Living & Working in Baton Rouge
Rent vs. Buy Analysis
Median home price is $247,000 . Buying analysis suggests potential savings over renting for long-term residents.
Neighborhoods by Value & Commute
Mid City
URBANGarden District
SUBURBANQuick Decision Guide
Major HVAC Employers
Top-Rated School Districts in Baton Rouge, LA
- Zachary Community Public Schools: Rated 4.36/5 by Niche, this district includes Zachary High School, ranked among the top in the area.
- Ascension Parish Public Schools: Another highly rated district, serving Donaldsonville and surrounding areas.
- Central Community School District: Serves approximately 4,967 students, noted for strong academic performance (GreatSchools).
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Childcare Costs in Baton Rouge, LA
- Daycare Centers: Median annual cost for infant care is $9,692 ($807/month), the highest in the region (The Advocate).
- Nannies: Average hourly rate is $16, translating to approximately $2,560/month for full-time care (40 hours/week) ( Baton Rouge offers a mix of work-life balance experiences, with industries like healthcare (e.g., Amedisys) and energy (e.g., Exxon) dominating the job market. Reviews on platforms like Indeed highlight varying experiences, with some employees praising flexibility while others note challenges in certain corporate environments. - Gyms: BREC operates fitness centers like the North Sherwood Forest Community Park facility, with monthly memberships starting at $25. Private gyms include Anytime Fitness and Planet Fitness, with memberships around $10–$40/month. - Parks & Trails: The North Sherwood Forest Community Park features trails and fitness equipment. The Mississippi River Levee Trail offers scenic walking and biking routes. - Lunch: Casual spots like JINYA Ramen Bar offer meals for $10–$15. Fast-casual options average $8–$12. - Dinner: Mid-range restaurants like Cocha or Ombu charge $20–$40 per entrée. Ombu includes a 10%Work-Life Balance Culture
Fitness Facilities
Dining Costs
Financial Facts for Baton Rouge, LA
- State Income Tax Rate: Louisiana has a progressive income tax system with rates ranging from 1.85% to 4.25%. Baton Rouge residents pay these rates based on their taxable income. For detailed brackets, refer to the Louisiana Department of Revenue.
- Property Tax Average: The average effective property tax rate in East Baton Rouge Parish is 0.64%, significantly lower than the national median. For millage rates and assessments, visit the East here Parish Assessor's Office.
- Cost of Living Compared to New Orleans: Baton Rouge's cost of living is approximately 8-10% lower than New Orleans, with housing costs being a significant contributor to the difference. For a detailed comparison, see Steadily's rent analysis.
- Growing Industries Creating Jobs: Key industries driving job growth include advanced manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare. Baton Rouge was recently ranked among the top 10 fastest-growing metro economies, with notable expansions like Capitol City Produce's $22 million facility. More details