Why Carencro, LA, Is a Great Place to Live
Carencro’s name is a mystery. Some believe the city is named after a large group of carrion crows that settled in the area before the Civil War. Others say the name refers to the carencro tête rouge, a red-headed buzzard. Despite the uncertainty behind its name, what’s wholly apparent is this Lafayette, LA, area city’s sense of community.
“This is the kind of place where people still make eye contact and say hello,” says Jordan Arceneaux, Carencro city councilman and mayor pro tem. “A neighbor is always there to lend a helping hand. It is a community where we are proud, eager to work hard and speak the truth, while equally humble in our approach. This attitude is evident in all aspects of community life. It makes it an absolute joy to shop, eat, live and play in Carencro.”
Vibrant Culture in Carencro, LA
Arceneaux can’t imagine living anywhere else, and if you ask him why, he says it’s because of Carencro’s people and culture.
“The culture of our community and its cohesiveness cannot be overstated,” Arceneaux says. “The people here want to grow consciously into the future while holding on to our richness. We are not so progressive that we only think about our future, and we are not so old-fashioned that we cannot look forward. People here want to balance these seemingly competing models.”
As for culture, Carencro is home to many Cajun and Creole people, and this carries through to the area’s music, food and traditions. Residents have their choice of Cajun food, whether it’s from Swanky’s Downtown, a Cajun restaurant located in the oldest commercial building downtown; Boutin’s, a seafood, steakhouse and oyster bar; or the internationally-known Prejean’s, where you can hear live Cajun music every Sunday and Tuesday.
The city’s free outdoor concert series, Mercredi Show, brings local bands to Pelican Park on Wednesday nights during the spring and fall.
“Joie de vivre (exuberant enjoyment of life) runs through our blood and will run through yours, whether you come for a short visit or make Carencro your next home,” Arceneaux says.
Local Businesses Thrive in Carencro, LA
Carencro is home to many locally owned boutiques and shops, like clothing store Southern Style and Let’s Create, a supply and gift shop.
“The Carencro business community is amazing,” says Let’s Create Owner Pamala Flugence. “We are all connected in some capacity and are encouraged to join our local business association. It is within this organization that we can meet new business owners, get up-to-date information on events and socialize.”
City of Carencro Mayor Charlotte Stemmans Clavier notes that Carencro businesses attract customers from a large area, including people from North Lafayette, St. Landry Parish and St. Martin Parish.
And more businesses are on the way, including Tractor Supply.
“Carencro is home to some very hardworking people,” Clavier says. “This helps businesses find qualified employees.”
To help guide its growing community, Carencro is in the process of completing a comprehensive master plan – plus, it continues to invest in its infrastructure.
“Infrastructure isn’t sexy, but we are replacing 100-plus-year-old cast-iron water lines throughout the city,” Clavier says. “We received a grant to replace the old gas lines and are also working on our sewer infrastructure – new lift stations, force mains and hopefully a new wastewater treatment plant.”
Carencro, LA, Has Everything Families Need
As Arceneaux and his wife raise their three sons in Carencro, they enjoy attending annual outdoor events downtown, like Crow Fest in the fall or Brunch and Beats, a spring event complete with a cook-off, a car show, an Easter egg hunt, a petting zoo and train rides.
“Carencro is a great place to live and work because it’s a small community where everyone knows everyone,” Flugence says. “We come together for events, which are sponsored by local businesses made up of people who live here and give back to the community by helping schools and keeping streets and parks clean.”
The Carencro Parks and Recreation Department provides a variety of recreational opportunities and events for residents, including a summer recreation program and youth and adult sports.
“We are a community that has all the things a family could need,” Arceneaux says. “We have parks, great schools, a wide array of housing options, shopping within minutes of anywhere, the best food in the world, and the ability to find work at our small and large businesses. For some, Lafayette is a short drive away, which only expands these great opportunities.”
And, of course, Carencro’s supportive community feels like home.
“Any visitor here would immediately sense the connection we have with our neighbors,” Arceneaux says. “We are incredibly diverse in age, socioeconomic status and cultural background, but we come together and care for each other. Regardless of your background, our people will welcome you with open arms.”
This article is sponsored by the Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission, Lafayette Economic Development Authority and One Acadiana.