Airline/Jefferson - Baton Rouge, LA

First settled by the French in the late 1600s, the Baton Rouge area changed hands multiple times during the Colonial era, from the Spanish to the British and eventually the US. While the city expanded over the centuries, it was not until the mid 1900s that urban sprawl spread to the former plantation lands southeast of the city, including Airline/Jefferson.

The Rural Life Museum, a few miles to the northwest, traces the history of the area's rural past and features preserved plantation buildings from the 1800s. The museum grounds host events throughout the year, including an annual Civil War re-enactment and outdoor, classical music concerts.

The Baton Rouge arts scene leans towards the center of the city, although a handful of art galleries and small music venues operate in or near Airline/Jefferson. The Baton Rouge Symphony performance hall lies about 8 miles to the west.

Restaurants in the area cater to nearly every taste, with fast-food and chain restaurants the most plentiful dining options. Clusters of restaurants lie along Siegen Lane and Highland Road, as well as near the mall.

Willie's Restaurant & Bar serves traditional southern food heavy on barbecue and seafood, including seasonal items dependent on the local fisheries. Specials include crawfish macaroni and cheese, pulled pork and Cajun donuts. The full bar carries a number of special cocktails, including house-made limoncello and sangria. The restaurant also caters events.

Le Creole specializes in authentic and inspired New Orleans seafood dishes featuring fresh seafood from the Gulf of Mexico. House originals include pecan-crusted fish and crispy rabbit loin. Happy hour, 5 to 7 pm Monday through Thursday, includes a selection of two-for-one cocktail deals, while Sunday brunch hosts a live jazz band.

Local nightlife beyond restaurants with full bars includes a handful of taverns, chain grills and sports bars. For more extensive nightlife options, including a number of jazz clubs, residents head into central Baton Rouge.

Driving dominates local transportation, with the personal car bearing most of the burden. Nearby Interstate 10 and the Airline Highway provide easy access to central Baton Rouge, as well as New Orleans about 80 miles south, while bus options exist for commuters with Capital Area Transit System routes 60 and 57 running in the area. Taxi and Uber service both operate in Airline/Jefferson, although limited options exist for hailing a cab. Residents and visitors park for free on local streets, with most businesses providing parking lots.

While local roads lack dedicated biking lanes or trails, numerous routes prove biker friendly, including Highways 61 and 73. The neighborhood features low walkability, although most roads provide for safe walking and biking, especially in the residential areas.

A number of small parks populate the neighborhood, with Gentilly Court Park and Meadow Park catering to athletes with basketball and tennis courts. Meadow Park also houses a baseball field and a playground. Industriplex Park features a small open space and playground, while Cypress Lake Dog Park provides the opportunity for your canine friend to run off-leash. Parklawn Park houses baseball fields and tennis courts, as well as a croquet area and a recreation center, which hosts numerous classes and events during the summer months.

South along Airline Highway, the larger Airline Highway Park features baseball fields, a playground and an airgun range. Each fall the park hosts the annual Greater Baton Rouge State Fair, while numerous smaller events occur throughout the year. Nearby Manchac Park houses numerous sports fields and courts, as well as a playground and limited access to the Bayou Manchac.

Life in Airline/Jefferson averages slightly above other neighborhoods in south Baton Rouge, with one bedroom residences renting for a little under $900 per month on average. At the pump, drivers pay about 10 percent less per gallon of gas than the national average, while bus riders pay $1.75 per ride on Capital Area Transit. A pint of beer at local pubs sets patrons back about $3.50.

A range of shopping exists along most major roads in the neighborhood, such as Industriplex Boulevard and Siegen Lane, with numerous shopping centers anchored by large chain retailers, as well as business parks with wholesalers selling a range of home improvement goods and industrial supplies. The Mall of Louisiana, a few miles north on Interstate 10, provides higher-end stores and as well as large departments stores. Boutique and specialty shops scatter throughout the shopping areas.

As far as specialty stores go, Rainbows by Paulette reaches the heights of specialization, selling almost exclusively a wide selection of children's hair bows, headbands and related accessories. The shop sells bows in all sizes, colors and designs. When it comes to bows, if you cannot find it at Rainbows by Paulette, it may not exist.

The Boutique fulfills expectations as a prototypical women's clothing boutique, stocking an ever-changing selection of original and designer clothing, shoes and accessories. Shop during the change of seasons to catch clearance sales as the shop makes room for new merchandise.

A number of stores meet the grocery needs of Airline/Jefferson, including Winn-Dixie, Ralph's, Albertsons and Wal-Mart. Central Baton Rouge hosts multiple farmers markets, including the Main Street Market and the Red Stick Farmers Market, which supply local farm-fresh produce, meats and other goods.