The town of Denham Springs, Louisiana, was named after William Denham, who found healing mineral springs on his property.
With a population of 10,215 in a total land area of 7
The town of Denham Springs, Louisiana, was named after William Denham, who found healing mineral springs on his property.
With a population of 10,215 in a total land area of 7.29 square miles, Denham Springs is considered by many to be a small town (and it is!), with big-town appeal. The town boasts an unemployment rate that is slightly lower than the state average, and more opportunities for outdoor recreation than even the woodsiest of individuals could ever dream of. When you want a wild time instead of wildlife, Denham Springs puts on a number of festivals, where residents can get-down and celebrate their fabulous small town.
Moving To Town
When you begin your search for the perfect home to rent in Denham Springs, you will need to bring some things. Namely, your checkbook (or, better, a cashier's check or money order. Many landlords won't accept personal checks when getting you set up with a new place), references from people who like you and former landlords, and your credit score, although most landlords will check that for you. It speeds up the whole rental process when you're prepared.
Neighborhoods
Denham Springs has no named neighborhoods, but where the I-190 -- which runs mostly east and west -- does a northeast jog, it bisects the town into what the locals refer to as east and west sections.
West: The west section connects Denham Springs to Baton Rouge. You'll find a diversity of restaurants and stores in this area, as well as most of the apartments and homes for rent in Denham Springs, making it a pretty convenient place to call home.
East: Going the other direction, along the I-190 east of Range Avenue South, you will find a selection of eateries to satiate every craving, and plenty of shops to spend your money in. Speaking of money, rental properties on this side of town tend to be a little pricier than those on the west side.
There is no shortage of apartments for rent in this town, and condo rentals can be found with a little research and diligence. With several schools nearby, and a lower cost of living than the rest of the nation, it is no wonder that Denham Springs is growing. Most of the rental homes in Denham Springs are close enough to amenities that you can reach them with a 20-minute walk. There is no public transit to get around the city, so you will need a car, a bike, or a good pair of walking shoes.
Living In Town
Lovers of outdoor sports -- especially fishermen -- are quite familiar with Bass Pro Shops, the nationwide chain of stores that cater to everything outdoors. Denham Springs is home to the largest Bass Pro Shop in North America, attracting customers from far and wide who come not only for the chance to buy from the world's largest supplier of outdoor products, but also to see the award winning architecture of the store, and Fred, the alligator-snapping terrapin who is estimated to be 125 to 150 years old. The store is also home to Donny, a rescued raccoon who was raised by the staff of the store.
It's safe to say that people who live here are generally outdoor enthusiasts. With fresh water lakes and rivers close by, fishing is a major pastime. The lush forests beckon hikers and hunters alike, and they're really pretty to look at if you're not that outdoor-inclined.
A multiple winner of the Louisiana Garden Club Federation's coveted Cleanest City Award, Denham Springs takes pride in maintaining its pristine appearance, and a few years ago, the merchants of the downtown core started a revitalization project to attract visitors. What they accomplished was the Denham Springs Antique Village, a major draw for tourists and collectors.
If the indoors are more your style, take in a movie at the local theater. And don't you dare fill up on movie popcorn; Denham Springs has a crazy amount of tasty restaurants. The adorable Taste of Louisiana Cafe is the place to be if you want to sample area cuisine. Dive into a plate of catfish or a surf-and-turf burger -- a cheeseburger topped with fried shrimp.
For a more cosmopolitan feel, you can drive to downtown Baton Rouge in 20 minutes, or downtown New Orleans in about 90 minutes. But you won't need to hit New Orleans if you want to experience Mardi Gras. Dunham Springs hosts its own version two weeks before the big-city debauchery fest.
Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport is only 13 miles away from the city center, and the Amtrak train station is about 30 miles. There are bus lines that pass through town, so you can get here, or get out of here -- but with so many amenities and a community vibe, you probably won't be leaving as often as you might think.
