Do you desire to drive around Louisiana? According to the Federal Highway Administration, it may not be the best idea. Statistics show that Louisiana has some of the worst-maintained and most dangerous roads in the country.

Roads in Lafayette are similarly in poor condition. Many routes are in disrepair, and the city is home to thousands of accidents yearly.

However, just because the roads are in poor condition doesn’t mean the sidewalks are dangerous to traverse. According to Walk Score, Lafayette has a walk score of 89, making it a very walkable city where most people can run errands on foot.

Like all cities, though, not all neighborhoods are equally accessible by foot, and some areas may have more pedestrian accidents than others. If you are looking for places to live in Lafayette, the following guide will help you choose among the most walkable areas.

River Ranch

River Ranch is a beautiful residential community on the outskirts of Lafayette. This neighborhood has several clubs, bars, and restaurants located at the heart of the metro area. It is also home to Elysian Fields Park and has several adjacent waterways.

Furthermore, just to the south of River Ranch, the area changes to a commercial district that has several shopping malls. You only need to cross a single major road to reach this shopping district, and you can safely do that at a traffic light.

Saint Streets

The Saint Streets area earns its name because over half a dozen streets in the area are named for saints. 

This neighborhood is just a short walk from downtown Lafayette and all the amenities it offers, which include:

  • A museum
  • A Greyhound bus station
  • Several coffee shops
  • Professional businesses like law firms
  • A mall
  • Several churches

The Saint Streets neighborhood is also within walking distance from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, several grocery stores, a pharmacy, and a convention center. Best of all, almost all of those walks are under the shade of beautiful oak trees.

Bendel Gardens

Bendel Gardens is another riverside community. This community runs along the banks of the Vermilion River. Here, you’ll find lovely upscale homes that create amazing scenery for any foot travel.

One of the main benefits of living in Bendel Gardens is the variety of nearby places that you can walk to. There is an adjacent shopping area nearby where you can get all your needs fulfilled, including food and pharmaceuticals.

Residents of Bendel Gardens are also within walking distance of the Lafayette Ballet Theater, the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra, and the Performing Arts Society of Acadiana. If you are looking for more natural beauty, Girard Park is nearby and features a small lake.

Unlike many of the other areas on this list, Bendel Gardens offers another advantage. The Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center is just a few blocks from all parts of this neighborhood. You can easily walk to the hospital for any non-emergency medical procedure.

Greenbriar Estates

Located a little further away from downtown than Bendel Gardens, Greenbriar Estates is within walking distance from one of the more uncommon amenities in all of Louisiana — an ice rink.

There are no major commercial areas near Greenbriar Estates, but the outskirts of the region are dotted with restaurants, a dollar store, and several other commercial enterprises. The area also has several good schools that children can easily and safely walk to.

If you are willing to walk a slightly longer distance, you can also reach the Acadiana Mall and several nearby box stores. You don’t need to cross any major roads to get to the mall, but you will need to cross one major road to reach the box stores.

Almost Anywhere Near Ambassador Caffery Parkway

There are not a lot of homes near Ambassador Caffery Parkway. However, if you live in a house that is no more than two to three blocks from the parkway, you typically are in a very walkable neighborhood. Almost the entire parkway is adjacent to strip malls and indoor malls, meaning that if you live near the parkway, you probably have excellent access to any amenities you need.

Downtown Walkability

Unlike many cities, downtown Lafayette has a lot of single-family housing. If you live in this area, you can walk to several churches, schools, restaurants, and shopping areas. Downtown residents are even within walking distance of the Lafayette Regional Airport, a benefit that can save significantly on parking costs.

Also, unlike many other downtown areas, these homes are within easy walking distance of several large parks. The only downside of living in this area is that it is surprisingly far from most employment options. You are unlikely to be able to walk to work if you live downtown.

The Benefits of Walking Around Lafayette, Louisiana

Lafayette is similar to many southern cities. It isn’t full of skyscrapers, and it’s only moderately populated. Many of the buildings in the area are hundreds of years old, offering beautiful historical vistas to anyone walking around the city.

The city is also very green. Many roads, even in commercial and business districts, are tree-lined, allowing you to walk in the shade as often as not. This shade lessens the impact of the Louisiana heat when you’re walking to your destination or out for a stroll.

Lafayette also has an interesting design. Commercial and residential areas overlap at their borders, which means that there are plenty of amenities within walking distance of many of the residential areas in the city. It is difficult to find a place within the city limits where you can live and can’t walk to important amenities within a reasonable distance.

Choosing a Lafayette Neighborhood Based on Walkability

Several factors will affect the neighborhood you choose to live in. However, if you enjoy walking, the walkability score probably won’t be a large factor. Almost every neighborhood in the city offers excellent amenities and beautiful vistas to people who choose walking over driving.