Where is Lake Charles, LA?

Located in Southwest Louisiana, Lake Charles is between Houston, TX and Baton Rouge, LA if you are traveling along I-10. Lake Charles is the fifth-largest incorporated city in the state of Louisiana and is within the Parish of Calcasieu. The City of Lake Charles is located on the banks of the Calcasieu River in Southwestern Louisiana, and borders both Lake Charles, Prien Lake, Contraband Bayou and English Bayou that flow through various parts of the city. With the abundance of streams, rivers and lakes nearby metropolitan Lake Charles is often referred to as “The Lake Area.”

CNN Moneyincluded Lake Charles in the Top 25 cities to Retire. Housing Predictor just included Lake Charles as one of the best housing markets for 2012 (ranking Lake Charles #12 out of 25 cities)

Lake Charles Real Estate is projected to be the strongest real estate housing market in Louisiana by 2014, according to an analysis by Bloomberg Businessweek. Lake Charles Real Estate is forecast to see a 6% increase in home prices over the next four years. According to Bloomberg Businessweek, Lake Charles Real Estate is likely to be one of the strongest-performing small markets in the U.S.

Lake Charles Frequently Asked Questions

What neighborhood or community should I live in?
What are the things to do in Lake Charles ?
What does it cost to sell a home in Lake Charles ?
Where can I obtain home financing in Lake Charles?
Lake Charles Economic News

Economic Outlook for Southwest Louisiana is optimistic with new projects within our economy. With new jobs and industry expansion will come the need for more housing

Southwest Louisiana tourism economy is strong 10 months out of the year due to meetings, conventions, sport fishing tournaments, hunting, festivals, casino play and local unique cuisine.

Lake Charles offers Vegas style gaming with L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles. Another new casino project, Ameristar will begin construction in 2013 and will be adjacent to the existing L’Auberge Casino. The Ameristar Casino will include two hotels, one 5 star hotel with 75 rooms and a 4-star 375 room hotel; state of the art tennis center, and an 18 hole golf course. This new casino project is expected to generate 1,500 construction jobs over the next two years and 2,000 permanent jobs upon completion in 2014.

Lake Charles named Best Vacation Destination in Louisiana 2013: The half-hour travel show Official Best of Louisiana 2013 recently named Lake Charles Best Vacation Destination – Louisiana 2013. The show can be viewed on the national travel sitewww.OfficialBestOf.com

Lake Charles, LA also offers residents and visitors, museums, art galleries, historic tours of downtown Lake Charles Charpentier District and enjoyment of a variety of festivals. The Arts Council of SWLA has many programs and events throughout the year which Lake Charles residents enjoy. Lake Charles Mayor Randy Roach shares his thoughts in the video below of how the arts enhance Lake Charles living and benefit our community enjoyment

To learn more about the history of Lake Charles view the Lake Charles History and Fun Facts Page . Explore the treasures of Lake Charles culture and heritage- Lake Charles History and History in the Making.

Sunset Along the Lake Charles Bord du Lac Marina

The sportsman will find an abundance of lakes, streams and rivers truly making Southwest Louisiana a “Sportsman’s Paradise”. Calcasieu Parish’s rich history combined with a diversified economy and many recreational opportunities make Lake Charles a great place to live! Visitors to Lake Charles quickly fall in love with our cajun food and recreation. Kelly Merritt, writer for The Washington Post, had this to say in her Feb 28,2011 article entitled Mardi Gras and More in Louisiana But Not Where you Think“When you’re not eating seafood in Lake Charles, chances are you’re catching it. Serious anglers come from all over the country to pounce on the spotted sea trout found in Calcasieu Lake, a.k.a. the Big Lake. And for hunters and nature lovers, epic waterfowl-hunting and bird-watching opportunities abound in the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge.”

View the Downtown Boardwalk

Lake Charles is the home of McNeese State University, a four year fully accredited university, as well as Sowela Technical Community College, one of Louisiana’s largest vocational schools.