Lafayette Apartments and Rentals

Located in southwest Louisiana, Lafayette boasts a distinctive feeling that is best explained by the city’s official website as “a cultural oasis on the bayou that blends contemporary sophistication of a cosmopolitan city with a unique heritage and culture hard to find anywhere this side of Europe.” An exciting nightlife scene with eclectic bars and live music join a number of outdoor activities on nearby waters offer Lafayette residents an unparalleled way of life. Rent a Lafayette apartment and experience the flavor of the South.

The first settlers in the area were Attakapas Indians, whose burial mounds can still be found along the Vermilion River. The village was first named St. Jean du Vermilionville, and in 1823 was changed to Lafayette to commemorate General Lafayette’s visit to the United States.

Lafayette has a booming tourism industry, as visitors seek out the city for its distinctive Cajun and Creole cultures that feature a distinct blend of many heritages, including French, Spanish, Haitian and more. People here say that the city is very progressive, as most of the residents are involved in helping to advance the city and its diverse community. Hailed as the “Heart of Acadiana,” rentals in Lafayette are a great place to live for families and young singles alike.

Lafayette is home to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Close to 17,000 students flock here each year to attend classes at the largest school in the University of Louisiana system, adding a spirited energy to the city streets. South Louisiana Community College and Remington College are also located in town, making Lafayette apartments very popular for students.

For those seeking work, Lafayette has a lot to offer in many thriving areas. The petroleum and natural gas industries are large contributors to the local economy. Most of the city’s residents work in management, sales and office occupations, which accounts for more than 60 percent of jobs here. Many people also make their livings in blue collar occupations that help serve the wants and needs of tourists throughout the year.

Famous for the easy, slower-paced lifestyle of the American South, Lafayette residents enjoy a relatively low cost of living. U.S. Census Bureau statistics show that a normal apartment here will cost $700 a month, which is almost $40 less than the Louisiana average. With many of the same attractions and cultures as New Orleans, where the average rent price is close to $900, Lafayette apartments are sought out by people who want to enjoy the best of city living and southern hospitality.

Lafayette has more than 122,000 residents who all love to eat, and this city is the perfect place to do it. The blend of cultures brings a tantalizing variety of eateries and boasts some of the best cuisine the state has to offer.

With a deep-rooted southern history, Lafayette has many attractions that bring in visitors from all over the world. The city’s calendar of events is jam-packed with festivals, including the Crawfish Festival, Zydeco Festival, Cajun Food Tasting Tours, a Summer Jam Concert Series, Back to School Bash and Cajun & Creole Christmas, among others. The Cathedral of St. John, the Atchafalaya Experience and Lafayette Natural History Museum and Planetarium entice curious guests, and the Real French Destination Scenic Byway on Highway 93 offers beautiful views of Louisiana’s diverse French heritage.

If you are looking for an apartment for rent or a house rental in Lafayette, La., search for rental properties at Rent.com®.