lafayette
introduction
The following pictures and information are provided to help employees who are considering an assignment in Lafayette, Louisiana to see what it is like to work and live in Lafayette.
Lafayette is located in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana, United States and is the parish's government seat. It is the largest city in the Acadiana-Lafayette region and is located one hour west of Baton Rouge, the state's capital and two and a half hours west of New Orleans, the state's largest, most well-known city. Lafayette is situated on the Vermilion River and is considered to be the heart of Cajun culture – a blending of French, Spanish and African influences.
Lafayette has more than 125,000 residents.
Lafayette has more than 125,000 residents.
It has a warm, humid, subtropical climate. July is the warmest month with an average high 91 Fahrenheit (33° Celsius). January is the coldest month with an average low of 40° Fahrenheit (4° Celsius).
Lafayette is serviced by Lafayette Regional Airport within the city limits. The airport offers nonstop flights to a number of major western U.S. cities. Most employees own a car and use it as their main mode of transportation.
work environment
The Johnston Street building in Lafayette is a Gulf Of Mexico (GOM) business unit satellite location (GOM business unit's headquarters are in Covington). The building is located in a business-retail district near shopping, the University of Louisiana and numerous restaurants.
GOM's West Facility is housed at the 5750 Johnston Street building; while training is housed at the Employee Resource Training Center (ERTC) building (200 Galbert Road also in Lafayette). Approximately 250 employees report to the Johnston Street building daily. The Johnston Street building is an older-style building with a large open parking lot. Most employees work in individual offices. Break rooms and vending machines are available; however, the facility does not have an employee cafeteria that serves hot meals.
There are numerous volunteer and community events offered by the Johnston Street building. Most of these events focus on meeting the needs of the Acadiana community.
The majority of Johnston Street employees work a 9/80 work schedule with alternating Fridays off; however, individual schedules are determined by specific department needs.
Business casual clothing is generally worn.
GOM's West Facility is housed at the 5750 Johnston Street building; while training is housed at the Employee Resource Training Center (ERTC) building (200 Galbert Road also in Lafayette). Approximately 250 employees report to the Johnston Street building daily. The Johnston Street building is an older-style building with a large open parking lot. Most employees work in individual offices. Break rooms and vending machines are available; however, the facility does not have an employee cafeteria that serves hot meals.
There are numerous volunteer and community events offered by the Johnston Street building. Most of these events focus on meeting the needs of the Acadiana community.
The majority of Johnston Street employees work a 9/80 work schedule with alternating Fridays off; however, individual schedules are determined by specific department needs.
Business casual clothing is generally worn.
housing
Lafayette and the surrounding areas offer a number of housing choices, including single family homes, condominiums and apartments. The decision as to where to live is usually based on personal needs, lifestyle preferences and proximity to work and area schools.
Lafayette has homes available to buy and rent. Home square footages vary significantly. The majority of homes offer a private backyard and garage or carport. Condominiums and townhomes, which cater to single employees or those not requiring much space, are also available.
Lafayette has a number of apartment complexes, including several within a five-mile (8 km) driving distance to the Johnston Street building. Renters can find studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. Rent prices depend on the location and amenities.
With homes or apartments, employees can bring their own furniture or rent partially or fully furnished apartments. Normally, rental agreements are six-, nine- or 12-month contracts. Some apartments may do month-to-month leases for a premium. The first month's rent and a security deposit are due upfront.
With homes or apartments, employees can bring their own furniture or rent partially or fully furnished apartments. Normally, rental agreements are six-, nine- or 12-month contracts. Some apartments may do month-to-month leases for a premium. The first month's rent and a security deposit are due upfront.
- Power: All homes and apartments have electricity installed. Residents request that power be turned on through the local provider. A deposit may be required for new customers. Electrical outlets are 110 volts with 220 volts for dryers and washing machines.
- Telephone: All homes and apartments are equipped for phone service. Multiple phone lines (for example, phone lines for fax machines or teenage children) can also be installed. Cell phone service is also available. Residents sign up for service through the phone company and are billed on a monthly basis.
- Gas: Lafayette gas can be turned on by the local provider and may require a deposit for new customers. Some homes with acreage and on the outskirts of town may have propane tanks on the property. Propane tanks are filled at the resident's expense, as needed. Residents should check with their landlord or realtor to find out what services are required for their home.
- Water: All water flowing to homes and apartments has been filtered through city water systems. Water is safe for drinking, cooking, bathing and washing clothes. A water deposit may be required for new customers.
- Internet: In general, homes have Internet service capabilities. To reduce costs, most people bundle Internet, phone and cable services through one service provider. Some apartment complexes provide free wireless Internet to their residences. Some coffee shops often provide a free wireless connection for their customers.
education
The Lafayette Parish School System (LPSS) includes 43 schools: 21 elementary schools, 12 middle schools and five high schools. LPSS also has five schools of choice (each with a specific discipline of study), six high school academies, French Immersion, gifted, and alternative programs such as N.P. Moss Annex. For more information, visit the LPSS website. Numerous accredited private education institutions are available.
view slideshows about lafayette so you can know what to expect in the following categories:
support services
Lafayette area has quality nearby medical facilities and hospitals in case you or your family is injured or does not feel well. Check with your insurance provider about what type of coverage you have.
Hospitals with Emergency room services. (Primary care along with specialist providers can also be seen)
- Lafayette General Medical Center
- University Medical Center
- Women's and Children's Hospital
- Heart Hospital of Lafayette
- * Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center (Does not have an emergency room)
Other providers available check with your insurance provider.
Lafayette employees are not provided a driver.
Most households in the Lafayette area operate without the assistance of outside help but cleaning, cooking, baby-sitting and gardening services are available for hire. It is very important to interview and check references. The phone book, Internet, neighbors and other employees are good sources to locate these types of services.
Most household-help providers come on a daily or scheduled basis and rarely live in the home.
Most household-help providers come on a daily or scheduled basis and rarely live in the home.
The Lafayette banking system is similar to other major cities in the United States. Employees can open an account with the Chevron or Louisiana Credit Union or another financial institution where funds are guaranteed by the United States government.
ATMs are plentiful throughout the region but fees depend on the policies of the employee's financial institution. Account holders can normally obtain cash, with no service fees, directly from the bank by using their debit card at a local grocery store when purchasing items or other approved ATMs.
Popular banking choices for employees include Chase Bank, Capital One, Home Bank, the Chevron Federal Credit Union and the Chevron Employees Federal Credit Union.
ATMs are plentiful throughout the region but fees depend on the policies of the employee's financial institution. Account holders can normally obtain cash, with no service fees, directly from the bank by using their debit card at a local grocery store when purchasing items or other approved ATMs.
Popular banking choices for employees include Chase Bank, Capital One, Home Bank, the Chevron Federal Credit Union and the Chevron Employees Federal Credit Union.
Lafayette is serviced by the United States Postal Service, which is a government agency that provides mail service to any city in the United States. Letters and packages can be sent in a variety of different priorities with options such as Internet tracking and insurance available for extra charge. Private courier services like UPS and FedEx and are widely available in Lafayette.
Libraries, which offer Internet, computer and digital account services, are widely available in Lafayette. While libraries generally close early in the afternoon or evening and have limited weekend hours, on-line access is available any time. In addition the Southside Library has computers with Internet access for public use.
Many pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS are open 24 hours a day and are staffed by licensed pharmacists that can provide patient advice. Additionally, some pharmacies also offer flu shots.
Outside of clinic or doctors' office hours, employees can use a wide range of urgent or after-hours care facilities, in addition to hospital emergency rooms. Employees should check their insurance coverage to learn their financial responsibility for using medical services.
The Johnston Street building does not provide medical services.
The Johnston Street building does not provide medical services.
shopping
To purchase groceries such as produce, bakery items or meat, nearby options from the Lafayette office include:
Walmart Supercenter
Adrien's Supermarket
Albertsons
Super 1
Winn Dixie
Fresh Market
Rouses Supermarket
The Mall of Acadiana is located across from the Chevron office on Johnston Street.
Major department stores include: Dillards, JCPenney, Macy's and Sears with retailers such as Gap, Talbots, Banana Republic and Forever 21.
Some nearby shopping/stores for:
- Arts/Crafts: Michaels, Hobby Lobby
- Discount Department stores: TJ Maxx, Stein Mart, Kohl's
- Electronics: Best Buy, Radio Shack
- General Retailer: WalMart, Sam's Club, Target
- Furniture: Bed Bath & Beyond, Home furniture, Rooms to Go, Conn's
- Home Improvement: Lowes, Home Depot
- Pet Supplies: Pet Smart
The closest Outlet mall is the Tanger outlet center located in Gonzales, LA which is 77 miles away.
transportation
Near the Lafayette office there are a variety of options for recreation, entertainment and food.
recreational and entertainment
- Girard Park
- Thomas Park
- Beaver Park Tennis Center
- Planet Ice Rink
- Pack & Paddle
- The Backpacker
Downtown Lafayette has host of bars with live music, festivals, galleries and museums.
Although the Lafayette area is known for its Cajun/Creole cooking, there are a variety of dining options from seafood to ethnic cuisines. For recommendations please visit Urban Spoon, Yelp or seek recommendations from others. Most major fast food places are near the office. Some examples are Subway, McDonalds and Chick fil a. A few popular restaurants near the Lafayette office are:
- American: Zea's , Copelands, Bonefish Grill, Village Cafe, Pete's
- Cajun: Jolie's Bistro, Prejean's, Cafe Vermilionville
- Greek: Athena
- Italian: Olive Garden, iMonelli, Romacelli
- Mexican: La Hacienda, Coyote Blues, La Pagua
- Seafood: Charley G's
- Thai: Bangkok, Mae Sone Noodle House
- Japanese/Sushi: Shinto, Tsubaki Hibachi, Samurai, Fuji, Shangri La
- Chinese: Magic Wok, China One
- Pizza: Dean-O's , La Pizzeria, Pizza Hut
The Lafayette office does not have an onsite gym but they offer a variety of ergonomic and exercise classes during the lunch workday. If you would like to join a health club with additional amenities such as a spa, pool or tennis courts with membership cost there are some options:
Red Lerille's Health & Raquet Club
City Club at River Ranch
Red Lerille's Health & Raquet Club
City Club at River Ranch
- Breaux Bridge – 10 minutes
- Washington – 30 minutes
- New Orleans – 2 hours (French Quarter, Casino, Cuisine)
- Baton Rouge, LA – 1 hour (Capital of Louisiana, LSU campus
- Houston, TX – 3.5 hours (4th largest city in US: shopping, diverse cuisine)
additional information
It is a good idea to gain a basic understanding of the American culture, history and language. Daily interactions and tasks will be completed in English. Chevron offers 80 hours of instruction to expatriate employees and their family members who relocate into the United States.
Pets can be brought into the United States. Dogs and cats must be free of disease when examined by customs. Further veterinarian examination may be required. All animals should have rabies shots 30 days prior to entry. Certain breeds may be required to remain in quarantine for a set time before being allowed into the population. More information about importing pets is available on Bringing My Pet to the US: Importing My Dog, Cat, Animal.
United States recognizes religious freedom and there are many different places of worship to chose from depending on your preference.