Lafayette, LA, Is Perfect for Remote Workers
With remote working becoming more and more popular, employees who take part in the work-from-home lifestyle are rethinking their living arrangements. Rather than being tied to the region where their employer operates, they can now live wherever they desire – and Lafayette, LA, boasts the perfect environment for remote workers.
For starters, this region combines everything people love about small towns with the amenities of a suburban/urban region. In other words, think Southern hospitality and warm, welcoming neighbors mixed with exceptional dining, live entertainment, invigorating festivals, outdoor recreation, historic charm and diverse cultures. And yet, these just scrape the surface of the region’s attractive amenities. Read on to learn why remote workers love Lafayette, LA.
In This Article
Lafayette, LA, Provides Affordable, Widely Accessible High-speed Internet
Working from home isn’t possible without high-speed internet. Thankfully, Lafayette, LA’s fiber-optic access provides remote workers with some of the nation’s best. Providing fiber to the region is LUS Fiber, one of the country’s first municipally owned fiber-to-the-home companies. The region first received access after citizens voted to approve bond funding in 2005.
In addition to attracting remote workers to Lafayette, LA, access to fiber also helps attract new companies, especially technology companies. This further strengthens the economy and benefits remote workers, should they later want to work for a company based in the area.
“Our economy was previously highly dependent on oil and gas, and with that came highs and lows. But because of our fiber-optic access, we’re being considered by large technology companies, which is a stabilizing factor,” says Monique Boulet, Lafayette mayor-president. “Fiber isn’t the only reason they come here, but we wouldn’t even be considered without it.”
Cool Spaces to Work in Lafayette, LA
Working from home can sometimes feel mundane, so it’s important to have cool spaces you can jaunt off to when you need to get out and about. And, keep in mind, they don’t always have to look like your typical office. For example, head to coffee shops like Rêve Coffee Roasters, Black Café’, Carpe Diem, Black Cat Coffee House, or Jet Coffee. Or try coworking spaces like the Opportunity Machine, where you can get work done or meet with a colleague or client.
“Coffee shops are important for remote work because they offer mutual meeting grounds,” says Nathanael Johnson, CEO of Rêve Coffee Roasters. “But they also offer a place to go since remote workers might not want to be in their house long. And if they’re new to the area, coffee shops are the best place to meet and create a community. They truly are common ground.”
And the fun thing about coffee shops – endless food and snacks are available for when you hit that mid-afternoon slump.
“Remote workers can stay here, get great coffee or tea or something to eat, and power through whatever they’re working on,” Johnson says.
Residents Love Lafayette, LA’s, Entertainment Options
One of the best things about working remotely in Lafayette, LA, is that as soon as the workday is over, playtime begins.
“There is much to offer for new people to experience something different,” Johnson says. “We have exciting music and cuisine. It’s a great place to make a name for yourself because it’s ever-growing.”
Speaking of growing, your list of ways to spend your downtime will continue to increase the longer you are here. Take to the outdoors and try activities like birdwatching, paddling and fishing, explore the region’s legendary dining and drink scene, hear live music, or attend community events.
“There is always something going on,” Boulet says. “Almost every evening there is something to engage in downtown.”
In addition to activities, the region is filled with people just waiting to add you to their circle. “The people here make the difference,” Boulet says. “We take care of one another, and there is a happy spirit here. The culture is second to none.”
Lafayette, LA, Boasts an Ideal Location
The center of Lafayette Parish rests at the intersection of I-10 and I-49 between New Orleans and Houston, and it’s only 35 miles north of the Gulf of Mexico. This access is one reason Jeremy Steward, business development director at 3D at Depth (an expert in subsea LiDAR laser technology) and a lifelong native of Lafayette, LA, loves working remotely and always returns to the region despite having traveled the world.
“I’ve always loved it here,” he says. “I played music and toured and traveled professionally, but there is no place like home. I love being able to raise my family here. There is a lot of trust in the community, and I have no issue letting my kids go to the mall or downtown because it feels safe.”
While working from Lafayette, Steward has covered regions like Nigeria, Italy, Dubai, Singapore, Boston, New York, San Francisco, Houston and New Orleans.
“Lafayette is an ideal location,” Steward says. “I live five minutes from the airport. I can easily be on a plane and anywhere. The location also offers many great community spaces and a mix of clients.”
Lafayette, LA, Makes Networking Easy
Since working from home can be a little isolating at times, there are several networking groups people can join to meet and spend time with others in the community. Examples include Connections, a professional networking group for women, One Acadiana, and The705, the community’s young professionals organization that helps people develop personally, professionally and civically.
“Whatever your interest or business, there are plenty of networking groups available for remote workers to stay connected,” Steward says.
This article is sponsored by the Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission, Lafayette Economic Development Authority and One Acadiana.