Why Broussard, LA, Is a Great Place to Live
For a decade, Mark Ste. Marie worked for an oil and gas company, alternating 30 days at home and 30 days overseas. No matter what he experienced abroad, he always felt fortunate to return to Broussard, LA.
“Every time I got back home, I just kissed the ground,” Ste. Marie says. “I was so glad to be back – not just in the USA, but I was back home.”
Ste. Marie’s enthusiasm goes beyond the fact that he was born and raised in Broussard and that his great-great-grandfather was one of the city’s founding fathers. It’s just a genuine love of the people and place.
Many in the tightknit region surrounding Lafayette, LA, share this sentiment. Broussard is a place where people look out for one another, Cajun culture is celebrated and opportunities bloom.
All this makes the community a wonderful place to raise a family, according to Ray Bourque, mayor of the City of Broussard. That’s reflected in the city’s growing population, which has nearly doubled since 2010 to 15,000 residents.
“We are committed to fostering a high quality of life for the people who live here,” Bourque says. “The city is proud of our top-notch public and private schools, our three city parks and rich, traditional cultural offerings and events. Broussard is a place where families can thrive, and children can flourish in a safe and supportive environment.”
Broussard, LA, Is Family Friendly
Broussard is home to multiple parks and other amenities for families. Ste. Marie knows these well, as he and his wife, Cindy, spend most of their free time with their grandkids. They enjoy Elevation Station Trampoline Park and We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym, and on Sundays, they visit Broussard’s local zoo, Zoosiana.
In addition to the city’s recent downtown revitalization efforts, one of its most impressive assets is the Broussard Sports Complex at St. Julien Park. The 122-acre complex includes multiple sports fields, catch-and-release fishing, an amphitheater, a playground and a splash pad.
“The sports complex is ideal for hosting sports tournaments and camps as well as community events. In 2023, there were more than 350,000 weekend visitors at the park,” Bourque says.
Even during the week, St. Julien Park is an incredible site for recreation, according to Paul Booth, vice president at SafeSource Direct, whose office is nearby.
“Several of us utilize the park to grab a beautiful noonday walk and break away from the stress of the workday,” Booth says.
Broussard, LA’s, Business Community Is Growing
Based in Broussard, SafeSource Direct provides high-quality PPE. It strives to remove uncertainty from sourcing protective equipment and ensures workers’ safety, according to Booth.
“The vision for SafeSource is to provide for Louisiana and the United States quality U.S.-made PPE that will be made from Louisiana raw resources by Louisiana talent,” he says. “We have brought in leaders from the PPE industry and manufacturing to quickly grow the business and provide job opportunities to Broussard and the surrounding communities.”
Broussard’s location along U.S. 90 and the future Interstate 49 South makes it a prime location for business. Bourque also points to infrastructure upgrades and a motivated workforce in the area as factors in the city’s success.
“In 2023, the city had nearly 100 new businesses set up shop,” he says. “Despite having one of the lowest sales tax rates in the Lafayette Parish, our sales tax revenue increased 15% in the fiscal year 2022-23.”
With the rapid population growth, Ste. Marie Homes has also seen a boom in business, including several housing developments. The homebuilding company, which Ste. Marie runs with his stepson, Tyler Thompson, experiences many advantages from operating in Broussard.
“I would say 65% of my homes are built in Broussard, and I own some properties and rental homes here,” Ste. Marie says. “I love building in Broussard because it’s one of the easiest cities to deal with.”
Booth, who’s originally from Tuscaloosa, AL, sees all this growth and the city’s willingness to participate as a partner as a major benefit for residents. “There is a sharp focus on business development to build community infrastructure, opportunity and quality of life,” he says.
Broussard, LA, Celebrates Its History
Broussard’s Cajun culture remains a point of pride. Main Street features the Valsin Broussard House, the former home of city founder Valsin Broussard.
“The house offers residents and visitors a window into Broussard’s past and serves as the city’s center for historical preservation,” Bourque says.
Also, several restaurants, like Fezzo’s, Prejean’s, L.T.’s Seafood & Steakhouse, and Lazy Caveman serve traditional Cajun eats. Others offer the same friendly service with different flavor profiles, including Burgersmith, Cajun Donuts & Kolaches and Hong Kong Buffet.
But what really makes Broussard special is the people. As someone who didn’t grow up in the community, Booth has always felt welcome – even when wearing a University of Alabama T-shirt.
“Everyone gets to know each other still and tosses up a hand to wave while driving down the street,” Booth says. “There doesn’t seem to be a lot of places left that can offer ‘hometown’ with the many opportunities we have right at our doorstep.”
This article is sponsored by the Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission, Lafayette Economic Development Authority and One Acadiana.