Moving Companies Lake Charles, LA

Lake Charles, Louisiana

Lake Charles is a city of about 72,000 people that sits on the banks of Lake Charles, Piren Lake and the Calcasieu River. The city has a rich cultural attitude, with a unique diversity of cultures and history.  Lake Charles is very proud of its diverse cultural mix, and has 75 festivals a year to celebrate them all.  The city has a strong Cajun background.  Anyone moving to Lake Charles will find a city that is fiercely proud of its history, its culture and its city.    

Economy:
Lake Charles, Louisiana has a significantly lower median income than the rest of Louisiana, but the cost of living there is much lower than the national average. Also, the unemployment rate is much lower there. Lake Charles is expected to see a real turn-around in its economy in the near future, with the petrochemical industry seeing an improvement. Forbes magazine has ranked Lake Charles in its top ten of ‘up and coming’ cities. Citgo and Conoco are expanding operations in Lake Charles. The tourist business is also becoming a real economic boost. 

History:
The first Europeans first arrived in this area in the 1760s. French settlers Martin LeBleu and his wife were the first recorded settlers. One settler, Charles Sallier, built his home on the banks of the lake, and this is why it is now called Lake Charles. In 1861, the city was incorporated as Charleston.  Growth was slow until a lumber mill was built in 1855. This created an upsurge in population and Lake Charles had a thriving lumber industry for many years. Six years after the incorporation of the town, the name was changed to Lake Charles.  During the Civil War, Lake Charles had little interest in the issue of slavery, and really did not become involved. In the years following the war, the city boomed and many mansions were built from the pine that fueled the lumber industry there.  After World War II, the petrochemical industry came to Lake Charles. In 2005, Lake Charles suffered devastating damage from Hurricane Rita, and the city is still in the process of rebuilding from that. 

Tourism:
Lake Charles has three world-class casinos, for any type of Vegas-style gambling you could want. Lake Charles has many hunting and fishing opportunities. The city is filled with historic museums, art galleries and historic exhibits. There is a museum for every interest you can think of. And then there are the more than 75 festivals a year to attend. Lake Charles’ own Mardi Gras Festival begins in late January and continues into February. There is a Black Heritage Festival, Cajun Music Days, and the very popular Contraband Days in May, celebrating the days when pirates were around Lake Charles. There are wonderful restaurants, fabulous nightlife, as well as nature trails and golf courses.

Colleges and Universities:
• McNeese State University
• Sowela Technical Community College

Interesting Facts:
• Lake Charles is called the ‘festival capital of Louisiana’ because it has 75 festivals a year.
 The pirate Jean Lafitte was active around Lake Charles, and once traded contraband to James Bowie there.

Helpful Links:
• Lake Charles Real Estate
• Lake Charles Storage Facility
• Lake Charles Insurance
• Lake Charles Moving Companies