Top 10 reasons people are talking about Livingston

• Advocate staff report
• Published: Jun 14, 2009

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Growth

Livingston has been one of Louisiana’s fastest-growing parishes in recent years. Growth increased even more dramatically after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The latest U.S. Census Bureau figures show the parish with a population of 120,256 people. That represents a 31 percent increase in population between April 1, 2000 and July 1, 2008. Public officials attribute Livingston’s growth to good schools, low crime rates and relatively inexpensive property.

Characteristics

Once reliant on timber and small farms as a base for its economy, Livingston Parish still has large tracts of land devoted to timber production in the northern and central portions of the parish. South of Denham Springs, the parish maintains much of its rural character, though subdivisions have begun to take over some woodlands and pastures. To the north and east, the areas of Watson and Walker continue to undergo rapid development.

Location

The municipalities of Denham Springs, Walker, Livingston and Albany can be accessed by I-12 or U.S. 190. Albany, Springfield and Killian are near the parish’s eastern border, while Port Vincent and French Settlement, both of which feature Cajun influences, are in the southern part of the parish.

Attractions

Parish attractions include Tickfaw State Park and the Creole House museum in French Settlement. Many of the parish’s towns host one or more annual festivals and have Christmas and Mardi Gras parades.

Town of Livingston

The town of Livingston, the parish’s seat of government, is in the center of the parish and is home to the parish courthouse, School Board office and parish governmental offices. That includes a permit office, which new residents must visit before utility companies will turn on electric service.

Government services

Municipal water, natural gas, sewer and trash service are available in towns and many rural areas of the parish. Dixie Electric Membership Corp. at (225) 665-8932 and Entergy at (800) 368-3749, provide electrical services to residents.

Community services