Located in St. Charles Parish is the census-designated place (CDP) of Luling, LA. Home to 13,716 residents according to the 2020 census, Luling is located on the banks of the Mississippi River, just a short drive from New Orleans.
While not very big, there’s a lot to learn about Luling. From the statistical data to the history and traditions, and even the Hale Boggs Memorial Bridge, we’ll tell you all about Luling, LA.
The geography of Luling, LA
About 24 miles outside of New Orleans on the West Bank of the Mississippi River, Luling is part of the New Orleans-Metairie metropolitan statistical area. Luling’s primary coordinate location is latitude 29.913 and longitude -90.364.
The U.S. Census Bureau states that the total area of Luling is 19.5 square miles. Of that, 18.5 square miles is land, while the remaining is water.
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The history of Luling, LA
Originally called St. Denis, the area was filled with sugar plantations during the early and mid 19th century. The current name comes from a wealthy cotton merchant from Germany by the name of Florenz Albrecht Luling.
In 1868, having lived in New Orleans for several years, Florenz purchased the Ellington Plantation in then St. Denis. He sold the plantation in 1882 and moved to Mobile, AL where he remained for the rest of his life. By this time however, what was once known as St. Denis had become Luling.
Today, the names of the plantations, including the Ellington, still play a large part in the local geography. Many of the neighborhoods and streets within Luling are named after the plantations that once stood there.
The first post office was established in 1887, Luling had an estimated population between 600 and 700 residents. Within the next 7 years, the population grew to over 1,000 people.
Throughout the remainder of the 19th century and into the first half of the 20th century, Luling continued slow but steady growth. In the years following World War II residential developments began to take off. This eventually led to several new neighborhoods and subdivisions, including a 2,000 home development on the site of the former Ashton Plantation.
The population of Luling, LA
Current estimates place the population of Luling at 15,156. This indicates a 10.5% increase since the 2020 census.
Due to its proximity to New Orleans, and job opportunities, Luling continues to see a steady increase in its population.
Hale Boggs Memorial Bridge
Opened in October of 1983, the Hale Boggs Memorial Bridge connects Louisiana Highway 18 and Louisiana Highway 48. At the time, it was only the 3rd major cable-stayed bridge in the United States, and only one crossing the Mississippi River.
Originally named the Luling-Destrehan Bridge, the bridge is almost exclusively referred to as “Luling Bridge” by locals in the New Orleans area. The bridge is named for the late United States Congressman Thomas Hale Boggs Sr.
Prior to the construction of the bridge, the only way for Luling and Destrehan residents to reach the other side of the river was by ferry. With both locations growing in population, it was a necessity to offer a more efficient route.
It was incorporated into the newly completed Interstate 310 in 1993. This gives it the distinction of being the first cable-stayed bridge to be a part of the Interstate Highway System.
The United Way of St. Charles hosts a 5K/10K run across the bridge annually.
Traditions and events in Luling, LA
Krewe of Lul
Since 1978, The Krewe of Lul has paraded through the streets of Luling on the Saturday before Mardi Gras. A family friendly example of carnival, this annual event includes a float judging and a formal ball in addition to the parade.
Alligator Festival
During September of each year at the West Bank Bridge Park, the Rotary Club of St. Charles Parish holds this festival celebrating Louisiana’s favorite reptile. There’s food, music, crafts, and rides to be enjoyed. Since 1980, the festival has helped raise over a million dollars for local St. Charles Parish schools.
Battle for the Paddle
This cooking competition hosted by the local United Way invites cooks from all over the region to show their skills. Families, friends, and businesses alike battle it out for the titles of “Best Gumbo” and “Best Jambalaya”. The first place trophy is of course that staple of Louisiana cooking, the paddle. And it wouldn’t be Luling without live entertainment. All funds raised go to community projects.
Luling, LA real estate market
The median price of homes for sale in Luling is $297,626. While Luling real estate is some of the most expensive in Louisiana, Luling home values aren’t among America’s costliest.
Single-family detached homes are the single most common housing type in Luling, accounting for 83.15% of the town’s housing units. Other types of housing that are prevalent in Luling include duplexes, homes converted to apartments or other small apartment buildings (6.43%), mobile homes or trailers (3.95%), and a few large apartment complexes or high rise apartments (3.37%).
Owner-occupied, three and four bedroom dwellings, primarily in single-family detached homes are the most prevalent type of housing you will see in Luling. Owner-occupied housing accounts for 81.61% of Luling’s homes, and 80.62% have either three or four bedrooms, which is average sized relative to America.
Luling’s appreciation rate notably has been below the national average for the last ten years. The average annual home appreciation rate in Luling during the period has been just 3.68%, which is lower than 80% of US communities.
Over the last year, Luling appreciation rates have trailed the rest of the nation. In the last twelve months, Luling’s appreciation rate has been 10.03%, which is lower than appreciation rates in most communities in America. A Luling Realtor can help you make a smart decision.
Subdivisions in Luling, LA
Ashton Plantation
Lone Star
Mimosa Park
Lakewood West
General info about Luling, LA
- Area code: 985
- Zip code: 70070
- Parish: St. Charles Parish
- Population: 15,156
- Median age: 35.9
- Cost of living: 4% below the national average
- Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST)
- Elevation: 7 feet above sea level
- Total area: 19.5 square miles