Lake Charles

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Lake Charles, LA

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Lakefront Louisiana living paired with historic charm and a vibrant nightlife

Lakefront Shopping Restaurants Nightlife Casinos Historic

Located in southwest Louisiana, Lake Charles is a waterfront city surrounding Lake Charles and Prien Lake. Lake Charles houses McNeese State University and a variety of public schools in the city’s school district.

Two large hotels and casinos, Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino and L’Auberge Casino Resort, bring in an abundance of tourists to enjoy the casinos, bars, restaurants, and live music. Visit the Charpentier Historic District to admire historic buildings, streets, and museums. Downtown, you’ll find the Mardi Gras Museum which houses the largest display of Mardi Gras costumes in the South.

Enjoy a delicious variety of seafood and Cajun restaurants around town, as well as public beach access on Lake Charles. Upscale apartments and cozy condos are available for rent in this lively, lakefront city.

Rent Trends

As of January 2025, the average apartment rent in Lake Charles, LA is $708 for a studio, $923 for one bedroom, $1,078 for two bedrooms, and $1,295 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Lake Charles has increased by 3.0% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$923/month
722 Sq Ft
House
$3,141/month
1,340 Sq Ft
Townhome
$1,347/month
930 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in Lake Charles, LA

Transportation

40

Car-Dependent

out of 100 WalkScore® Rating

This area is considered a car-dependent area and most errands will require a car.

43

Somewhat Bikeable

out of 100 BikeScore® Rating

You might be able to find places to ride your bike in this area, but you’ll most likely want your car for most errands.

Schools

Prien Lake Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-5

671 Students

9
out of 10

Lebleu Settlement Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-5

428 Students

9
out of 10

Moss Bluff Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-5

973 Students

8
out of 10

A. A. Nelson Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-5

741 Students

8
out of 10

Dolby Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-5

381 Students

7
out of 10

Grand Lake High School

Public

Grades 7-12

340 Students

9
out of 10

Moss Bluff Middle School

Public

Grades 6-8

883 Students

6
out of 10

F. K. White Middle School

Public

Grades 6-8

661 Students

6
out of 10

S. J. Welsh Middle School

Public

Grades 6-8

1,107 Students

5
out of 10

Ray D. Molo Middle Magnet School

Public

Grades 6-8

325 Students

4
out of 10

Grand Lake High School

Public

Grades 7-12

340 Students

9
out of 10

Alfred M. Barbe High School

Public

Grades 9-12

1,991 Students

7
out of 10

Sam Houston High School

Public

Grades 9-12

1,216 Students

6
out of 10

Lagrange High School

Public

Grades 9-12

907 Students

2
out of 10

Washington/Marion Magnet High School

Public

Grades 9-12

587 Students

2
out of 10

Points of Interest

Parks and Recreation

  • Bord Du Lac Park
  • Millennium Park
  • Isreal LaFleur Park
  • Prien Lake Park
  • Sam Houston Jones State Park

Commuter Rail

Military Bases

Airports

  • Lake Charles Regional

Top Apartments in Lake Charles

Houses for Rent in Lake Charles

Property Management Companies in Lake Charles, LA

Living in Lake Charles

Restaurants

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No matter where you live in Lake Charles, there is an excellent restaurant nearby. Located in Southwest Louisiana, Lake Charles gets the best of many worlds when it comes to cuisine. Many of the city’s most popular restaurants are locally owned gems that might be somewhat off the beaten path. Depending on what type of food you’re in the mood for, you have several different choices. For Louisiana’s well known Cajun cooking, there is Steamboat Bills located right off I-10. Pujo Street Café and Pat’s of Henderson serve tradition Cajun cuisine in a slightly more sophisticated atmosphere. Head over to Harry’s Restaurant in Moss Bluff during crawfish season for a real Cajun treat. Don’t forget to stop by Peggy’s Superette in Goosport for their famous, unbeatable boudin. Lake Charles also has a variety of foods from several other cultures. There is Kyoto’s Japanese Steakhouse, Tony’s Italian Pizza, and Casa Manana Mexican Restaurant.

Parks

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The Creole Nature Trail is much loved by locals and visitors alike. You can walk the trail for an afternoon at-one with nature. You’ll see wildlife of all kinds, possibly even an alligator or two. The Lake Charles Boardwalk is one of a kind. There is a splash pad and fountain that kids off all ages love to splash in during the summer.

Shopping

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The main shopping center in Lake Charles is Prien Lake Mall located on Prien Lake Road. Here you will find the typical department stores, jewelry stands, and food court. Another shopping favorite is downtown where you can find shops for local artisans and art galleries. The Cottage Shops are a unique group of locally owned shops that include gift shops, salons, and more. In addition, Lake Charles is home to two very active farmer's markets. One farmer’s market is downtown on Saturday mornings. The other is south of town on Tuesday evenings.

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