If you’re looking for a city that’s affordable, has a rich cultural history, and is relatively tranquil, Laplace, Louisiana, is a fine choice. With a wide range of outdoor activities, incredible cuisine, and strong community values, Laplace attracts young professionals, families, and retirees alike.
However, as with most cities in the United States, Laplace has a few blemishes you should know about before moving here. This can help you determine whether or not Laplace will support your personal, family, and career needs. To help you, the storage experts at Southern Self Storage put together the following list of the notable pros and cons of living in Laplace, LA. Read on to make the best decision about whether or not to move to this charming southern town.
The PROs of Living in Laplace, LA
1. Laplace is Close to New Orleans
One of the top reasons folks move to Laplace is that it’s close to NOLA, New Orleans! Depending on where you live, NOLA is between 25 and 35 minutes away, but it can be quite a bit longer, depending on the time of day you choose to go there. (More about Laplace’s traffic issues is below.)
2. The Cost of Living in Laplace is Genuinely Affordable
Imagine being able to purchase a home for nearly $150,000 less than the US average. You’ll find that in Laplace, where the housing cost index is 55 out of 100. That’s 45 points lower than the US average, which is affordable. Utilities and groceries are also below the U.S. average, although transportation costs, with a cost index of 126 out of 100, are slightly higher. Still, with an overall cost-of-living index of 90/100, 10 points below the average, living in Laplace is definitely an affordable choice.
3. Laplace’s Job Market is Strong
With an estimated future job growth of 9.16% and an unemployment rate of 4.1%, Laplace is a promising town in terms of its job market. Job growth has been positive; the average salary is just over $65,000 annually. It should be noted, however, that many folks who live in Laplace commute to New Orleans or Baton Rouge, which is why the town’s transportation costs are relatively high.
4. There’s a Wide Variety of Things to Do in Laplace
Laplace’s proximity to New Orleans and Baton Rouge offers various activities, attractions, sports, and outdoor activities. For example, the place is directly on the banks of Lake Pontchartrain, where fishing, boating, crabbing, and other water sports are prevalent. The town is also surrounded by hundreds of thousands of acres of swamps where you can take swamp boat tours, fish, and hunt to your heart’s content.
Laplace also offers several beautiful local parks, Including Thomas F. Daley Memorial Park, where you can enjoy hikes, picnics, and biking. We would be remiss if we didn’t mention that you can enjoy the annual celebration of Mardi Gras in New Orleans when you live in Laplace and enjoy the NFL’s mighty Saints, which, for some, is a great reason to live here!
5. The Dining Scene in Laplace is Off the Chain
LaPlace showcases a delightful mix of local flavors and tasty traditions, making it a must-visit spot for foodies. Local restaurants (see below) highlight the variety of dining options available, from fresh seafood to traditional Cajun and Creole dishes. This combination of Louisiana’s rich culinary heritage and welcoming atmosphere makes dining in Laplace a true pleasure and a compelling part of the town’s charm.
The Cons of Living in Laplace, LA
1. Laplace’s Weather Can be Challenging
There’s no denying that Laplace, LA, can be a swelteringly hot and humid place to live. That’s especially true from June through September when daily temperatures can soar into the upper 90s and even low 100s, and the humidity makes it feel as if you’re taking a swim while walking down the street.
2. There are Traffic Issues in Laplace
Laplace is well-connected to other parts of Louisiana via major highways. Commuting to New Orleans or other parts of the region often involves sitting in heavy traffic, especially at “rush hour” or during special events like Mardi Gras.
3. Laplace is Close to a Major Industrial Area
Ironically, while Laplace is surrounded by hundreds of thousands of acres of natural swampland and is on the banks of lovely Lake Pontchartrain, major petrochemical plants and related industries are nearby.
4. The School System in Laplace Needs Some Tutoring
Laplace has only 9 public schools, and while 2 of them are rated highly, the rest are more or less average. The best school in town is Harry M. Hurst Middle School, which is rated as the #11 best public middle school in Louisiana.
Top Restaurants in Laplace, LA
- Seafood Pot- This inviting eatery is highly rated for its wide variety of traditional American seafood dishes and innovative offerings.
- Frenier Landing Restaurant and Oyster Bar- Gorgeous views and fresh, local seafood make this rustic restaurant a must-visit for oyster lovers.
- Mabile’s Restaurant- A super-cozy atmosphere and classic Louisiana dishes like chicken-fried steak and shrimp stew? Yes, please!
- Pier 51 Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar- A relaxed dining experience and a wide selection of seafood dishes make Pier 51 a local favorite. Their Char-grilled Oysters and Andouille Gumbo are divine!
- El Paso Mexican Grill- Delicious flavors and generous portions are what you’ll find at this Mexican restaurant. Take advantage of Fajita Night, which they celebrate every Wednesday, for delicious and affordable Mexican fajitas!
- Wayne Jacob’s Smokehouse and Restaurant- Celebrating 74 years of serving Laplace, Wayne Jacob’s offers delicious smoked meats, homemade sausages, and an authentic Southern dining experience.
Final Thoughts about the Pros and Cons of Living in Laplace, LA
You’ll agree there are a lot of upsides to living in Laplace, LA! It’s affordable, inviting, has a lot of opportunities for outdoor adventures on the water, and is close to “The Big Easy”, New Orleans! If you’ve just arrived with plans to stay and need to store your household belongings in Laplace, Southern Self Storage can help. Our storage facility on Highway 51 offers clean, safe, and affordable storage units.
You can also rent a storage unit in Laplace to clear out a room in your home, store your boat, or store gear, supplies, and tools from your local Laplace business. When you’re ready, reserve your storage unit online, and it will be ready when you arrive. Until then, we hope our list of the pros and cons of living in Laplace, LA, has given you the information you need to make a sound decision on your upcoming move!