That's for sure. Went there a couple of weekends ago. Nice, but it was hard to find my way around.

I love living around Lake Charles, but I think Lafayette is a nicer town.

I'd look for the more rural areas around the big cities like Baton Rouge. If you look at my location, I am in Brittany, La and have been here since I was born. Freshwater is not far away from me but saltwater is about an hour-hour 1/2 away to where we like to fish. Nightlife is something to be desired but Baton Rouge is 25 minutes away. As for restaurants, there are some pretty good ones around like family owned places that have good food and good service as well as some national chains. Cabela's and Bass Pro is not far either.

What kind of night life are you looking for?

Dink..You are right housing out here is the worst. I payed 460,000 for my place and its only 2800 sq feet but I have 5 acres which is a rare find in Socal.

Big Thanks again to everyone who posted..Gives me a good starting point.. Truly a Sportsmans Paradise

The Northshore above Lake Ponchartrain is nice. You could fish Lake P, fish the marshes near Hopedale and have all the night life you could want in New Orleans.

Bossier is a nice place with lots of freshwater opportunities. Caddo lake, lake bisteneaux, red river, grand bayou resevoir, and Toledo all less than an hour away. Lived tere for 3 years. Loved it but it was too far from the gulf.

Mandeville/covington good place to retire. Fishing, golf, nightlife all very good. Im from hammond which is close by but never liked the fact its a 2 hr drive for saltwater.

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If I left Lake Charles area I would head toward Bossier, very nice area with great hunting and fishing close by and if you want a big city with a variety of things to do Bossier and Shrevport have a good selection.

Would never live in BR,left Laffy 4 yrs ago and only miss it at lunch time. Bought a house here that would have cost double in Laf. 10 min from boat launch and have met some great folks here in the chuck. It ain't mayberry anymo!!