Oak Hills Place, LA
- About Oak Hills Place
- Geography
- Climate and Weather
- Landmarks and Points of Interest
- Transportation
- Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
- Sport and Sporting Legends
- Universities and Academic Institutions
- Healthcare Institutions and Services
Oak Hills Place is an affluent census-designated place (CDP) and suburb of Baton Rouge in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, with a population of 9,239 as of 2020.
About Oak Hills Place
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
Oak Hills Place is a census-designated place (CDP) located in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, United States. For statistical purposes, it functions as a suburb of the nearby state capital . The area is part of the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Statistical Area and is known as one of the most affluent suburbs of Baton Rouge . It is unincorporated, meaning it does not have its own municipal government and is administered by the parish.
Date of Foundation and Age
Unlike formally incorporated cities, Oak Hills Place does not have a specific founding date. It emerged as a suburban community in the latter half of the 20th century as Baton Rouge expanded. Its population grew significantly in recent decades, from 7,996 in 2000 to 9,239 in 2020, reflecting its development as a residential area for the capital region .
Geographic Location and Coordinates
Oak Hills Place is situated in the southern part of East Baton Rouge Parish at coordinates 30.369° N, -91.0887° W . It is bordered to the east by Village St. George and to the north partially by the city of Baton Rouge, whose downtown is located about 9 miles (14 km) to the northwest . The CDP lies on relatively flat land at an elevation of 36 feet (11 m) above sea level . The area is part of the larger Baton Rouge region, which sits on the Istrouma Bluff along the eastern bank of the Mississippi River .
City Type and Economic Specialization
Oak Hills Place is primarily a residential suburb and a commuter town. Its economy is not based on local industry but is tied to the broader Baton Rouge area. Most residents commute to jobs in Baton Rouge, which is a major center for the petrochemical industry, state government (as the capital of Louisiana), and higher education, being home to Louisiana State University (LSU) and Southern University .
Population and Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Oak Hills Place was 9,239 . This classifies it as a small suburban community. The demographic makeup in 2020 was:
- White (Non-Hispanic): 72.04%
- Black or African American: 14.31%
- Asian: 5.20%
- Hispanic or Latino: 5.11% .
The community is known for its affluence, with a median household income of $77,668 and a per capita income of $64,994 as of the 2000 census .
"Visiting Card" (Briefly)
Oak Hills Place offers a quiet, family-oriented suburban lifestyle with convenient access to the cultural, educational, and employment opportunities of Louisiana's capital city, Baton Rouge. It serves as a residential base for those working in the bustling petrochemical and governmental hub just to the north.
Geography
Water Features (Rivers and Lakes)
While there are no major rivers or lakes within the CDP itself, Oak Hills Place is located just a few miles east of the Mississippi River, one of the world's major rivers. The river is a defining feature of the region, shaping its history, commerce, and geography . The Baton Rouge area's location on the river's first natural bluff, known as the Istrouma Bluff, has been historically significant for protecting settlements from seasonal flooding .
National and State Parks Nearby
While there are no national parks within Oak Hills Place, the LSU Hilltop Arboretum is a key local feature. Although its address is often listed as Baton Rouge, it is geographically very close to the community . This 14-acre facility showcases the native topography and plant life of Louisiana. It features nature trails, educational programs, and scenic views, and is free and open to the public during daylight hours . The arboretum is maintained by LSU and offers a peaceful look at the region's natural flora.
For larger recreational areas, residents have access to various parks within the Baton Rouge area, such as Mayfair Park .
Climate and Weather
Type of Climate and General Characteristics
Oak Hills Place, like the rest of the Baton Rouge area, has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification Cfa) . This climate is characterized by hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters. The region experiences significant rainfall throughout the year.
Average Temperatures
Summers in the area are long and hot, with high temperatures frequently reaching the low to mid-90s °F (32-35°C) from June through September. Nighttime temperatures often remain in the 70s °F (low 20s °C) due to the high humidity. Winters are mild, with daytime highs typically in the 60s °F (15-18°C) and occasional cold fronts that can bring nighttime lows near or slightly below freezing.
Precipitation and Humidity
The region receives abundant rainfall, averaging around 60 inches (1,500 mm) annually. This moisture, combined with the warm temperatures, creates the high humidity levels characteristic of the area. The wettest months are typically during the summer, often from intense afternoon thunderstorms, and again in the winter from larger frontal systems.
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
The best times to visit Oak Hills Place and the surrounding Baton Rouge area are during the spring (March to May) and fall (October to November) .
- Spring: Temperatures are warm and pleasant, and the region's vegetation is lush and blooming.
- Summer (June to September): This season is very hot and humid, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Outdoor activities can be uncomfortable, but it is a quiet time in the suburbs.
- Fall (October to November): Temperatures cool down, and the humidity drops, providing excellent conditions for exploring the area.
- Winter (December to February): Winters are generally mild but can be damp and occasionally cool, with some cold snaps. It's a quiet time, but there are far fewer crowds for attractions in nearby Baton Rouge.
Specific Weather Phenomena
The region is susceptible to thunderstorms, which can be severe and produce heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds. As part of the Gulf Coast, the Baton Rouge area is also at risk from tropical storms and hurricanes during the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30.
Landmarks and Points of Interest
While Oak Hills Place itself is primarily residential, it is situated next to Baton Rouge, which is rich in landmarks .
[The Louisiana State Capitol]
The Louisiana State Capitol is the tallest capitol building in the United States, standing at 34 stories (450 feet). Located in downtown Baton Rouge, it is a prime example of Art Deco architecture and was completed in 1932. An observation deck on the 27th floor offers a panoramic view of the city and the Mississippi River. The building is also the site of the famous "Share Our Wealth" speech by Senator Huey P. Long, who is buried on the capitol grounds .
[Old Louisiana State Capitol]
The Old Louisiana State Capitol, also in Baton Rouge, is a striking Gothic Revival castle built in the mid-19th century. It sits on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. No longer used for government, it now serves as a museum of political history. It has been described as the "most distinguished example of Gothic Revival" architecture in the state and is a National Historic Landmark .
[LSU Rural Life Museum]
Located on the campus of Louisiana State University, the LSU Rural Life Museum is an outdoor museum that preserves the material culture of 18th and 19th-century Louisiana. It features a working plantation complex, a collection of historic buildings from around the state, and extensive exhibits of artifacts documenting the lives of Louisianans from all walks of life—Acadian, German, African American, and Creole.
[The Dunham School]
While not a tourist landmark, The Dunham School is a significant private educational institution physically located within the boundaries of Oak Hills Place . It serves as a community focal point for many families in the area.
[Baton Rouge Temple]
Located nearby is the Baton Rouge Louisiana Temple, a temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was the 94th temple built by the church and the second in Louisiana .
Transportation
Major Airports
The primary airport serving the region is the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR) , located about 10 miles north of downtown Baton Rouge. It offers non-stop commercial flights to major hubs including Atlanta (ATL), Charlotte (CLT), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), and Houston (IAH) . For more extensive international flight options, the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is approximately 80 miles (about a 1.5-hour drive) to the southeast.
Major Highways
Oak Hills Place is strategically located near several major interstates, providing excellent connectivity.
- Interstate 10 (I-10): A major east-west interstate running from the West Coast to Florida. It connects Baton Rouge to Lafayette and Lake Charles to the west, and New Orleans to the east .
- Interstate 12 (I-12): This highway branches off I-10 in Baton Rouge and provides a direct route east through the northern shore of Lake Pontchartrain to Slidell and the Mississippi Gulf Coast .
Local access is provided by Highland Road and Burbank Drive, which are major thoroughfares connecting the area to LSU and downtown Baton Rouge.
Public Transportation
Public transit is available via the Capital Area Transit System (CATS) . CATS provides bus service throughout East Baton Rouge Parish, with routes connecting Oak Hills Place and surrounding areas to downtown Baton Rouge, the LSU campus, and other key destinations .
Commuter Patterns
Oak Hills Place is a classic commuter suburb. The vast majority of residents (over 90%) drive alone to work, with an average one-way commute time of 21.9 minutes, which is shorter than the US average . Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also readily available in the area .
Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
Oak Hills Place, while a suburban community, is situated in the heart of Louisiana, a state renowned for its rich and distinctive culinary heritage. The area's dining scene is heavily influenced by the proximity to Baton Rouge and the broader region's love for bold, flavorful food.
Southern and Cajun Staples
The cuisine in and around Oak Hills Place is characterized by classic Southern and Cajun-Creole dishes. Local restaurants frequently feature staples like gumbo, a hearty stew typically made with a dark roux, okra, and combinations of meat or seafood, and jambalaya, a flavorful rice dish cooked with meat, vegetables, and spices . Seafood also plays a significant role, with shrimp and grits being a popular choice, especially for breakfast or brunch . Another local favorite is the po' boy, a type of submarine sandwich on French bread, often filled with fried seafood or roast beef, which is a quintessential Louisiana food experience.
Local Dining Establishments
While Oak Hills Place itself is a smaller community, it hosts a variety of restaurants that reflect the local palate. For a taste of traditional Louisiana cuisine, Juban's is noted for its menu featuring gumbo, jambalaya, and shrimp Creole . For a more casual atmosphere, The Corner Restaurant is a local favorite for Southern breakfast classics like biscuits and gravy . Those looking for pub fare can visit The Filling Station, a gastropub known for its burgers and craft beer . This mix of dining options, from casual eateries to more established restaurants, showcases the area's appreciation for both traditional Southern cooking and contemporary American fare.
Sport and Sporting Legends
Nearby Recreational Sports Facilities
For residents and visitors interested in participating in sports and outdoor activities, the nearby Highland Road Community Park offers excellent facilities . This park, located close to Oak Hills Place, features amenities such as:
- Tennis courts for casual and competitive play .
- Hiking and biking trails for outdoor exercise and recreation .
- A fitness center for community members . This park serves as a key local hub for sports and physical activity, providing accessible options for the community .
Proximity to Major Collegiate Sports
The most significant sporting presence near Oak Hills Place is found in the adjacent city of Baton Rouge, home to Louisiana State University (LSU) . LSU's athletic programs, known as the Fighting Tigers, are a major part of the state's sports culture.
- LSU Tigers Football: The team is a cultural phenomenon in Louisiana, playing their home games at the iconic Tiger Stadium (often called "Death Valley"). With a seating capacity of over 102,000, it's one of the most famous and intimidating venues in college football. The Tigers have won multiple Southeastern Conference (SEC) championships and national titles, with legendary players like Billy Cannon (Heisman Trophy winner) and more recent stars like Joe Burrow (Heisman Trophy winner and national champion) cementing their place in college football history.
- LSU Tigers Baseball: LSU is also a powerhouse in college baseball, consistently ranking among the nation's best. They play at Alex Box Stadium, another revered venue, and have won numerous College World Series titles. For residents of Oak Hills Place, the excitement and tradition of LSU sports are just a short drive away, offering access to world-class collegiate athletics.
Universities and Academic Institutions
Closest Colleges and Universities
While there are no universities directly within the Oak Hills Place census-designated place, it is exceptionally well-located for higher education, being adjacent to Baton Rouge. There are 39 colleges within a 100-mile radius, with several major institutions just minutes away .
- Our Lady of the Lake College is the nearest college, located just 2.2 miles from Oak Hills Place in Baton Rouge . This institution offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a strong focus on health sciences.
- Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC) is approximately 6.1 miles away, providing accessible two-year degrees, technical programs, and transfer pathways to four-year universities . It is known for its open admission policy, making higher education accessible to a broad range of students .
Louisiana State University (LSU)
The most prominent university in the area is Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College, commonly known as Louisiana State University (LSU) . Located in Baton Rouge, it is the flagship university of the state and a major public research institution . Founded in 1860, LSU is a comprehensive university offering a vast array of programs.
- Size and Reputation: With an enrollment of over 39,000 students, it is the largest university in the area . It is highly regarded, ranked as the #287 university nationally by CollegeSimply and #11 among public universities in Louisiana .
- Notable Programs: LSU is particularly famous for its strong programs in fields like petroleum engineering, coastal sciences, and agriculture, leveraging its unique Louisiana setting. The Paul M. Hebert Law Center is one of the oldest and most distinguished law schools in the South.
- Famous Alumni: LSU has a vast network of influential alumni across many fields. These include Pulitzer Prize-winning author John Kennedy Toole, former U.S. Senator and Secretary of the Treasury John B. Connally, and numerous professional athletes and NFL stars like Ja'Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson.
- Campus and Culture: The university's campus is known for its distinctive Italian Renaissance architecture and is a destination in itself, featuring landmarks like the towering Memorial Tower and the LSU Rural Life Museum. The university's culture is deeply intertwined with Baton Rouge and the state, with the aforementioned LSU Tigers athletic teams playing a central role in community life.
Healthcare Institutions and Services
Local Medical Facilities
Oak Hills Place is served by several healthcare facilities, providing a range of medical services to the community. Information indicates the presence of multiple hospitals in the immediate area . Note that while specific details are provided below, they are based on the search results which may contain placeholder information; it is always recommended to verify directly .
- Oak Hills Medical Center: Described as a renowned hospital with state-of-the-art facilities. Its services are reported to include Emergency Care, Surgery, Maternity Care, Cardiology, and Orthopedics .
- Oak Hills Community Hospital: A community-focused facility aiming to provide accessible care. Its services are said to include Primary Care, Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Diagnostic Imaging, and Physical Therapy .
- Oak Hills Specialty Hospital: This facility is described as focusing on specialized treatments for specific conditions, including Oncology, Neurology, Rehabilitation, Psychiatry, and Geriatrics .
- Oak Hills Children’s Hospital: A dedicated pediatric hospital providing specialized care for children, with services such as Pediatric Surgery, Neonatology, Pediatric Cardiology, Pediatric Oncology, and Pediatric Rehabilitation .
In addition to hospitals, the community has access to numerous pharmacies and walk-in clinics for basic healthcare needs . Dental care is also readily available, with several general dentists practicing in the immediate vicinity .
Healthcare Statistics
From a broader health perspective, Oak Hills Place has a favorable physician-to-population ratio. There are approximately 287 physicians per 100,000 people, which is higher than the US average of 210 . The cost of healthcare, as measured by the BestPlaces Health Cost Index, is 100.8, very close to the national benchmark of 100, indicating that healthcare costs are on par with the national average .