About Our Community

Baton Rouge, a name that reputedly refers to the red totem that once marked the boundary between two Louisiana tribes, owes more to the French than its unusual name. It was the French who explored, settled and developed the region during its formative years.

In the middle of the eighteenth century Acadian exiles from Nova Scotia began arriving in Louisiana, joining other French-speaking settlers. The "Cajuns" found themselves welcome here and made their homes along the rivers and bayous of the state. The colorful culture and influence of Evangeline and her people are still felt strongly in Louisiana.

The gracious life of the Mississippi River plantation surrounds this city where all corners of Louisiana come together in one rich, thick gumbo.

The river built our past and continues to shape our future, from the delta sugar cane fields to the rolling hills of the Felicianas.

The Greater Baton Rouge area encompasses several parishes including East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, Ascension, Livingston, Iberville, Point Coupee, St Helena, and West Feliciana and includes the towns of Baton Rouge, Prairieville, Gonzales, Denham Springs, Port Allen,  Watson, Walker, Zachary, and  St. Francisville.  This is currently the largest metro area in Louisiana, with a 205 pre-Hurricane Katrina population estimate of 729,000 and a 2006 population estimate of 779,000.  The Metro area population grew by approximately 74,000 people between 2000-2006. 

Baton Rouge (pop. 227,188) the capital of Louisiana, was the second largest city, with New Orleans being the largest, until Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005.  It is now the largest city in the state and the regional center of business, healthcare and entertainment.  Approximately 3.5 million people live within 100 miles of Baton Rouge and over 1 million reside within 50 miles.  Baton Rouge is a primary commercial river port and home to Louisiana State University and Southern University.

Although it has been more than 200 years since the United States acquired the Louisiana Territory, the influence of French, English and Spanish cultures continue to inspire the music, art and lifestyles of its residents. Spend a summer night dining on Cajun and French cuisines in one of the state capital's many fine restaurants. The cultural life is as varied as it is vibrant. On the musical scene Baton Rouge boasts the highly acclaimed Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra. Theater goers can choose from productions by Swine Palace, the Baton Rouge, Gonzales, or Baker Little Theaters or major traveling shows at the Centroplex Theater of Performing Arts, LSU Union and Reilly Theaters and the Manship Theater at the Shaw Center.  Playmakers offers a child's introduction to theater where young patrons can delight in children's productions in a relaxed, informal atmosphere.

Long known as a sports haven, Baton Rouge prides itself on the wealth of major collegiate football, basketball, baseball and tennis. BREC (Parks and Recreation Department) maintains a number of outstanding golf, tennis, soccer, archery and boating facilities with programs for children or the weekend athlete.  And the hunting and fishing…c’est manifique!! Public parks, amusement and water parks, tennis courts, swimming pools, golf courses and other recreational facilities are easily accessible from Baton Rouge's many distinct neighborhoods. White Oak and Shenandoah, historic Highland Road, the Garden District, Bocage and Old Goodwood all provide their own unique atmosphere. Fest-For-All and Jazz Fest feature performing arts, fine arts and crafts, regional food dishes and live music - all along North Boulevard in downtown Baton Rouge.

As in all south Louisiana, fine food is a tradition...in settings from the down home Cajun familiarity of Boutin’s and Brunet’s, to the urban bustle of Tsunami and the Chimes, and the elegance and graciousness of Maison Lacour and Galatoire’s.

Shopping and dining opportunities abound in the Towne Center at Cedar Lodge, Perkin’s Rowe, and the Mall of Louisiana, as well as down town Baton Rouge and the new Perkins Rowe.

Let Pat Wattam and her team help you find your Baton Rouge home. Browse this website for more information about the Baton Rouge area as well as buying or selling your home. If you're buying a home you can, search properties and sign up for free listing updates by email as well as research information on local schools and home inspections, and applying for a loan. Sellers can get helpful information on finding your home's value, making home improvements, getting tax tips and free reports.  You will also find a moving checklist for everything you need to know before you hand over your keys.

If you would like more information on Baton Rouge be sure to ask for my relocation packet which provides in depth information on this great place to live.