Lake Charles, known for its Southern hospitality and thriving gaming and tourism industries, is a fun and exciting place to call home. This city caters to apartment renting residents with a wide range of interests. From an abundance of outdoor recreational activities to a culturally vibrant historical district, Lake Charles is the perfect environment for apartment renting residents with a wide range of interests.
Lake Charles was officially incorporated in 1861, and today the city's population surpasses 74,000. Outdoor enthusiasts renting apartments here will find that Lake Charles is the ideal environment for them, as there is so much this city has to offer.
For a general introduction to the outdoor amenities of Lake Charles, hop on the Creole Nature Trail, which is the country's first designated National Scenic Byway. You can fish, hunt, go boating and watch birds and alligators in their natural environment. For the sculptured surroundings of a man-made environment, head for Shiver-Me-Timbers Millennium Park, which is just one of the city's 31 parks and built totally by volunteers. If you want an unusual water adventure, take a walk on the Wetland Walkway, 1.5 miles of boardwalk erected over freshwater marsh.
If you're an apartment renter in Lake Charles looking for a more metropolitan diversion, tart with several casinos, such as the Golden Nugget Lake Charles, which boasts 1,600 slots, 60 table games, restaurants and an 18-hole golf course. Check out the Imperial Calcasieu Museum to marvel at the works of local visual artists. Cap off your day with the live music that plays at Luna LIVE, a restaurant and entertainment site.
One of the best ways to get to know the people in your neighborhood is by attending one of the city's many festivals and events. One of the biggest is Mardi Gras, which includes a parade of shoe-box-sized floats among its multiple festivities. Contraband Days has local citizens defending the seawall to prevent pirate Jean Lafitte from kidnapping the mayor; however, he always succeeds. The Cajun Food and Music Festival is a chance to dine on local specialties like gumbo and jambalaya while enjoying toe-tapping tunes.
In terms of public transportation, the Department of Public Works Transit Division serves the city Monday-Friday. However, given the lack of public transportation on weekends, it would not be advisable to ditch your car here.
If you're a student renting an apartment in the neighborhood, there are three higher education options. The biggest is McNeese State University, which awards both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Delta Tech offers programs ranging from 12-week certificates to an Associate of Occupational Studies degree. Sowela Technical Community College has diplomas, certificates and associate degrees in 20 program areas, including computer technology, aviation, office systems and culinary arts.
Lake Charles' original petrochemical base has expanded to include gaming, tourism and education. Some of the biggest employers include Northrup Grumman for aviation; the Shaw Group, which manufactures parts of nuclear power plants; and energy company ConocoPhillips.