Baker Apartment Renter's Guide
Baker Apartment Renter's Guide
Overview
The Baker Buffalo Festival, which is held every September, has events like a car show, balloon rides, and an art contest. As the name suggests, you can also eat lots of buffalo wings.
A mere 12 miles from Baton Rouge, Baker does what a small city in the East Baton Rouge Parish should -- offers convenient transport, has plenty of things to do, and provides relaxing spots to call home
The Baker Buffalo Festival, which is held every September, has events like a car show, balloon rides, and an art contest. As the name suggests, you can also eat lots of buffalo wings.
A mere 12 miles from Baton Rouge, Baker does what a small city in the East Baton Rouge Parish should -- offers convenient transport, has plenty of things to do, and provides relaxing spots to call home. The Mississippi River and Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport are nearby as well. While living here won't whirl you into a world of glamour, you'll find what you need in Baker.
Moving to Baker
A nice location and ample activities have made Baker a popular spot. The population is now 13,895, and while that may seem like a lot for the town's 7.9 square miles, you'll discover that sufficient availabilities and a renter-occupancy rate of 31.6% make finding rental homes in Baker not as stressful as you would have thought. You can come at any time and get a home within 15 days. There's more to learn, though, as a bad home choice could negatively impact your experience.
Many Choices
When you search for housing for rent, consider houses, apartments, and mobile homes. Who knows? If you are looking for a two bedroom house to rent, maybe a more affordable option is available in the form of a mobile home at Azalea Gardens.
About Those Bills
Most landlords in Baker only cover the water bill, but some may offer more if you have world renowned haggling skills. If you are renting at an apartment complex, know that many include some bills in the rent price. Summers are hot, so use of an air-conditioning unit can get pricey, unless you can bargain free use of that into the lease.
If Disaster Strikes
Baker is pretty much safe from hurricanes, but if a hurricane hits cities and towns lining the nearby Gulf Coast, the town becomes a refuge spot. Hence, during such times, housing is not really available. Hurricanes don't change their arrival time, but you should try to change yours if one occurs shortly before your move.
Signing the Lease
One month's rent, applicable fees, and proof of income are needed. Moreover, you need to give a deposit in case you come home one night and decide you need to remodel. A credit report and references are usually not needed, but still worth preparing as some complexes want to see that info.
Baker Neighborhoods & Complexes
Now that you know the general process, you have to pick your neighborhood. This can determine whether you can hear planes arrive at the nearby airport or whether you can hear birds chirp in Jefferson Park. What do you prefer?
City Center: BREC Greenwood Community Park, Furrs Shopping Center, and Dumas Golf Course are the highlights. You most likely need a car, but you can walk to eat or go to the convenience store. You'll be able to hear planes.
White Hills: Perk's Soul Food serves up tasty dishes. Baker Park adds beauty. This north neighborhood is a bit more walkable than City Center.
Brown Heights / Green Acres: Many apartment and condo rentals are in this mostly residential east neighborhood. This a car dependent area. You can dine at Ben's Cafe.
West Baker: This residential neighborhood is where you most need a vehicle.
Living in Baker
Museums and Recreation
A visit to the Heritage Museum and doing research at the East Baton Rouge Parish Library are two ways to get the know the town's history. When you seek pure enjoyment, a walk through BREC Greenwood Community Park, a round at Clark Park Golf Course, and shopping at La Petite Shopping Center satisfy.
Events
When you want more action, Tiger Stadium, Shaw Center for the Arts, and the Louisiana State Capitol building await in Baton Rouge. Each year, events like community picnics, the Baker Buffalo Festival, and the City of Baker Spring 5K Walk / Run energize the community. Baker, as you see, doesn't have the flashing lights, but it has the right lights for you to shine.
Getting Around
You need a car, unless you are a serious biker. Walking is manageable for a few errands, though. The Capital Area Transit System does serve Baker, but it's mostly useful if you want to explore the greater area. A car is the preferred option.