Moving to or from Lake Charles?
Southwest Louisiana's largest city on Lake Charles — a petrochemical and liquified natural gas export hub, casino destination, and the 2020 Hurricane Laura disaster zone that's still rebuilding. McNeese State University anchors the college scene.
- 85,000 City population
- 210,000 Metro area
- 1861 Founded
- Southwest Louisiana / Calcasieu Parish Region
Why people move to Lake Charles.
- Being a major petrochemical and LNG export hub
- Being devastated by Hurricane Laura and Hurricane Delta in 2020
- McNeese State University
- Mardi Gras celebrations (second-largest in Louisiana after New Orleans)
- L'Auberge du Lac Casino Resort
- Creole heritage and regional Cajun culture
Lake Charles was struck by two Category 4 hurricanes just six weeks apart in 2020 — Hurricane Laura (August 27) with 150 mph winds, then Hurricane Delta (October 9) over the same damaged region. The double-hit was among the most destructive hurricane sequences in US history for a single city. Recovery has been prolonged; several downtown buildings were demolished and thousands of homes destroyed. The city is still rebuilding four years later.
Where people live in Lake Charles.
A quick guide to Lake Charles's most moved-to neighborhoods.
-
Downtown / Historic District
Lakefront core still rebuilding after 2020 hurricanes
-
Prien Lake / University area
Upscale neighborhoods near McNeese State
-
North Lake Charles
Working-class residential
-
South Lake Charles
Mix of older and newer residential
-
Sulphur (nearby)
Separate town with family orientation
-
Moss Bluff
Unincorporated area with family housing
Where people spend their time in Lake Charles.
- L'Auberge du Lac Casino Lakefront
- Charpentier Historic District Downtown
- Creole Nature Trail All-American Road Throughout Southwest LA
- McNeese State University Central Lake Charles
- Golden Nugget Lake Charles Lakefront
- Lake Charles Mardi Gras Throughout Lake Charles
Planning a Lake Charles move.
- Hurricane season (June-November) is a major planning factor; avoid moving during active tropical weather
- Many buildings still in rebuilding phase post-Hurricane Laura/Delta; check property histories
- Petrochemical plants affect air quality in some neighborhoods; research before buying
- Louisiana has state income tax and high property-tax homestead exemptions; complex tax picture
Moving in Lake Charles: FAQ.
Is Lake Charles safe to move to after the 2020 hurricanes?
Yes, but research specific properties carefully. Much rebuilding has occurred but some areas still show storm damage. Check property histories for 2020 storm damage, verify insurance coverage and rates (wind and flood insurance are separate and both often required), and understand that future hurricane risk is real. The recovery has been slower than many hoped.
Let's find the right mover for your Lake Charles move.
Free advice from people who know the Lake Charles market. No obligation, no spam, no sales pressure.
Replies within 1 hour during business hours, 9am to 5pm ET, Mon-Fri.