Central, LA Homes for Rent

Central, located about 15 miles from Baton Rouge, is a suburban city known for its highly rated Central Community School System, which ranks as the fifth-best school district in Louisiana. The city, which became independent in 2005 to manage its own schools, offers both public and private education options, including Central Private School and St. Alphonsus Catholic School. Central is primarily residential, with many of its 30,000 residents commuting to Baton Rouge or nearby petrochemical refineries for work. Housing in Central includes newer subdivisions with single-family homes and older brick ranch-style homes from the 1970s and '80s on larger plots. The area features several parks maintained by the Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge, such as Central Sports Park, which hosts youth sports, and the Blackwater Conservation Area, known for its trails and fishing. Community events like the annual Cooking in Central festival and Mardi Gras celebrations foster a sense of local camaraderie. Shopping and dining are concentrated around Hooper Road and Sullivan Road, with Central Square offering a mix of chain and local restaurants. Safety in Central is favorable, with lower violent crime rates compared to national averages. The city experiences hot, humid summers and cool winters, with a lower risk of flooding compared to areas closer to the river or Gulf.