Opelousas may be hard to spell and even harder to pronounce, but it's the world capital of zydeco music.
Opelousas is located in Cajun country, where being called "Cher" is a term of endearment and big-city living can be a rather foreign concept
Opelousas may be hard to spell and even harder to pronounce, but it's the world capital of zydeco music.
Opelousas is located in Cajun country, where being called "Cher" is a term of endearment and big-city living can be a rather foreign concept. Many are drawn to its affordable housing market, even in comparison with other nearby Cajun cities such as Lafayette. Don't start buying overalls and planning your farm just yet, most are employed in the city by large companies and can easily make the commute to Lafayette where there are even more opportunities for a work-life balance.
Looking for a home in Opelousas provides most future residents with enough options as the affordable land continues to encourage new builds, while others enjoy preserving older homes which feature the distinguishing architectural features of Acadiana. Since this city sits higher than some, flood insurance is not always required, which further adds to the affordability. When looking for a home to buy or places to rent keep in mind that the area has a low vacancy rate. This encourages some to consider building since land does remain available, but for renters it can take patience to find rental houses in Opelousas.
Opelousas is a small city, and as such does not offer up truly distinct neighborhoods. But where in the city you live can offer up different amenities, so be sure to review the list below to see what Opelousas has to offer.
North Opelousas: Some of the best real estate bargains can be found in this area, which is sometimes distinguished as the Prairie Ronde/Ledoux area. Close to neighboring cities of Washington and Point Barre, the Indian Hills Country Club is located here. While the name may be politically incorrect, golf lovers will enjoy having easy access to the green. Slim's Y-Ki-Ki Zydeco music club is also found in this neighborhood, but then again something zydeco is found at every corner in this city.
West Opelousas: Lawtell makes up most of west Opelousas and this area tends to reflect median rental and home prices for the Opelousas area. The South City Park, one of the area's two largest parks, is found here. The swimming pools, tennis courts and baseball fields make this neighborhood great for those who love being outdoors and staying active. Those who prefer apartment complex living will be pleased to discover Azalea Place Apartments, where two and one-bedroom apartments are offered with modern updates.
East Opelousas: This area includes Veltin and Shusteston (try saying that five times fast), and offers affordable housing along with the area's priciest pads. New buildings and homes reflecting Southern grandeur are easily found here. Residents are close to nearby Leonville. Waterfront properties as well as homes with privately stocked ponds are not out of the question when looking in this part of Opelousas.
Opelousas is home to zydeco music, where the washboard is the instrument of choice, and often called the Louisiana spice capital due to the location of Tony Chachere's spice business. This is small town living where beauty pageants are part of local festivals and the heritage of Louisiana's third-oldest city is preserved.
Living in Opelousas isn't all sweet tea-sipping on the front porch and listening to the charming lilt of Cajun French. Residents enjoy actively participating in the local culture by attending music and food festivals, putting Tony Chachere's seasoning on everything and taking part in the outdoors sportsmanship that is so dear to Louisiana. Hunting and fishing are enjoyed by many in this area. There is no public transportation system as in large cities so prepare to drive most places, which is just fine because once summer hits you will want to be in an air-conditioned car instead of standing at a bus stop. Festival season extends from fall to spring to likewise avoid being outdoors too much in the hot months of summer. Since Opelousas is well-positioned to access highways easily, many think nothing of heading to nearby areas of Lafayette, Eunice and New Iberia.
