Baton Rouge Moving Guide

The capital of the Bayou State, home to LSU, and a hub for Cajun culture, Baton Rouge is one of Louisiana’s coolest cities. Though often overshadowed by the glitz and energy of nearby New Orleans, Baton Rouge is a vibrant, exciting city that should not be underestimated. If you’re considering moving to the Red Stick – yes, that is what Baton Rouge means in French! – we’ve got you covered. From the best neighborhoods to the best restaurants, from how to get around to how to spend your time, let’s take a look at what makes Baton Rouge the perfect place to rent an apartment.

Where Are the Best Apartments in Baton Rouge?

If you’re looking for a laidback neighborhood with an artistic vibe, check out Mid City. With plenty of dining hotspots, nightlife, art galleries, boutiques, and particularly affordable rent, Mid City is becoming a popular choice with young professionals, artists, and families alike.

The Garden District is known for its gorgeous architecture, tree-lined streets, and proximity to LSU. It’s a quieter neighborhood with easy access to Baton Rouge attractions. The community of Spanish Town offers a more diverse living experience, and residents take pride in its distinct personality. Spanish Town boasts the city’s biggest Mardi Gras parade, and it’s conveniently located near Downtown.

Baton Rouge’s Downtown area is its central business district and is one of the most walkable and bikeable neighborhoods in the city. Downtown is the perfect place to live if you enjoy being out and about, in the center of the action.

Despite being the second-largest city in Louisiana, Baton Rouge apartment prices tend to be pretty reasonable. According to RentCafe.com, the average rent in the city was $1,033 as of January 2019. The average one-bedroom rents for about $825, while the average price for a two-bedroom was $979. In fact, the average costs of both housing and utilities in Baton Rouge are less than the national averages. That's one reason Baton Rouge is a top city for recent college grads!

Even with Baton Rouge’s affordable housing options, relocating and furnishing a new apartment can be costly. Cut back on those start-up costs by enlisting the help of CORT furniture rental. With just a few clicks, any apartment can quickly become a furnished apartment. Order full room sets or hand pick individual pieces, and a CORT team will deliver and set everything up for you. Moving to a new city can be a major hassle, but it doesn’t have to be.

How to Get Around Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge has a walkability score of 41, which puts it in the “car-dependent” category. Most residents would agree that the easiest way to get around in Baton Rouge is via car, though certain neighborhoods (like Downtown and the Garden District) are gradually becoming more walkable.

If you don’t own a car, you’re not out of luck. The Capital Area Transit System (or CATS) operates 29 bus routes daily, while the Downtown Trolley can get you anywhere you need to go Downtown. And, of course, there’s always Uber and Lyft at your disposal.

What to Do in Baton Rouge

There are endless ways to spend your free time living in Baton Rouge. If you’re a football fan, it's time to celebrate – LSU football is a way of life. (Geaux Tigers!) Fall weekends are often spent at Tiger Stadium or tailgating with thousands of your closest friends. If sports aren’t your thing, you’ve got plenty of other options. Baton Rouge is home to almost 200 parks, perfect for exercising, picnicking, or shooting the breeze with friends and family. There are farmer’s markets to peruse weekly, and more festivals than you’ll be able to keep up with. As you might’ve guessed, the Mardi Gras festivities in Baton Rouge are one-of-a-kind.

You can’t live in or visit Baton Rouge without taking advantage of its ever-expanding culinary scene. If there’s one thing Louisianans know, it’s food. Whether you’re interested in trying their traditional Creole and Cajun staples, diving into some Southern soul food or treating yourself to one of B.R.’s fine dining options, you’ll never run out of restaurants to try.

Make the Move to Baton Rouge

No matter what brings you to Baton Rouge, there’s a place for you here. After all, Baton Rouge knows a thing or two about good old Southern hospitality. Now that you’re “in the know,” it’s time to go! Find apartments in Baton Rouge today and make your move.