About Baton Rouge's Southdowns

In the early 1920's a 640-acre tract of plantation land was purchased by Alfred St. Amant for the purpose of developing a new neighborhood. At that time, surrounded by farmland and swamps, the new neighborhood was outside of city limits, and water had to be piped from a nearby artesian well. An interesting article about the history and ambience of Southdowns, "The Center of the Universe," was written by Ed Cullen. (The Advocate, March 22, 2009)

Situated within walking and biking distance to the Louisiana State University, this subdivision has the significant advantage of being close to shopping areas and Baton Rouge Beach, as well as City Park Lake and University Lake. Naturally, it is a preferred housing location for many LSU faculty and employees as well as students. According to data provided by OnBoard, LLC, almost 70 percent of residents have an undergraduate or graduate college degree. The average household income is $86,426.

The Southside Civic Association (SSCA) represents 12 subdivisions, including Southdowns. It exists to "preserve and promote the character and quality of life of the Southside area--one of the most beautiful and desirable areas in our city."

The Krewe of Southdowns runs its famous Mardi Gras parade through the neighborhood on the Friday night before the Baton Rouge Spanish Town parade. Some call it a "warm-up" for the big parade the next day. What a great place to live to have a front-seat view of Mardi Gras!

Full-service restaurants nearby include the Acme Oyster House and Parrain's, both serving Louisiana seafood specialty dishes.

There are only six homes for sale in Southdowns, ranging in price from $153,000 (1,295 sq ft) to $1,595,000 (5,368 sq ft). If you or anyone you know is interested in buying a home in Southdowns or any other subdivision in the area, please call me. I would love to assist you in your home-buying plans.

Call Sallie at (225) 266-3562

http://batonrougerealestateappraisal.com/ - Baton Rouge Real Estate 70808 Update

Solds From Southdowns Subdivision from 01/01/2007 to 12/31/2007 revealed:
Average Sales Price: $299,093
Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $143.46
Median Sold Price: $253,750
Low Sales Price: $154,900
High Sales Price: $1,300,000
Average # of Days On Market: 68
# of Sales: 30

Solds From Southdowns Subdivision from 01/01/2008 to 01/12/2009 reveals:
Average Sales Price: $274,424
Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $136.05
Median Sold Price: $259,000
Low Sales Price: $130,000
High Sales Price: $895,000
Average # of Days On Market: 71
# of Sales: 38

Therefore, based on the median sale price barometer (the barometer used by the NAR National Association of Realtors) within Southdowns Subdivision, the market direction appears to be increasing, increased by +$5,250. Due to the subject's favorable location, the subject's neighborhood has generally continually increased in value over the decades. However, due to the slowing of the Greater Baton Rouge market in general, the "Property Values" box is checked as stable. Note that in the first period in 2007, the unusual $1,300,000 sale really skewed the average sales price and average sales price per sq. ft. numbers, which is the reason for the decline in average sales price and average sales price per sq. ft..

The Average Sales Price has decreased by -$24,669. Again, this appears to be due to the unusually high $1,300,000 sale in the 2007 period.

Median Sales Price has increased by +$5,250.

Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft. has decreased by -$7.41/sf. Again, this appears to be due to the unusually high $1,300,000 sale in the 2007 period.

70808 data used with the permission of the Greater Baton Rouge Board of Realtors

Author's Bio:

Bill Cobb, CREA, is Greater Baton Rouge's favorite and most reputable home appraiser frequently called upon by banks, homeowners, and savvy real estate investors to assess property values. A home appraiser with 17 years experience, Bill Cobb brings a wealth of knowledge to the table as a home appraiser.

Bill's company, Accurate Valuations Home Appraisal Group, serves Greater Baton Rouge (East Baton Rouge Parish, West Baton Rouge Parish, Western Livingston Parish and Northern Ascension Parish).

Contact Bill Cobb and Accurate Valuations Home Appraisal Group for your next home appraisal:

Office: 225-293-1500, Cell: 225-953-0638

Fax: 1-866-663-6065

fastvalue2@cox.net

The Southdowns area is an older area in Baton Rouge that is located between Perkins Rd and Bayou DuPlantier. It is also between the University Lakes and Pollard Estates. To make it easier to find, it's located to LSU and Downtown Baton Rouge.

Even though this neighborhood is older, it has continued to rise in value due to homeowners having maintained their homes. Did you know that some of the Southdown homes are within walking distance to University Lakes? University Lakes is  so beautiful. It really adds warmth to the neighborhood.

A fabulous neighorhood in Southdowns is Southdown Gardens. The subdivision was built in 1999. There are about 23 homes in the neighorhood. It is located between Acadian Blvd and College Drive.

I'd say that the coolest thing about the Southdowns Area is Mardi Gras. Did you know that Southdowns has their own parade? It's actually called the Baton Rouge Krewe of Southdowns. How neat is that? Can you imagine living in Southdowns and having front row seats to an awesome parade?

Southdowns is also close to many great restaurants, like Jubans. There is also a popular lounge called Southdowns that is right off of Perkins.  Also, right across from the Southdowns Lounge is the Southdowns Gym. So, you can go get a good work out, have a good dinner and have a few drinks all in the same shopping center.