Baton Rouge is located on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River and is the capital city of Louisiana. The city of Baton Rouge is the center of the Greater Baton Rouge area, one of the major metropolitan areas of the state. Well-known in the industrial, petrochemical, medical and technological fields, this place is a major hub. Read on to discover more about the city, tips on finding rooms in Baton Rouge, the average rent in Baton Rouge, and more!
Getting to know Baton Rouge
The name Baton Rouge comes from ‘Bâton-Rouge’ which is French for ‘red stick.’ The name came about when French explorer Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville arrived and spotted a red pole. This pole was actually a divider between tribal hunting grounds in the area. Baton Rouge has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot and humid summers. However, its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico exposes the area to hurricanes around July. If you are looking to move and find rooms for rent in Baton Rouge, read on – and try to avoid any crazy weather!
Find cheap rooms for rent in Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge has a population of about 220,236 and is the hub of the Greater Baton Rouge metropolitan area and the state of Louisiana. It has consistently grown from a small town into a city after being chosen as the capital of the state in 1817. The city has a total area of 79.1 square miles and is located on the bluffs north of the Mississippi River Delta’s coastal plains.
If you’re looking for cheap rooms for rent in Baton Rouge, here are some of the best neighborhoods to consider.
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Top neighborhoods in Baton Rouge
- Southdowns: This neighborhood is in the middle of the bustle of the city and is a great place to find rooms for rent in Baton Rouge. It is great for students, being close to the Louisiana State University (LSU) too. While there are great options for dining, shopping, and entertainment, this neighborhood may be more pricy than the average.
- Mid City: Mid City is a great place to find cheap rooms for rent in Baton Rouge. Perfect for creatives and students, there’s a vibrant art scene to check out. With many great local stores and restaurants, there are many things to explore here. Being cheaper than the average rent in Baton Rouge makes it a great choice for those on a budget. It also has quieter areas and schools making it great for young families.
- Garden District: This historic district is home to properties and architecture dating back to the 1910s. With great walkability and cycling lanes, it is easy to get around without public transportation. The neighborhood also boasts many parks and popular local businesses. The reasonable rent also make it a great place to find rooms for rent in Baton Rouge.
Average rent in Baton Rouge
| Room For Rent In Baton Rouge | Average Rent |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment For Rent In Baton Rouge | $837 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartment For Rent In Baton Rouge | $1,528 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment For Rent In Baton Rouge | $2,115 |
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University life in Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge can be a great place to study if you enjoy city life and want to be in a major hub of the state. The city has a great school system, well-regarded colleges, and is known for higher education and research. You can easily find cheap rooms for rent in Baton Rouge at walking distance from University as a student. Here are the living costs and some of the best colleges in Baton Rouge.
Cost of living and average rent in Baton Rouge
| Particulars | Cost per month |
|---|---|
| Health Insurance | $100 |
| Rent | $1040 |
| Utilities | $130 |
| Food | $1523 |
| Traveling | $60 |
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Here are the top universities in Baton Rouge:
- Louisiana State University
- Southern University and A&M College
- Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University
- Baton Rouge Community College
- ITI Technical College
How transit friendly is Baton Rouge?
1. Airports
The Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport is the major airport that serves the city and is located in North Baton Rouge. Airlines like American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Airlines offer non-stop service to the city. However, the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is also popular among travelers. It’s only an hour away and has more budget airlines flying in. Both airports have express buses and taxis connecting them to the city.
2. Buses
Greyhound, Megabus, and Flixbus are the leading options if you want to reach Baton Rouge by bus. If you are finding rooms for rent in Baton Rouge, be sure to check for local bus stops. The Capital Area Transit System (CATS) provides urban transportation in most of the city. These buses also connect Baton Rouge with nearby cities in the metropolitan area. Their updated fares and routes can be found online.
3. Taxis
Taxis in Baton Rouge are generally safe, but more expensive compared to other cities, and you might run into difficulties finding one in certain places. Hence, it makes sense to book one in advance. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft are also available, which can be handy if you are looking for rooms for rent in Baton Rouge in an out-of-the-way area.
Taxi rates in Baton Rouge:
| Taxi rates for | Cost |
|---|---|
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | $4 |
| Taxi 1-hour waiting (Normal Tariff) | $30 |
| Taxi 1 km (Normal Tariff) | $1.30 |
4. Walking
Walking is a popular way to get around Baton Rouge as the city has great walkability and is fairly compact. With a higher than an average number of households not owning a car, walking is an easy way to commute. Most of the areas near the city center and University are quite walkable, so you may not feel the need to own a car or use public transportation. It can be practical to find rooms for rent in Baton Rouge near your University or workplace.
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Cultural activities in Baton Rouge
- Louisiana State Capitol: Perhaps the most notable building in the Baton Rouge skyline, this is an iconic building. Be sure to visit the new state Capitol if you are finding rooms for rent in Baton Rouge. A skyscraper built in the Art Deco style, it was built on the vision of Huey P. Long, former Governor, and U.S. Senator.
- Louisiana State University: This university is not just a campus of learning, but a historical monument as well. The vast campus is more than a century old and has everything from lush gardens to historical buildings. Explore the campus and visit the Tiger Stadium, the Indian Mounds, the Quad, or the outdoor Greek Amphitheater. There are also several lakes near LSU that are open to the public for fishing.
- African American Museum: Also known as Odell S. Williams Now And Then African-American History Museum, this is a must-visit. The museum was founded by Sadie Roberts-Joseph in 2001 and is a testament and record of the city’s rich heritage. You can also find rural artifacts, African Art, and minority inventions. Be sure to check it out if you are finding rooms for rent in Baton Rouge.
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Dining in Baton Rouge
- The Chimes: This joint is a favorite among the staff and students of the Louisiana State University. Located at the North Gates of campus, it has been a part of LSU culture for generations. If you are a student finding rooms for rent in Baton Rouge, this is a must-visit. They also have an extensive beer and liquor selection to go with their excellent food.
- Raising Cane’s: The Raising Cane’s is a home-grown chain of fast-food restaurants and local favorites. They serve chicken finger meals, crinkle-cut fries, Texas Toast, coleslaw, and their special dipping sauce. They pride themselves on having a limited menu, but doing all their items right. Head here if you are planning to visit Baton Rouge and want to tuck into some good quality meals.
- Piccadilly Restaurants: This chain of restaurants, headquartered in Baton Rouge serves great food at great prices. This place and its traditional, home-style meals are known for being some of the best. If you love Southern food, head here and grab some fried chicken, Crawfish Etouffee, Carrot Soufflé, or Pecan Pie.
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