Lake Charles, LA

Work & Play

Lake Charles offers the perfect blend of quality of life, affordability and abundance of fun.

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Lake Charles, LA

Uniquely Cajun cuisine. A vast outdoor oasis. A vibrant downtown full of shops and restaurants. Great nightlife fueled by local breweries and casino resorts. Meet Lake Charles, nestled in the middle of stunning Southwest Louisiana.

In Lake Charles, you’ll find an outstanding way of life filled with Louisiana charm, unforgettable festivities (think Mardi Gras), great career opportunities and plenty of fun activities to fill your evenings and weekends.

You can afford to live here, too, with cost of living numbers lower than the rest of the state and the national average. The city, along with the rest of Southwest Louisiana, boasts a thriving economy and offers an outstanding transportation infrastructure helps draw major companies to the region.

Video Sponsored By: Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance

If you are thinking about moving to Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana, be sure to check out the latest edition of Livability Southwest Louisiana.

Weather in Lake Charles, LA

Average Temperatures

78 high / 58 low

Average Annual Rainfall

61 in

Average Annual Snowfall

0 in

Quick Facts about Lake Charles, Louisiana

Median Home Value
$209,705
Median Property Tax
$2,559
Total Population
75,471
Average Commute
15 min
Median Household Income
$56,749
Median Monthly Rent
$819

Map of Lake Charles, LA

Experiences & Adventures in Lake Charles, LA

Explore the parks in Southwest Louisiana.

Enjoy the Outdoors Year-Round in Southwest Louisiana

The abundant outdoor activities in Lake Charles and the surrounding communities are always in season.

Wow your date with a relaxing dinner in Lake Charles and the surrounding communities of Southwest Louisiana.

5 Great Date Night Ideas in Southwest Louisiana

Looking for a place to take that special person in your life? There's no shortage of fun things to do in Lake Charles and the surrounding communities.

kayaking in Southwest Louisiana

13 Family-Friendly Activities in Southwest Louisiana

From water sports and Mardi Gras to beaches and museums, there are plenty of fabulously fun things to do in Lake Charles and the surrounding communities.

Food Scenes in Lake Charles, LA

From chicken and sausage jambalaya to fried catfish filet sandwiches to barbacoa tacos, the region’s food truck scene offers menus full of delicious food.

Fill Up on Fabulous Food Trucks in Southwest Louisiana

The mobile cuisine scene is on a roll in Lake Charles and the surrounding communities of Southwest Louisiana.

Crying Eagle SWLA

Eat Your Heart Out in Southwest Louisiana

Southwest Louisiana offers a wide selection of standout eateries.

Healthy Places in Lake Charles, LA

For article about health care in Lake Charles, LA

How to Find Top-Notch Health Care in Southwest Louisiana

You have plenty of great options for excellent health care in Lake Charles and the surrounding communities of Southwest Louisiana.

SOWELA

Stronger Together in Southwest Louisiana

Colleges and communities align with health care providers in Southwest Louisiana.

Lake Charles

Southwest Louisiana – Top-Notch Health-Care Options

Residents of Southwest Louisiana enjoy easy access to quality medical treatment

Lake Charles, LA: Where to Live Now

From musical events to community gatherings, Southwest Louisiana offers residents a fun-filled lifestyle.

Thinking About Living in Southwest Louisiana? Ask These 3 Residents

Locals share their insights on life in Lake Charles and the vibrant communities of Southwest Louisiana.

Aerial view of Interstate 10 bisecting Metairie, Louisiana, with New Orleans in the distance.

Best Places To Live in Louisiana

If you crave culture, Louisiana is your oyster. And these 6 cities are not only fun places to visit, they're also great places to live.

Lake Charles

Southwest Louisiana: Booming With New Home Construction

Massive industrial projects are driving a residential surge in Southwest Louisiana

Education, Careers and Opportunity in Lake Charles, LA

Hans Funk’s American Tracking Services generates a reputation score for former inmates, providing valuable information to compliance officers and judges. This is for a story about small businesses in Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana.

Why Entrepreneurs Excel in Southwest Louisiana

Small businesses in Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana thrive, thanks to stellar resources and community support.

McNeese State University in Lake Charles

McNeese State: Preparing Students for Bright Futures

The university in Lake Charles is getting students ready for highly skilled jobs in Southwest Louisiana.

Find great live music at Panorama Music House in Lake Charles, LA.

Why I Went to College in Southwest Louisiana – and Stayed

McNeese State alum is happy she made the move to Lake Charles and has called Southwest Louisiana home for 30 years.

Lake Charles, LA: Love Where You Live

Crawfish Fest SWLA

7 Reasons to Move to Southwest Louisiana

Discover why this region is the perfect place for anyone to reside.

Lake Charles SWLA

Unity Without Boundaries in Southwest Louisiana

Southwest Louisiana parishes share history, commerce and natural beauty.

Lake Charles, LA

The Cost of Living Diaries: Southwest Louisiana

Get the scoop on what it’s like to live in the region.

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