City of Central: Best Choice for Families

The national surveys of “Best Places to Live” have not yet recognized the City of Central, but they should.  If the best measure of a place to live is safe neighborhoods, great public schools, and warm, friendly people, then Central should be ranked as one of the best places to live in the state and nation.

Crime is very low with only 1 in 1,000 people in Central experiencing a violent crime.  Public schools earn an A rating from the Louisiana Dept. of Education and rank at or near No. 1 in the state on a variety of rankings, such as math and science.  Household income in Central is $82,714. That’s $7,500 above the national average and $25,000 above the average Louisiana household. Only 4.4 percent in Central live in poverty. However, according to Central Mayor Wade Evans, the best part of Central is the people. 

Wade said, “Central is about Faith, Family, and Education. Those are the backbone of what makes Central great.  In addition, this is a community that truly cares. We see it everywhere.  A child’s bike is stolen, and the community starts a gofundme account.  In the course of things, they see the family has many other needs.  So a lot was raised beyond the cost of the bike.”

“We see it in our young people.  You’ll see the kids embracing one another.  You’ll see the jocks paying attention to the special needs kids. There is a spirit of giving and helping your fellow man,” he said.

“Good schools and low crime give us a great quality of life in Central.  Certainly, one of the best places to live in Louisiana.”

Central schools Supt. Jason Fountain describes Central this way.  “It’s a jewel of a community nestled on the outskirts of an urban community.”

“It’s a community. I love that word, and I love that it is in our name — the Central Community School System.  Inside the word ‘community’ is the word ‘unity,’ and that’s what makes a true community.”

“My goal everyday is to make this community proud of their school system.  We keep striving for that.”

“In the end, Central is all about the people.  That’s who make it special and a great place to live,” he said.