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Moss Bluff

Moss Bluff

Neighborhood in Lake Charles, Louisiana

Calcasieu Parish 70611

$268,896 Average Value
$126 Average Price per Sq Ft
58 Homes For Sale

A growing, leafy suburb north of Lake Charles

Contrary to popular belief, Moss Bluff does not take its name from the spindly Spanish moss that grows on trees throughout the swampy South. Instead, the census-designated place is named after Johnson Moss, first sheriff of Calcasieu Parish, who purchased roughly 2,000 acres that later became Moss Bluff. The Lake Charles suburb is directly linked to the region's deep-rooted logging history, as many of its first inhabitants were lumber mill employees. Later, as the logging industry went fallow due to a lack of reforestation, the suburb of single-family homes grew in place of native longleaf pines. Decades later, even after the region was wracked by two major hurricanes in 2020, Moss Bluff continues to grow with new businesses and parks. "They vote on Lake Charles taxes, and they are their own voting district within Lake Charles, but it's definitely a very separate community," says Cameron Fultz, executive director for the Arts & Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana. "Whereas Lake Charles is more urban and industrial, Moss Bluff is very suburban."

Discover the iconic water tower of Moss Bluff in Lake Charles.
Discover the iconic water tower of Moss Bluff in Lake Charles.
Moss Bluff, Lake Charles, is a serene community with stunning lakes, parks, and scenic views.
Moss Bluff, Lake Charles, is a serene community with stunning lakes, parks, and scenic views.
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Undisturbed old growth at Sam Houston Jones State Park

On the western border of Moss Bluff, across Indian Bayou, a hike through Sam Houston Jones State Park is a good way to see what Calcasieu Parish looked like before the logging industry. “There are a couple of these grandpappy pines still up there that were just beyond the reach of the exploiting sawmills," says local historian Adley Cormier. Today, Moss Bluff's gradient of development begins with expanses of farmland to the north, leading to wetlands in the south that act as a natural buffer from the more urbanized city of Lake Charles, which is about 15 minutes by car. Private marinas and public boat launches dot Moss Bluff waterways, pointing to the sportsmen and outdoorsy lifestyles popular in the area. Anglers often head to River Bluff Park to put in their small craft while kids partake in the park's splash pad and playground. In the center of Moss Bluff, the Don Manuel Memorial Sports Complex features baseball diamonds and a new playground, plus new pickleball courts which should be ready for the fall 2024 season.

Wildlife in action at a natural Sam Houston Jones State Park reserve.
Wildlife in action at a natural Sam Houston Jones State Park reserve.
Serene lake view in a tranquil River Bluff Park.
Serene lake view in a tranquil River Bluff Park.
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Established cottages, styled ranchers and waterfront Acadians

Moss Bluff's suburban lifestyle can be seen in its quiet, natural landscape, separated from the lake area by the Calcasieu West Fork, the English Bayou and their surrounding wetlands. Subdivisions, established residential pockets and a handful of RV parks hang off major roads like Sam Houston Jones Parkway. Small cottages and midcentury ranchers are the most common single-family options in established areas, with a small handful needing repairs. Cottages are priced between $55,000 and $140,000, depending on their condition. Meanwhile, midcentury ranchers typically sell for between $150,000 and $250,000 due to their larger square footage. Styled ranchers, many built or heavily renovated in the 2010s, come in a variety of designs, including Colonial Revivals, Cape Cods and even a few farmhouses; however, these homes also demand some of the highest prices in Moss Bluff, most selling for between $260,000 and $425,000. A few luxury homes sell for even more, especially the Acadian homes on stilts along the Calcasieu West Fork. Although their inventory is low, when they sell, their prices can start at $125,000 and reach up to $750,000.

Discover peaceful lakeside retreat in Moss Bluff with scenic views and private lake access.
Discover peaceful lakeside retreat in Moss Bluff with scenic views and private lake access.
Discover the appeal of modern houses in Moss Bluff, Lake Charles.
Discover the appeal of modern houses in Moss Bluff, Lake Charles.
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Strawberry cupcakes from Jo's Party House

Whether restocking a pantry or a chicken coop, the center of Moss Bluff has options to fulfill most needs. A Market Basket supermarket and a Walmart Neighborhood Market both sit directly across Sam Houston Jones Parkway from a Tractor Supply Co. Jutting off from the center, chain eateries, dollar stores, auto repair shops and indoor gyms line major roads like U.S. Highway 171. Local eateries can be found nearby, some of which are newer while others have stuck around for decades. In-Laws Cajun Specialties, a famous lunch counter based in Iowa, Louisiana, opened a second location in the heart of Moss Bluff. Since 2023, locals have flocked there for beloved Cajun classics like boudin balls and fried ribs doused in their famous pepper jelly. Further west, Jo's Party House has continued serving dozens of their beloved strawberry cupcakes since it first opened in 1968, even after the building was completely destroyed by Hurricane Laura in 2020.

Celebrate your special occasions at Jo's Party House in Moss Bluff, Lake Charles.
Celebrate your special occasions at Jo's Party House in Moss Bluff, Lake Charles.
Discover the ultimate party destination at Jo's Party House in Moss Bluff.
Discover the ultimate party destination at Jo's Party House in Moss Bluff.
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Slowdowns on Martin Luther King Highway

Moss Bluff is car-dependent, as Para-Transit Service buses only run as far north as the Walmart Supercenter on Martin Luther King Highway. Major roads move a little slower near Moss Bluff's commercial areas, but most places in Moss Bluff can be easily reached by car. Getting out of Moss Bluff toward the city is a different matter. Martin Luther King Highway is the most direct connection with the city, but slowdowns occur frequently at busy intersections during peak hours.

Top 50 athletics at Sam Houston High

Students in Moss Bluff begin school at one of two elementary schools in their area. Those in the southern parts of Moss Bluff typically begin at Moss Bluff Elementary, which has a B-plus Niche score. Meanwhile, students living in the northern parts of Moss Bluff begin at Gillis Elementary, rated B. For grades 6 through 8, all students reconvene at Moss Bluff Middle School, which has a Niche score of B. Finally, 9th through 12th graders attend Sam Houston High School, a B-plus-rated public high school with an athletics department that ranks in Louisiana's top 50.

Students are the highest priority at Gillis Elementary School.
Students are the highest priority at Gillis Elementary School.
Moss Bluff Elementary School has great academic and athletic opportunities for students.
Moss Bluff Elementary School has great academic and athletic opportunities for students.
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Dinner and a movie at the Moss Bluff library branch

Without museums, galleries and music venues, residents typically head into downtown Lake Charles for a dose of culture. However, Moss Bluff does have many community-building events of its own. The Moss Bluff library branch offers story time for kids, plus adult events like Dinner and a Movie, which pairs foreign film screenings with a free dinner that reflects the movie's nationality. Moss Bluff also has a senior center just north of the area, which offers a daily schedule of group activities like Tai Chi, dominos and live music for dancing.

Things to consider

Much of Moss Bluff, particularly anything near its waterways, is within a Special Flood Hazard Area. Flood insurance may be required to purchase a home, especially a waterfront property. However, most homes near the core of Moss Bluff are at a safe enough elevation to avoid flooding, although drainage ditches in the very center of the area can still overflow with water during heavy rains.

Tom Jakob
Written By
Tom Jakob
Khiem Huynh
Photography Contributed By
Khiem Huynh
Adam Barkley
Video By
Adam Barkley

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Delta Guillory, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Lake Charles Regional

25 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Moss Bluff US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 2 4
Assault with Weapon 2 4
Robbery 1 4
Burglary 2 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 2 4
Larceny 2 4
Crime Score 2 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$249,000
Median Single Family Price
$254,900
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$126
Number of Homes for Sale
58
Last 12 months Home Sales
131
Months of Supply
5.30
Median List Price
$267,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
3%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
2%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
2,065
Median Year Built
2017
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,002
On par with the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,100
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
13,068

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Delta Guillory, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
10,780
Median Age
39
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
27.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$90,554
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$119,902

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
92.1%
College Graduates
24.2%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.8%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
66.7%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
60''
Average Winter Low Temperature
44°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

40 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

38 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Moss Bluff