Freetown-Port Rico

Freetown-Port Rico is a standout neighborhood just next to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and the city’s downtown. Formed around the end of the Civil War, the area got its name from being a safe haven for freed enslaved people. Over the years, more cultures gravitated to it, and soon, residents from Africa, Lebanon, the Middle East, Greece, Spain and Ireland filled the primarily residential space. The neighborhood was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2016, with more than 670 buildings contributing to the designation. Today, this quaint neighborhood is home to specialty shops, places of worship, recreational spaces and music venues.

“Freetown has a very rich history. Not everyone knows about it, but everyone that learns about it is very interested in it,” says Tyler Albrecht with Keaty Real Estate. “There are mostly older homes on piers in the area. They have wood frames and have been there 50 to 100 years. The neighborhood is also very diverse. Some people have lived here their entire lives, and some are new college students.”

Living in a historic district can offer some interesting advantages for homeowners. Historic tax credits might be available to preserve and restore houses, but even if not, the designation often encourages owners to take especially good care of their property, keeping the values high. Most homes in Freetown-Port Rico were built before the 1950s and are primarily made of cottages and bungalows. But strolling the streets will reveal a few Folk Victorians, Tudor Revivals and even a minimal traditional or two. The neighborhood also has a unique homeowners association called the Freetown-Port Rico Coterie. This 12-member board of elected residents makes plans and solves challenges to benefit the area. Prices range from $180,000 for a two-bedroom town house to $255,000 for a three-bedroom, two-bath detached single-family residence.

Students in the area might attend Woodvale Elementary which has an active Parent Teacher Committee, a student-produced morning newscast, science lab, typing club and music classes. Paul Breaux Middle features both French and Spanish Immersion courses along with a respected gifted program. There are also plenty of options for the athletically inclined with choices like soccer, track and field, volleyball and basketball. Lafayette High has been ranked the #6 standout high school in the state by Niche, an education ranking website. The diverse facility is a Louisiana Distinguished School accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. It sponsors speech and debate teams, arts programs, a school newspaper and the yearbook.

One of the loveliest things about living in a historic district is all the unique, long-lasting shops you can find. Borden’s Ice Cream Shoppe, for instance, has been operating in Lafayette since 1940 and is the only Borden’s run ice cream retail store left in the world. Evoking decades past, this true neighborhood business will remember your name after the first visit. Even before you get in the door, the friendly bovine face of Borden’s own spokes-cow, Elsie, greets you with a smile as you approach. Open seven days a week, this old-fashioned ice cream parlor has outdoor seating, malts and milkshakes, and, of course, freshly churned ice creams.

Another neighborhood gem is the Acadian Superette. In business for almost 40 years, the shop took a turn in 2015 when it was bought by Robert Autin. Not only the owner but the executive chef too, Autin built a new patio, fireplaces and smoking equipment to ensure all the meats sold here would be made in-house. The Lafayette native makes the store’s charcuterie as well as Cajun specialties such as boudin sausage and Tasso. If you’d like to stop in for a hot meal, locals are especially pleased with the BBQ plate, Ragin’ Cajun Po-boy and the Reuben, complete with house-made pastrami.

Freetown-Port Rico is a charming area just next to downtown Lafayette that welcomes residents with its combination of history and community spirit.

Written By

K.T. Phillips

Video By

Curtis Newkirk