It takes slightly over an hour to get from Lake Charles to Lafayette. While I do not personally sell, I am a broker member of both the Lafayette (Acadiana Association of REALTORS) and Lake Charles (Southwest Louisiana Association of REALTORS) MLS systems. The link below leads you to the ability to search both systems.

Besides Lake Charles (the lake), we also have Prien Lake for sailing. (For years, I enjoyed hours and hours sailing my 22' Catalina on Lake Charles.) More ambitious sailors go to Big Lake and the Gulf from Lake Charles. Hope this helps.

Both areas offer a variety of excellent subdivisions near popular schools. You might want to check out AcadianaNeighborhoods.com as a resource for subdivision information in Lafayette.

Actually - yes - doing nothing is our idea of relaxing - we are going to be moving from a town of 5,000 2 hours from Chicago - so I guess we are pretty small town slow and boring people - but its ok cause that is our choice. Plus my Husband is a big sailor of small boats on inland lakes and we might be able to actually use our boat on Lake Charles.
Thanks for the input though because I am sure we will end up in Lafayette or Youngsville.

lafayette is way better place to live..unless doing nothing is your idea of fun. if your job is in lafayette, buy a house in lafayette parish or one of the 5 parishes that surround it. forget lake charles.

75 mile commute between lafayette and lake charles. whats your connection to lake charles-job transfer?
I'll be happy to send you information about lafayette school systems and the area. if your interested-e-mail me erinesoderberg@cox.net

Not really sure about the commute, but if you get no answers, email me and i will put you in touch with a few real estate agents in lafayette that would be glad to help you out.

Good luck
realtorcraig@cox.net