Baton Rouge, LA, has a rich cultural heritage reflected in vibrant Mardi Gras celebrations, the historic Louisiana State Capitol building, and the iconic Louisiana State University (LSU). It’s no wonder this city is home to 222,200 people. And if you’re looking for somewhere in Louisiana to live, Baton Rouge may be the place for you. As you start your house hunting journey, there are two things you should know – the median home sale price is $227,500 and the average rent price in Baton Rouge is $1,250.
Don’t worry if those prices don’t fit in your budget – we’ve got options to help you find a home or apartment that does. Redfin has rounded up a list of the 7 best affordable Baton Rouge suburbs to consider living in – and they’re all under 25 miles from the city. That way you can live close to Baton Rouge and all its awesome activities without paying the premium price of living there.
#1: Merrydale
Median home price: $135,000
Average sale price per square foot: $114
Distance from Baton Rouge: 9 miles
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With a median home sale price of $135,000, Merrydale lands the number one spot on our list as the most affordable Baton Rouge suburb. About a 9 mile drive away from downtown Baton Rouge, Merrydale is home to roughly 9,200 residents. If you’re considering moving to this area make sure to check out one of the local parks or the nearby Comite River Conservation Area.
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#2: Old Jefferson
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Median home price: $182,500
Average sale price per square foot: $128
Distance from Baton Rouge: 13 miles
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The second most affordable suburb in Baton Rouge is the town of Old Jefferson. Just about 15 minutes from Baton Rouge, you can visit historic spots like the Louisiana State Capitol, the USS Kidd Veterans Museum, and the LSU Rural Life Museum in just a quick drive. Some popular things to explore in Old Jefferson include spending time outside at Woodlawn Acres Park.
#3: Plaquemine
Median home price: $185,000
Average sale price per square foot: $110
Distance from Baton Rouge: 14 miles
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Claiming the third spot is Plaquemine. Just 14 miles away from Baton Rouge, you’ll find the home prices are much less expensive. There are plenty of charming and outdoorsy activities to take part in when living in Plaquemine. Make sure to play a round of golf at The Island Golf Course, check out the Iberville Museum and nearby Plaquemine Lock State Historic Site, and enjoy the Mississippi River views if you move to the third most affordable suburb.
#4: Monticello
Median home price: $189,999
Average sale price per square foot: $143
Distance from Baton Rouge: 10 miles
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A little more expensive than Plaquemine is the suburb of Monticello. There are several top attractions you may want to check out in Baton Rouge suburb, so make sure to enjoy the scenery at North Sherwood Forest Community Park.
#5: Baker
Median home price: $189,950
Average sale price per square foot: $123
Average rent for an apartment: $1,310
Distance from Baton Rouge: 12 miles
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Only a 12 mile drive into the city, consider adding Baker to your list of Baton Rouge suburbs to consider moving to. With 12,500 residents, moving to this affordable suburb can keep you close enough to Baton Rouge, without paying the premium for a home there. In Baker, you can visit one of the many parks in the town or BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo which is just outside the city limits.
#6: Walker
Median home price: $215,000
Average sale price per square foot: $145
Average rent for an apartment: $1,471
Distance from Baton Rouge: 23 miles
Walker, LA homes for sale
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Another noteworthy Baton Rouge suburb is Walker, where the home prices are about $10K less than in Baton Rouge. Home to roughly 6,400 people, Walker is a great suburb to consider moving to. You’ll have easy access to what makes this suburb unique, so make sure to stroll through Sidney Hutchinson Park or grab a meal at one of the local restaurants.
#7: Denham Springs
Median home price: $220,000
Average sale price per square foot: $132
Distance from Baton Rouge: 18 miles
Denham Springs, LA homes for sale
Denham Springs, LA apartments for rent
Rounding out our list of affordable Baton Rouge suburbs is none other than Denham Springs. With a population of roughly 9,300, you’ll be living in a smaller area, but there’s no shortage of things to do in Denham Springs. If you’re going to call this area home, plan time to explore the Denham Springs Antique Village, check out the local parks and green spaces, or enjoy a meal at a restaurant in town.
Methodology: Affordability is based on whether a suburb’s median home sale price or average sale price per square foot is less than Baton Rouge and under a 25-mile drive from downtown Baton Rouge. Median home sale price data and average rent price from the Redfin Data Center during December 2023. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
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