In 1904 Schriever was the site of a devastating fire that started in the Schriever Hotel and spread to a drugstore, residence, and livery stable. All were destroyed and damage was extensive. Local news accounts as far away as Dallas reported that the town was "wiped out." So, essentially, you can say that Schriever is a Phoenix that rose from the ashes.
Schriever is a census-designated place located in Terrebone Parish, Louisiana, which is the southwestern part of the state. It's not too far from the Gulf of Mexico and its associated fishing, fresh seafood, boating, and beach activities -- yet it's far enough inland to be spared the brunt of hurricane storm surges. As of the last census count, Schriever's 14.4-square-mile boundaries housed just over 6,800 residents. Schriever is about 50 miles southwest of New Orleans, the mecca of this Gulf region.
Moving to Schriever
Schriever's rough population may not seem noteworthy -- until you consider that it grew more than 16.5 percent over the span of 4 recent years. Still not impressed? Let's boil it down even further. During that same period, Louisiana's average population growth was less than 1.5 percent and the U.S. average population growth was less than 10 percent. In other words, people are flocking to Schriever in impressive numbers.
If you're reading this, you're probably in that flock of Schriever wanna-be residents. Schriever is ground zero for great jobs if you're skilled in the petroleum or marine fields. (If not, just enroll in the local branch of Fletcher Technical Community College, a two-year public institution specializing in these lucrative careers.)
Back to the topic at hand -- moving here. There are myriad places to rent in Schriever. The key is timing. As noted, people are moving here in droves to take advantage of low cost of living, abundant jobs, and high quality of life. Expect competition when you are renting an apartment. In Schriever all bills paid apartments are especially in demand because many newcomers show up on the fly, looking to rent apartments until they land their dream job.
First and foremost, though, this is basically a small community. It is possible to show up with your apartments locator guide (and the requisite security deposit, first month's rent, references, and a good credit history) and score an apartment the same day. But if you have your heart set on a specific apartment community, make sure to confirm it has vacancies before you head out to ink a rental deal.
Schriever Neighborhoods
Want to know and hang out with your neighbors? Prefer seclusion and privacy? Whatever floats your lifestyle boat, you'll find it in Schriever. Here are a couple representative examples of area neighborhoods.
Ferrantello Estates: This new mixed-development community includes apartments, condos, detached homes, and lots available for custom build. Centrally located within minutes of Schriever's business district, it's a welcome addition to the Schriever real estate landscape.
Callahan Estates: This newer neighborhood of primarily upscale ranch-style homes is a favorite of those who want backyards and plenty of square footage.
Living in Schriever
When you live in Schriever, you live in the heart of Cajun Country and its rich culture of seafood, gators and swamps, and Mardi Gras traditions (beads, booze, jazz, and king cake.) Locals here work hard and play hard. After the work day's done, you might find yourself making plans to meet up for a bite to eat and some local gossip at Wilson's Kountry Korner.
On the weekends you may while away your time looking for fabulous finds at The Old Green Store (the circa-1882 local antique shop.) You might tour the stunning Ducros Plantation (especially during holidays when the place is decorated up in style), or take a fun trip to the Bayou Country Children's Museum in nearby Thibodaux. For you more adventurous folks, Munson's World Famous Swamp Tours provides heart-pounding action for tourists and locals alike. Got a hankering to wrestle a gator? The Munson's folks will help you realize your dream.
If you've got wanderlust, Schriever's got its own Amtrak Station (at the junction of highways 20 and 24.) Buy a ticket and board the Texas & New Orleans Railroad to destinations like NoLa, Dallas, and Houston. Schriever represents the best that Cajun Country's got to offer. You'll love it here.