Thinking about moving to Baton Rouge? Here’s what you need to know.

Deep-seeded southern heritage collides with the energy of a youthful population in Baton Rouge, giving the region a uniquely traditional but vibrant feel. Meaning “Red Stick,” after the red poles Native American tribes used to mark hunting grounds in the area, the capital city has been the seat of politics in Louisiana since 1849. It is also the home of Louisiana State University, and a huge population of students, faculty and alumni that are fiercely loyal to the Tigers and their city.

Who’s There?

Nearly 230,000 people live in the 76-square-mile area, long dominated by petrochemical production and manufacturing. Exxon Mobil is one of the largest employers, with a payroll of more than 4,000 workers in 2013. Turner Industries, a heavy industrial construction company, and CBI Inc., a waste processing company, also employ many local residents, as do Our Lady of the Lake and Baton Rouge General Medical Centers. LSU has a large footprint in the city, providing educational opportunities and community outreach programs. Its 25,000 students and 5,600 employees also add an undeniable dynamism.

What’s Around Baton Rouge?

Baton Rouge is about 60 miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico, on the east side of the Mississippi River. The downtown district along the riverfront is the site of many office towers, arts centers, museums, restaurants and bars. North Boulevard Town Square, which bridges the area between North Boulevard and River Road, offers more than an acre of green space and is home to dozens of festivals, concerts and outdoor movie screenings.

What Do You Do In Baton Rouge?

The arts and music scenes are selling points for Baton Rouge. The Shaw Center for the Arts is a must-see, covering a full city block downtown and overlooking the Mississippi River. The Baton Rouge River Center is another local point of pride. Its 10,000-seat arena and theater book national events and house the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra and Ballet. The Varsity Theater, in the North Gate area near LSU campus, is another favorite venue for local bands and touring artists. LSU home games, however, eclipse all other activities in the fall. Students and alumni are happy to boast that the tailgating is some of the best in the country.

14092 Wetherly Dr

8624 Arabella Ave

4126 Stumberg Ln

1657 N 38th St

4854 Osborne Ave

13431 Briargrove Ave

3936 Wyandotte St

179 W Harrison St

2120 Convention St

3736 Sessions Dr

9507 Thayer Ave

10741 Hillmont Ave

6714 Tiger Pointe Dr

644 Highland Park Dr

1656 Belmont Ave

910 Drago Dr

13465 Quail Grove Ave

5423B Banyan Trace Dr

6407 Tiger Pointe Dr

5540 Clayton Ct

9477 Macedonia Ave

735 Bromley Dr

3547 Mission Dr

866 W Lakeview Dr

755 Arlington Ave

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1336 N 29th St

9760 Judi Ave

814 Lonita St

2645 Seneca St