The Local Experts Guide to the Best Affordable Neighborhoods for Baton Rouge Renters

Baton Rouge is the capital of Louisiana and the second most populous city right after New Orleans. Like New Orleans, Baton Rouge is culturally rich and located right on the banks of the Mississippi River. The city was named by French explorer Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville after the red-painted pole that the Houma and Bayagoula Native American tribes used to distinguish their hunting territories. "Baton rouge" means "red stick" in French. Today it is a modern city of art and culture but not without that distinctive Cajun flair. Louisiana, with its woods and wetlands, is often called a Sportsman's Paradise, but Baton Rouge could very well be a Shopper's Paradise with its many varied stores and restaurants. I'm Melissa,, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Melrose Place

Though it shares a name with a popular FOX drama, the Melrose Place in Baton Rouge is fairly tame in comparison. Though very close to Downtown Baton Rouge, Melrose Place is nestled in dense wooded areas, making it feel almost more like a nature preserve than a neighborhood. It's been called "Baton Rouge's best kept secret" due to how hard it is to find. The well-crafted houses tend to be cottages or ranch style with a few mid-century moderns and shaded by ancient oaks. Yards are not only well kept but decorated with prizes going monthly to the nicest yard. It is a close-knit community where everyone looks out for each other and gets together for bike rides and crayfish boils. Melrose Place is just minutes from Independence Park, 96 acres of natural beauty along with a pool, rec center, shuffleboard, tennis and much more. Fairfax Park (AKA The Triangle) is also lovely, being the hub of neighborhood activities. The little ones can attend Melrose Elementary where students are challenged to achieve personal excellence. For reading and other intellectual exploration, try the Eden Park Branch Library with its celestial theme and accessible computer software.

Brownfields

Brownfields is on the Eastern flank of Baton Rouge, bordering Baker and Central as well as the Comite River. It's about ten miles northeast of downtown Baton Rouge. It's a walkable neighborhood with places to go by bicycle and lauded for being very safe, though a car might be better for most errands. Most of the people here prefer quiet pastimes such as board and card games and crafting. Brownfields is also pet-friendly with a popular club for cat lovers. There are many parks in Brownfields, each suited for a different taste. Hooper Road Park is for bicyclists where tennis aficionados may prefer James Watson Park. Try the Cohn Nature Preserve if wildlife is your thing. The Cohn Arboretum is wonderful for tree lovers. If you like going to the mall, try the Brookwood Village Shopping Center and grab a bite at Grand Wall Chinese Restaurant. The roads in this area need more maintenance, but the rough trip may well be worth it. Brownfields Elementary School is dedicated to the arts and academics, encouraging students to always reach for excellence. Though very much an urban area, Brownfields has its places of quiet contemplation.

Scotlandville

Scotlandville has its roots as a small rural community that quickly became industrialized but today identifies as a cultural district. This neighborhood is in the northern part of Baton Rouge with a sizable black population due to being settled by freemen after the Civil War. The highlight of this area is the Baton Rouge Zoo, which takes part in 30 international Species Survival Plans and many conservation plans. Right next to the zoo is Greenwood Community Park, the largest park in Baton Rouge at nearly 400 acres of just about every outdoor recreation imaginable. You can have a picnic and rent a boat out on the lake. Scotlandville Magnet High is the alma mater of many athletes in the NBA and NFL. But don't think for a minute this is a jock school! It has special magnet programs dedicated to academics, engineering, entrepreneurship and government, plus a thriving rotary club. While a car might be more useful for getting to work, a good number of people in Scotlandville get around by bicycle. Many of the homes in this suburban neighborhood are well-established, some dating back to 1940. Most are mid-sized single-family homes, but there are some apartment complexes available.

Goodwood

With many of the residents of Goodwood being educated executives in the management profession, the neighborhood has a classy feel without the classy price. Most people here need a car for transportation to work, a commute that on average takes about 20 minutes. The parking is easy, and many restaurants are within walking distance. One such restaurant is Goodwood Grill with it's old-fashioned Americana menu made with only fresh ingredients. It's Louisiana, so naturally catfish, po boys and gumbo are on the menu. Catholic families may want to send their children to Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School where their students are instructed to lead a life of prayer, knowledge and service. Slightly older children may attend Westdale Middle Magnet School, where their mission is to foster a learning environment centered on continuous improvement. If you like a game of golf on the weekends, Webb Park Golf Course is highly recommended for golfers of all skill levels. Plus, they have instruction programs available for anyone who would like to improve their skills. It's a neighborhood for those who know when to work but also how to have a little fun.

Victoria Gardens

For a picturesque neighborhood of beautiful homes with manicured lawns, you certainly can't ask for more than Victoria Gardens. It's a family-friendly place where everyone is welcome, and the neighbors might just express their welcome by inviting you to a barbecue or dinner party. The people here take pride in the beauty of their homes and gardens and work to maintain them. It's quiet while being conveniently urban, not very far from downtown Baton Rouge. Though most people drive to work (typically a 20 to 25-minute commute), it's a walkable neighborhood. You can get even more exercise in a natural atmosphere at Howell Community Park while the kids climb the rocket ship in the playground. If your pleasure is fishing, the lake in this park is well-stocked and allows bankside fishing from dawn to dusk. A swimming pool and courts for volleyball, tennis and basketball are available. For great food at a low price, Lillie's Kitchen on the Road is highly recommended. It's southern flavor available for every meal. Children in this area may attend Claiborne Elementary School where all students are provided quality instruction in a nurturing environment.

Merrydale

The sparsely populated Merrydale is often described as Baton Rouge's backyard being only 8 miles from downtown Baton Rouge and having a lot of land in between cottages and ranch-style houses with a few mobile homes. While there are sidewalks in many of the subdivisions, a car is highly recommended for getting around. The population is largely black and largely female with only 79 men to 100 women. Teenagers may attend Glen Oaks High School which boasts a popular marching band and a successful basketball team that has won many state championships. If you want some fresh air and exercise, Maplewood Park has some improvements with more shaded areas and new equipment. It's also great for tennis or basketball. If you really love the outdoors and want something a bit more untamed, Waddill Wildlife Refuge is the place to go. Fishing under certain regulations is permitted in some ponds, but hunting is not allowed, although there are some ranges for target practice. The picnic facilities come with fire pits and handwashing stations. Though an outdoor recreational area, Waddill is first and foremost about the conservation of natural resources and wildlife.