiking, biking, kayaking and even just driving along the Creole Nature Trail.”

Also known as “Louisiana’s Outback,” the Creole Nature Trail is a scenic byway that is home to alligators, over 400 bird species, marshlands and 25 miles of beaches. Start your adventure at the Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point, a hands-on, immersive attraction that brings the Cajun culture and local wildlife to life through exhibits and displays.

Other outdoor options in and around Calcasieu Parish include, but are certainly not limited to:

Sam Houston Jones State Park

The Sam Houston Jones State Park is located near Lake Charles, where the Houston River joins the Calcasieu River and Indian Bayou. It has 1,087 acres of land where outdoor lovers can camp, fish, hike, bird watch and more.

Local Parks

Calcasieu Parish offers residents 11 parks to enjoy throughout the year. A few to note include:

• Alligator Park: Features a new fishing pier, camp sites, a boat launch and picnic tables.
• Calcasieu Point Landing: Located on the water, this park offers a boat launch, fishing pier, an open air pavilion and a full service store stocked with snacks, beverages, live bait and more.
• Holbrook Park: Bring the kids to Holbrook Park, which features a playground for all ages. Enjoy the park’s other amenities, including a boat launch, camping, an indoor pavilion with a barbecue pit, picnic spots and fishing.
• River Bluff Park:  Another family-friendly option, this park features a state-of-the-art playground area, a splash pad, exercise areas and a quarter-mile walking path.

Outdoor Sports & Hobbies

• Fishing: Both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Year-round, catch bass, catfish, speckled trout and other fish species.
• Crabbing: A popular local outdoor activity.
• Kayaking and boating on Lake Charles.
• Hunting: Lake Charles is known for being a great spot to hunt waterfowl. Before you head out, be sure to purchase a hunting license.
• Birdwatching: The Creole Nature Trail and Central Flyways offer spectacular views for birdwatching.

Calcasieu Parish Has Plenty of Entertainment and Activities to Enjoy

If you aren’t much for outdoor activities, you’re in luck. Calcasieu Parish also offers plenty of amenities and entertainment for every taste and interest.

Here are just a few local entertainment and activity options to check out in Calcasieu Parish:

Museums & Galleries

• 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center: A public art and history gallery that features traveling exhibitions from around the world. It’s also home to the Black Heritage Gallery and Gallery by the Lake.
• Imperial Calcasieu Museum: Wondering what life was like back in the old Imperial Calcasieu region? This museum takes you back in time, showcasing local cultural and visual arts programming.
• Dequincy Railroad Museum: This historical museum, situated at the intersection of two major railroads, features a steam engine, passenger car and a caboose.

Casinos

Ready to try your luck at the slots? Calcasieu Parish is home to four casinos to check out:

• Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino
• L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles
• Delta Downs Racetrack Hotel & Casino - this casino is unique in that it hosts live Thoroughbred and American Quarter Horse racing from Spring to Fall.
• Horseshoe Casino & Hotel

These casinos also offer live events, entertainment and concerts. So keep an eye on their event pages.

Shopping

• Local Farmers Markets
  • Lake Charles Farm & Table Market
  • Charlestown Farmers Market in Downtown
  • Moss Bluff Farmers Market
  • Prien Lake Mall: Features 95 stores including designer brands, a cinema and 11 restaurants.
• Boutique Shops
  • Mimosa Boutique
  • Cruella’s
  • Style Encore

Indulge in the Delicious Louisiana Cuisine in Calcasieu Parish

Living in Calcasieu Parish, you’ll never go hungry. Louisiana is the crawfish capital of America, after all!

For crawfish and authentic Louisiana cuisine:

• Cody’s Crawfish Shop: This restaurant specializes in purged, boiled and live crawfish. Open 7 days a week, dine in or pick up through the drive-thru.
• Steamboat Bill’s on the Lake: Real, authentic cajun cooking is whipped up at this highly rated Lake Charles dining spot. You might even catch their “Boiling Wagon” food truck rolling around town for on-the-go crawfish and seafood dishes.
• Fiery Crab Seafood Restaurant and Bar, Lake Charles: If you’re craving seafood (of any kind), the Fiery Crab is a must-try. This restaurant offers an expansive menu that includes crawfish, mussels, shrimp, crab and more.

Family-friendly restaurants:

• Rikenjaks: An outdoor experience itself, Rikenjaks offers brunch, lunch and dinner while you sit under live oak trees. They also provide family-friendly entertainment like games, karaoke and live music. Menu items include seafood, beer battered onion rings, burgers and a kids menu.
• Crust Pizza: Did someone say pizza? Crust Pizza dishes out award-winning gourmet pizzas and calzones.
• The Terrace: This upscale restaurant serves families inside their family entertainment center where kids of all ages can enjoy drinks, snacks, the full dining menu and a kids’ menu. The Terrace is also dog-friendly!

Growth and Job Opportunities in Calcasieu Parish is Expected Over the Next Decade

Despite some forecasts showing that the area will remain flat in the next five to 10 years, Dr. Daniel Groft, Economist and Director of the H.C. Drew Center for Business and Economic Analysis at McNeese State University, says signs are pointing to changes at all levels of government that will help potential large-scale economic development projects come to fruition. 

This will, in turn, provide the area with ample job opportunities and potentially diversify Southwest Louisiana's infrastructure.

“Many liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects seem to be closer to final investment decision, and these will require large construction labor forces and skilled labor to operate,” he explains.

“A new alternative energy infrastructure will lead to more diversification as the area will not only have traditional petrochemical refining and chemical manufacturing, but also become a center for carbon capture, hydrogen and solar.”

He also noted that job numbers have been steady in the area over the past few years. The region is still recovering not only from natural disasters, but also from the COVID pandemic.

“However, most industries have grown and surpassed their storm levels in terms of jobs,” he continued. “The area is rich in leisure and hospitality, and it relies on its strong industrial base, which has exhibited robust growth since the downturns.”

Thanks to long-term strategic planning, Groft says Southwest Louisiana looks forward to the future.

“There is a renewed focus on housing and improving quality of life while still working to attract new businesses to the area.”

Looking for land for sale in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana?

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