A Definitive Guide to Living in Baton Rouge, LA

Are you a prospective mover considering living in Baton Rouge, LA this year? Regionally nicknamed “Big Raggedy,” you should not let the nickname fool you; Baton Rouge is an exciting city that offers an abundance of attractions sure to please any visitor or resident. Appletree Storage is ready to help you with your move, offering affordable storage units in Baton Rouge, as well as its immediate surrounding areas. Find Baton Rouge storage near you among our range of temperature-controlled storage units. And while you are settling in, get to know the city with our mover’s guide!

Baton Rouge – Perkins Road |  Gonzalez | St. Amant

Discover the Economy

Quick Facts

Population:225,539

Median Home Value:$191,100

Median Rent:$937

Overall, Baton Rouge, LA, boasts a diverse and thriving economy, with its major industries being in petrochemical production and manufacturing. Subsequently, the city is host to a number of notable energy and oil related companies, including ExxonMobil, Dow Chemical Company, Shaw Construction, Turner and Harmony. Of the aforementioned, ExxonMobil is of particular note, and the refinery complex in Baton Rouge is noted as the fourth-largest oil refinery in the United States. This versatile and integrated facility produces gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, aviation fuel, lubricating oils and waxes, in addition to products and parts that include paint, adhesives, plastic milk jugs, auto parts, plastic films, and more. Indeed, ExxonMobil’s Baton Rouge Refinery has a significant impact on the city’s overall economy, with WAFB LA noting:

• Overall, 35,742 Louisiana residents work for ExxonMobile, and one out of eight jobs in the Louisiana area trace back to the company
• The Baton Rouge Refinery has an annual payroll of $491 million
• ExxonMobil is the biggest tax payer in East Baton Rough Parish, paying more than $1 billion in state and local taxes over the last decade and over $100 million on an annual basis

Alternatively, beyond the city’s petrochemical industry, Baton Rouge is noted to have a substantial medical research and clinical presence. Research hospitals within the area include Our Lady of the Lake, Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital (affiliated with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital), Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, and Earl K. Long. Together with an emerging medical corridor at Essen Lane, Baton Rouge seeks to develop a medical district expected to be similar to the Texas Medical Center, with LSU and Tulane University recently announcing plans to construct satellite medical campuses within the area. Overall, it is expected that the medical industry will be an integral part of Baton Rouge’s economy for years to come.

Moving forward, Baton Rouge is expected to continue its trend of economic growth, a trend aided by a resurgence in industrial construction within the area, as well as a significant growth and investment in the areas of oil/gas, infrastructure, healthcare, retail, and technology.

Discover the Culture

Culturally Baton Rouge is a diverse and exciting city, and it is host to a number of cultural attractions, including museums, performance centers, art galleries, and more. Pictured above, the Shaw Center for the Arts is one of Baton Rouge’s more prominent cultural fixtures. Originally opened in 2005, the Shaw Center for the Arts is a 125,000 square foot performing art venue, fine arts museum, and education center located in the heart of Downtown Baton Rouge. On its campus the Center includes the LSU Museum of Art, the LSU School of Art Glassell Gallery, and the 325-seat Manship Theatre, a performing arts venue that presents music, dance & theater. The Center’s museum collection includes a diverse art collection, changing exhibitions, and is noted to include the largest assemblage of Newcomb Pottery in the United States.

Outside of its art scene, Baton Rouge is host to a number of significant architectural sites, including historic plantation homes and a variety of buildings showcasing early antebellum-era architecture. Perhaps the city’s most prominent architectural attraction is the Old Louisiana State Capitol building. Originally constructed in 1847, this historic government building housed the Louisiana State Legislature from the mid-19th century up until the construction of the current capitol tower building in 1929. The building was originally built to both look like and function like a castle, and is nicknamed the “Louisiana Castle,” or the “Castle of Baton Rouge” by locals. Currently, the building is host to the city’s Museum of Political History, showcasing various educational exhibits relating to the city and state’s history.

Discover the Cuisine

Similar to its larger and more prominent neighbor to the South, New Orleans, Baton Rouge’s culinary scene is a reflection of Creole culture. This style of cooking blends West African, French, Spanish, and Amerindian influences, and is characterized by its usage of aromatic and locally-sourced vegetables, and its staple meat choices that include crawfish, shrimp, and andouille sausage. Fittingly, Baton Rouge and its surrounding area is host to a number of exemplary Creole restaurants. We’ve gathered a few of our area favorites, as well as some additional restaurants of note you might want to visit if you are ever in the Baton Rouge area!

• Willie’s Restaurant – Willie’s Restaurant offers contemporary takes on Cajun & Creole classics, plus cocktails, all set in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Signature menu items include the restaurant’s Cajun Pasta, Blackened Catfish, Dungeness Crab Legs, and the Fried Seafood Platter.
• Parrain’s Seafood – Opened in 2001, this Baton Rouge staple specializes in fresh, high-quality, locally sourced seafood. Frequently cited as having the best seafood in Baton Rouge, menu highlights include the Louisiana Raw Oysters, Fried Catfish, Seafood Pasta, and more!
• Bistro Byronz – Originally opened in 2005, Bistro Byronz is a neighborhood restaurant that serves bistro-inspired dishes with a Southern-flair. Currently this restaurant features four locations in Baton Rouge and the surrounding area, and is the ideal stop for a Sunday brunch before you explore the town!
• Beausoleil Restaurant & Bar – Baeausoleil serves upscale Louisiana cuisine in a casual and relaxed bistro setting. Beyond the restaurant’s cuisine, Beausoleil features an extensive open-seated barroom area, and is known to host live entertainment on a weekly basis.
• Phil’s Oyster Bar & Seafood Restaurant – A Baton Rouge staple since 1950, Phil’s Oyster Bar originally opened as a Seafood Market in 1945, and was later expanded into a full-service restaurant five years later. Currently, this restaurant is known for its selection of fresh, locally-sourced seafood, including Po’boy sandwiches, Seared Ahi Tuna, Crab Claws stuffed with Garlic Butter, and the restaurant’s signature fresh Oysters.

Alternatively, beyond the city’s culinary scene, Baton Rouge is host to a number of celebrated and innovative breweries, brewpubs, and distilleries, including:

• Baton Rouge Distilling – Originally opened in 2006, Baton Rouge Distilling is the first operating distillery since prohibition in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Founded by two LSU alumni, this distillery produces Fruit Brandy, Rye Whiskey, and Louisiana Bourbon.
• Tin Roof Brewing Co – Baton Rouge’s largest craft brewery, Tin Roof Brewing Co. is a locally owned microbrewery that features guided tours every Friday with sample tastings & regular events. Beyond their taproom, Tin Roof features an extensive outdoor area, and private reception areas ideal for wedding celebrations, work meetings, and more!
• Rally Cap Brewing Company – Based in the Industriplex area of Baton Rouge, Rally Cap Brewing Company is a craft brewery and taproom that combines the community’s love of sports with their passion for craft beer.
• Hayride Scandal – Specializing in whiskey craft cocktails, Hayride Scandal offers a unique menu with an even more impressive ambience. Their tasting room has a Victorian-era vibe that will transport you back in time.

Create your own Baton Rouge restaurant bucket list, and find a new favorite!

Discover the Excitement

Pictured above, Baton Rouge’s sports scene is largely synonymous with their flagship college football team, the LSU Tigers. Playing out of Tiger Stadium alongside the Mississippi River in the heart of Downtown Baton Rouge, the Fighting Tigers have fielded a team every year since 1893, playing in the Western Division of the Southeastern Conference in the NCAA. Overall, this football team has been remarkedly successful throughout their history, and the team currently ranks 11th best in winning percentage in NCAA Division I FBS history, winning four National Championships in 1958, 2003, 2007 and 2019, and 16 conference championships overall. Readers of this city-guide should be familiar with the team’s former star players, including Odell Beckham Jr., Kevin Faulk, and 2020’s first round draft pick and Heisman Trophy recipient, Joe Burrow.

Appletree Storage Has 3 Convenient Locations to Support Your Move

So, now that you’ve read through our guide to the city and you’re considering living in Baton Rouge, LA, what are your next steps? As you navigate packing, moving, and settling in, look no further than Appletree Storage for all your self storage needs. With three locations just south of the city, we are situated to provide secure and reliable storage right where you need it.

Whether you are looking for a space to hold your belongings for a few weeks during a move or you need a long-term solution to supplement your home storage, Appletree Storage offers affordable solutions to accommodate your needs. Our different facilities have drive-up, indoor, and temperature-controlled storage units—all of which you can rent online. Locate the Appletree Storage facility closest to you to check out the storage units it currently has available. You can secure your storage space right there online, or if you wish to talk over your needs with an expert first, our professionals are available to assist you by phone or in person. We provide online resources to make the storage experience easy—from choosing a storage unit size to exploring helpful packing and storage tips. See why Appletree Storage is Baton Rouge’s trusted source for secure self storage and friendly service!

Baton Rouge – Perkins Road |  Gonzalez | St. Amant

 

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