Not as gregarious as swaggering Texans are about their heritage, the good people of Lacombe live next to the freshwater-lapped banks of Lake Pontchartrain. The French name refers to persons living near or in a ravine, or "la combe" for you Francophones out there.
Lacombe is located next to the southeastern-most crest of the Lone Star State of Texas. This Louisiana city is nestled between a nationally renowned brew pub and Lake Pontchartrain. This tiny-town-that-could is focused on conserving the natural beauty of Louisiana, one wetland at a time, and the rural area is developing into a sprawling urban destination for those interested in the progressive grassroots movement, education and laid-back living.
Moving to Lacombe
Oh, so you've heard of Louisiana? If your only point of reference is New Orleans and its infamous Bourbon Street, prepare to take a walk on the lighter side of wild. Lacombe, LA is a rural census-designated place (CDP), or a smaller place within a small place that's inside of a big ol' Parish. If you've got a healthy budget and are looking for apartment rentals in Lacombe, LA, your move to this tiny town will be relatively simple.
Go Big or Go Home, or Both
On your search for property rentals, it's important to trim the fat and hone in on the specifics of what you're looking for. Are you all about swanky amenities such as marbled counter tops and brushed chrome fixtures? Would you rather walk to the laundromat or do you want your own washer and dryer in the apartment complexes? Do you prefer a budget-friendly one-bedroom apartments for rent to the bells and whistles of a luxury apartment? Consider your pets, too. Is your cat more of a birdwatcher or a bird catcher? Will you need to be within five minutes of a community dog park? By making an apartment hunting inventory of your required living needs, the search for the perfect pad in Lacombe will run smoothly.
What You Need
Gather the following items well before your apartment hunt: photocopied ID, credit report, bank statements, proof of income via pay stubs, a reference letter from your former landlord and your enthusiasm. You can call potential landlords and apartment community managers in advance for a list of the documents they require in addition to the aforementioned. Prepare your pooch for an interview with the potential landlord just in case you're asked if your dog has a taste for human flesh.
Over 8,600 people reside in Lacombe's neighborhoods, and they rarely move from their low-cost rental properties, which makes finding an apartment for rent more difficult than you'd like. You will want to begin looking about four to six weeks prior to packing all of your stuff and hitting the road. Since most apartments and houses were built between 1970 and 1999, you'll want to set up appointments to view the rental properties that interest you the most and peruse the spaces. By surveying the property, you'll know which apartment or house is right for your budget and lifestyle.
Signing on the Dotted Line
You've budgeted properly and have one month's rent and a deposit ready, have proven that you're gainfully employed and provided your rental history. Now, you're ready to move in and enjoy that Lacombe life. But wait, future resident of the ravine! You need to be prepared to have a background check performed on you, in addition to the credit check, especially if you want to move into an apartment for rent. The rental guidelines aren't very strict in Lacombe but be prepared to bare all your financial and credit secrets for your future landlord or apartment staff.
Lacombe Neighborhoods
From an outside perspective, Lacombe may seem like a sleepy town with very little going on. With developments under way for this tiny-town-that-could, you can rest assured that there is plenty going on to keep you entertained and intrigued.
Oaklawn: La Provence, Pepe's Mexican Restaurant, Camille La Vie Fashions and J.J. Hat Center shower this neighborhood with down-home flavor.
Lacombe Town Center: Suburbanites and hip cats unite in this unique melting pot of French cultures and great restaurants. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy bird watching and backyard barbecuing in this neighborhood.
North Shore: This is the neighborhood where you'll find the most entertainment and fun things to do. You can dine at Sal and Judy's or spend a warmer afternoon inside the Lacombe Branch Library.
Living in Lacombe
Lacombe is about as tiny a town as they come, making it a perfect place to live for cyclists and those residents who enjoy leisurely strolls. If you're into the sounds of a finely tuned banjo, the scaling staccato of washboards and storytelling that will make even the toughest of folks blush, you'll love the preservation of Louisiana "Roots" style music in neighboring town Abita Springs -- which means you'll need a car. The neighboring town is also home to Abita Brewing Company, the makers of exceptionally tasty adult beverages who offer tours of the brewery and dining in their full-service restaurant.
You can make your own fun in Lacombe by getting to know the locals over a heaping helping of crawfish at Bayou Daiquiris, or enjoying the blissful rush of diving into the high-quality H2O of Lake Pontchartrain at Fontainebleau State Park. Enjoy the beauty of Lacombe's natural surroundings. You're at home now.