Saints Streets

When it comes to the many historic neighborhoods of Lafayette, the area known as Saints Streets stands out with its collection of turn-of-the-century cottages and roadways named after Catholic saints. Of course, the name itself is a bit confusing, as no one can decide if it’s Saint or Saints, but locals don’t seem to mind the ambiguity. One of the first housing developments in the city, the neighborhood is so close to downtown and area schools that many people walk or bike to them each day. A highly desirable area, Saint Streets is zoned primarily for residences, meaning that traffic through the neighborhood is light. There’s a palpable sense of community here, too. Residents go from home to home during the Saint Street Stroll to view and buy artworks from the many local artists living in the area.

“This is a great area for people excited by character: whether it be the diversity of the homes or of the people living here,” says Arla Slaughter, a Realtor with Latter and Blum. “The Saint Street cottages are very familiar to locals. They’re older and built up on piers, which historically allowed for better circulation of air under the home. The neighborhood is also very green and lush. There are beautiful mature Live Oak trees, and St. Mary Street is on the Historic Azalea Trail.”

The Saints Streets neighborhood represents the earliest days of suburbia in Lafayette and retains the charming character of historic buildings throughout. You’ll see children and adults walking and biking along the quaint streets of cottages, bungalows and ranch-style houses. Many of these older homes have original wood flooring, high ceilings and front porches, making them airy and inviting. Each Spring, residents are greeted with great bursts of color from the many azalea bushes featured in landscaping. And it simply wouldn’t be South Louisiana if there weren’t magnificent mature oak trees, either. Prices range from $125,000 for a two-bedroom and one-bath cottage needing a bit of love to $800,000 for a multi-story historic cottage with four bedrooms and three baths.

Students in Saints Streets could attend Myrtle Place Elementary, Lafayette Middle or Lafayette High. Myrtle Place Elementary is a French immersion institution for prekindergarten through fifth grade. It was named a 2022 National Blue Ribbon School by the US Department of Education and has earned a B-plus grade from the education ranking website, Niche. Lafayette Middle operates an environmental sciences academy where students learn about Louisiana’s unique ecosystems and their inhabitants through hands-on projects. One of the largest schools in the state, Lafayette High has been recognized as one of Louisiana’s Distinguished Schools. It has magnet and advanced studies programs, as well as a popular Academy of Health Careers for those interested in pursuing employment in the medical field.

While the neighborhood is mostly residential, there are some key Lafayette landmarks here. The Cajundome and Convention Center is famous throughout the region as one of the most sought-after sports and entertainment complexes in the South. The stadium opened in 1985 at a cost of $64 million. Immediately successful, the venue has since hosted such artists as Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel and Van Halen. With over 13,000 seats and 85,000 square feet, this is the largest basketball arena in the Sun Belt Conference.

Another area staple is the Olde Tyme Grocery. On his birthday in 1982, Glenn Murphree bought a small grocery store, complete with stock, in the morning. By that afternoon, he was open and planning for the future. A native New Orleanian, he had a passion for po’boys and began making them at the grocery’s small deli counter. Over the years, the business has come to include a seasonally operated snowball stand and seafood-heavy menu for Lent, but time and again, it’s the sandwiches people come back for.

Walkable to downtown and schools, the Saint Streets neighborhood attracts residents with its welcoming atmosphere and charming houses.

Written By

K.T. Phillips

Video By

Tyler Hall