Live oaks, cypress trees and Spanish moss create a picture perfect background to life here.  And although this is a quiet place, it has, in recent years, become the hub of a thriving international community of artists and musicians.    It is one of the oldest towns in Louisiana, and today, most of the residents are bilingual (Cajun French and English), with only 64% of the residents speaking English at home.   New residents not fluent in French may take advantage of local language classes and hone their skills in Russell’s Grocery Store where local folks gather to share the day's news and events.

The median cost of a home in Arnaudville is $85,000, significantly below the national average, and the cost of living is nearly 25% below the national average.  Real estate is comprised primarily of ranch-style single family homes. 

Overall, Louisiana is considered a “low-tax” state, and property taxes are low.  Homes are assessed at 10% of market value, and then $7,500 is deducted before the millage rate of roughly 100 (St. Martin Parish) is applied.  Annual taxes on a $150,000 home would be approximately $750.   A homeowner living in a $75,000 home would pay no property tax (except for municipal property tax).  A Special Assessment applies to the homestead of persons who are 65 years of age and older if the adjusted gross household income is below a certain level.   This special assessment will freeze the assessed value of the homestead for as long as the applicant owns and resides in the home and income does not exceed the maximum allowed.   Social Security, military, civil service, state/local government pensions are exempt from state income taxes. 

 This is an interactive map.  Click on the arrows in the upper left hand corner to move the map to the East, West, North or South, and click on the +/- signs to zoom in and out.

Arnaudville has a community spirit that is in short supply in many other places in the world. One of the best examples of this is the twice-yearly, 7-mile yard sales that are held along the scenic byway between Arnaudville and Grand Couteau.    Internet access is available, and there is an online community calendar that makes it possible for residents to keep up with cultural events and opportunities for interacting with local artisans.  The public library is a branch of the St. Martin Parish Library and is Lilliputian (and open just two days a week and two Saturdays a month), but it is very cute.

No one can ever say that they have nothing to do in Arnaudville. The Women’s Club is dedicated to helping schools and students. The Brown Bag Club is dedicated to the artistic development of Arnaudville’s children. There is a Quilters' Group, a Volunteer Fire Department, and church organizations such as the Nights of Columbus and the Alter Society, are active.  There is also a large Veterans’ of Foreign Wars group, a soccer club, a Mardi Gras krewe and an art society.  The number of organizations is impressive considering that Arnaudville is a town in which directions are given in relation to "the light," the only traffic light in town and located at the intersection of Bayou Teche and Bayou Fuselier.

Arnaudville, Louisiana, Continued...