In Baton Rouge, they don't just have a mayor. In fact, they have a Mayor-President, who is in, effect, the mayor, who runs things in town. While he might not be any more important or powerful than a regular mayor, he certainly sounds like he should be!
Community and perseverance are important traits of this census-designated place in East Baton Rouge Parish. Brownfields has a population of roughly 5,401 and a total of 4.1 square miles, which includes both water and land. In July 2006, the Louisiana Brownfields Association was formed to further community involvement and development. If you enjoy feeling like part of a community while doing something good for the surrounding area in the process, you will be able to take part in natural resource preservation, conservation, public health, community outreach, and economic revitalization as a resident of Brownfields.
Moving to Brownfields
Brownfields does not offer direct access to large bodies of water such as the Gulf of Mexico, although you can get there relatively easily if you so desire. This census-designated place has a total area of 4.1 square miles, with 0.24 percent as water. Some nearby bodies of water include the grand Mississippi River as well as the smaller Capitol Lake. Whether you are in the mood for fishing, swimming, having a barbeque by the water, or simply enjoying the peaceful scenery, there are plenty of opportunities to get outside for a bit of fresh air and sunshine.
Housing Options
If you are looking for a single-family home in Brownfields, you are in luck. That's because rental homes in Brownfields constitute 93.3 percent of all real estate listings. Of the available homes, 86.7 percent have three or four bedrooms. However, there is a selection of homes with at least five bedrooms, as well as those that have less than three. Pickings are a bit slimmer for townhomes, as they make up just 0.5 percent of the real estate listings. If you are looking for an apartment complex or even a 2 bedroom apartment, you will likely need to expand your search into surroundings areas, as such options are nearly non-existent in Brownfields.
What to Watch for
Nearly half of all homes, or 49.8 percent, were built between 1940 and 1969. A small fraction, or 0.8 percent, were built in 1939 or earlier. If you prefer to live in an older unit, this is great news. There's no need to panic, but a unit this old generally requires a bit more maintenance and upkeep than a newer unit. Before you settle on one particular place, it's a good idea to have it checked out to make sure that there are no hidden surprises or costs. The remaining portions of homes and apartment buildings were constructed in 1970 to 1999, with some having been built after 2000.
Securing Your Real Estate
If you've rented or purchased real estate before, you know the routine. For many people, this means having at least one month's rent ready to go for a security deposit. Since you probably want to start out on the right foot, you need to prove to your landlord that he or she can trust you to pay your rent on time and in full each month. This means providing a proof of a solid rental history, if you happen to have one. You may not find an apartment complex right in Brownfields, but if you end up in one elsewhere, you need to submit to a background check. A credit check is almost always performed.
Brownfields Neighborhoods
If you are looking for entertainment and activities, you will likely head to one of the surrounding cities. If you want to know more about the specific areas while you do stay in town, though, check out the helpful list below. It can help you decide where the right place to live in Brownfields is.
Southern Brownfields: Southern Brownfields feels like a rural part of town. Homes are spread out and sparse. However, this part of town is home to a large, beautiful and popular park: James Watson Park. Live here if you like spending time outdoors.
Northern Brownfields: The northern part of Brownfields is the more bustling suburban part of town. It's home to the Brookwood Village Shopping Center, as well as the lovely Cohn Nature Preserve.
Living in Brownfields
Close proximity to Baton Rouge means that it won't take long to get involved in all sorts of activities and events, as well as sample some of the city's most beloved food dishes. Head to a jazz club for dinner and a night of music, or tour some of the most notable plantations in the area, such as The Myrtles Plantation, Laura, a Creole plantation, and the Oakley House at Audubon Historic Site.
Brownfields may not be in the heart of the city, but it still has a lot to offer. This Baton Rouge suburban neighborhood is perhaps best known for its peaceful atmosphere. If you commute to work, or want to go out for entertainment and activities, you will probably want to have a car. The area is moderately walkable, meaning that you may be able to get to the store or a local park on foot or by bike.