More than a singular bolt of inspiration, the creation of the Cajun staple jambalaya resembled how the dish is cooked — pulling influences from French, Spanish and West African cuisine, combining them and mixing until it became a distinct part of Louisiana’s culinary culture. Gonzales’ title as “Jambalaya Capital of the World,” however, was precipitous. In 1967, Steve Juneau had the idea to help publicize Gonzales. By the following year, the governor of Louisiana had officially bestowed the title on the city, and its Jambalaya Festival was crowning the “World Champion” jambalaya cook. Today, the Jambalaya Festival is still Gonzales’ claim to fame, but it’s the suburban city’s location between Baton Rouge and New Orleans and the strong school system that have drawn a growing number of residents. “A lot of people in the Baton Rouge area have put their kids in the private schools and paid the private school tuition,” says Sherri Rachal, a Realtor with Villar and Company Real Estate from Gonzales. “But a lot of people are moving out of Baton Rouge and putting their kids in the public schools here because they’re so good, and maybe getting the bigger house too.”
Cajun Catch Seafood Market sales locally sourced products for over 13 years.
Crabs are a local favorite at Cajun Catch Seafood Market in Gonzales.
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High marks for Ascension Parish Public Schools
The city of Gonzales is zoned to Ascension Parish Public Schools. The system receives an A grade from Niche, ranking it the fourth-best in the state. Students can take part in career-focused electives in subjects such as health sciences, business and mass communications. Baton Rouge has the largest college in the state, Louisiana State University, and Southern University, a historically Black school with an enrollment of over 8,000.
Gonzales Primary School has a B+ rating from Niche.
Gonzales Middle School has a B rating from Niche.
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Newer housing inventory in Gonzales
The median home price in Gonzales is $294,000, significantly lower than the national average of $407,200. Much of the area’s housing inventory is newer, built within the past decade, but even the newer subdivisions adhere to the city’s cardinal grid. Many of the area's older homes close to the center of Gonzales feature ranch style, while newer homes vary from bungalows to new traditional or Acadian style.
New construction can be found throughout Gonzales.
Larger two-story homes can be found when looking to move to Gonzales.
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Crowning the "World Jambalaya Cooking Champion" in Gonzales
For years, the annual Jambalaya Festival was held at Jambalaya Park near downtown Gonzales over Memorial Day weekend. But starting in 2025, the event will move to the Lamar Dixon Expo Center across Interstate 10 from the city, giving organizers more parking, more space and more control over the elements for the nearly 50,000 attendees. The festival not only crowns the “World Jambalaya Cooking Champion” but also holds 5k and 1k fun runs, a car show and a pageant. “Whatever funds they make at the festival, they use it to make public improvements in Gonzales,” says Randy Simpson, Realtor with Randy Simpson Realty.
In Gonzales try Sahuayo Mexican Restaurant & Grocery for authentic Mexican dishes and goods.
Sahuayo Mexican Restaurant & Grocery is inviting in Gonzales.
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Commercial activity off Airline Highway and I-10
Gonzales’ commercial activity is concentrated in suburban shopping centers along the area’s highways. The Bayou Plaza shopping center is just off Airline Highway and offers a CVS, a few home decor stores, a gym and a bowling alley. The city’s Tanger Outlets sit off I-10 and feature brands like Nike and Hanes. Burnside Avenue is the main corridor through the center of the city and has businesses and local restaurants.
I-10 runs through the heart of Gonzales.
Gonzales is a mix of retail and residential.
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Jambalaya Park's public pool
Though no longer hosting its namesake festival, Jambalaya Park still attracts visitors year-round. The park features a public pool and splash pad, as well as a pair of playgrounds and an amphitheater. Tee-Joe Gonzales Park, named after the city’s founder, offers four baseball fields and a basketball court, while Gonzales Municipal Park has three baseball fields, a small playground and a walking path.
Jambalaya Park is a large municipal park that has a pool and fenced dog park.
The Gonzales Municipal Park has many activities for residents.
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Commutes to Baton Rouge
Gonzales is mostly car-dependent, with Airline Highway and Interstate 10 running through the city. The corridor between Baton Rouge and New Orleans has plenty of oil and gas facilities, but many residents also commute 25 miles into Baton Rouge for work. “You can hop on the interstate for 15 minutes and be in Baton Rouge,” Rachal says. New Orleans is roughly 60 miles to the east. While Baton Rouge Regional Airport is closer by about 15 miles, air travelers often travel to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport 45 miles away, as it offers more nonstop destinations.
Air pollution and crime levels
According to FBI data, violent crime and property crime in Gonzales each hover just above the national and state averages. While violent crime has stayed steady over the past five years, property crime has consistently dropped over the time frame. Gonzales experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters. Its location near the Gulf Coast means the city can be affected by hurricanes, with damaging winds and heavy rain.
The 85-mile stretch of land from Baton Rouge and New Orleans is informally known as “Cancer Alley.” Environmental Protection Agency research points to an increased cancer risk due to the petrochemical plants and refineries in the area. While air pollution levels have dropped from their peak in the 1980s, the EPA still reports levels significantly higher than recommended.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
