Big cities like New Orleans and Baton Rouge might hold Louisiana's renown, but it is those small towns--practically blips on the map--that hold Louisiana's soul. Ama LA is one of those rural towns that is small in size but huge in impact. Spanning an area of 4.4 square miles along the west bank of the Great Mississippi, Ama LA is a census-designated place in St. Charles Parish.
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As of 2010, Ama had a population of just 1,316 (54.3% male, 45.7% female). That number represents a 2.4 percent increase since the census of 2000. During that same census, the town had 446 households. Forty percent of those households sheltered a young person under the age of 18. Nearly 60 percent were married couples who lived together. Thirteen percent housed a female head of household with no male living in the home. Non-families made up the final 22 percent of households.
The racial breakdown of the town was fairly even among Whites (55.6%) and Blacks (41.6%). Hispanics made up just 2 percent of the population, with mixed or other primary races carrying less than half a percent each.
The median age for an Ama resident was 46.7 years old, more than a decade higher than the Louisiana median resident age. The town appears to be a great place to settle for families just starting out with young children or for much more mature couples. Individuals under the age of 18 consisted of approximately 29.1 percent of the population, while 18 to 24 year olds made up 9.2 percent, 25 to 44 year olds made up 29.9 percent, 45 to 64 year olds made up 22.7 percent, and individuals 56 and up consisted of 9.1 percent of the population.
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Despite its small size, Ama offers an enviable existence for those who choose to call it home. Ama residents are typically well-educated, employed, and married. Nearly 90 percent of the town's residents have graduated high school. What's more, 22.6 percent have earned bachelor's degrees or higher, and 6.5 percent have earned graduate or professional degrees. The median household income was $60,281 in 2013, which emphasizes that folks in this town have much higher incomes than the state at large. The estimated per capita income was $33,594.
Data collected in 2013 revealed an estimated median home value of $165,047. In the middle range, those not looking to buy may pay about $1,050 per month for a rental unit. The real estate market in the community of Ama offers a limited selection of homes for sale. This suggests one of two things--either homeowners love the town far too much to consider moving, or new homeowners snap up good buys before their on the market too long. Regardless, single-family homes available for sale consist of 3- or 4- bedroom newer constructions with spacious rooms, all the top amenities, and expansive suburban yards and quiet neighborhoods. Plus, Ama is a wonderful place to build a life considering that the cost of living here is about 6.5% lower than the country-wide average.
Living in a small town such as Ama LA does require stretching one's legs when it comes to work and recreational opportunities. Most people commute to work with an average travel time upwards of 32 minutes. Those who do work in the local community find jobs in transportation, health diagnostics and treatment, building, grounds cleaning and maintenance, life, physical and social sciences, installation, maintenance, and repair, office and administrative support, and production.
Couples with school-aged children send their kids to schools within the St. Charles Parish School System. Here, students can receive a superior-quality education from highly qualified teachers.
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The small town of Ama LA has also been home to some of the country's greatest athletes. Former LSU Head Women's Basketball Coach, Dana "Pokey" Chatman has called the community of Ama home. In addition, the talented football brothers Dawan Landry, formally of the New York Jets, and LaRon Landry, formally of the Indianapolis Colts, were raised in the town.
A part of St. Charles Parish, Louisiana, being a resident of Ama affords you the very best of south Louisiana living. The area proudly promotes a rich cultural heritage with its enthusiasm for the arts. One can stick around Ama or branch out to any of the surrounding towns and cities to discover a host of intriguing events, celebrations, and festivals.
Don't forget the outdoors. Ama, and all of St. Charles Parish, offer an abundance of amazing opportunities for wildlife lovers, whether it be fishing, hunting, or bird-watching. Or, locals can simply traipse amidst the lush wildlife and absorb the scenic surroundings.
The community of Ama LA is a well-rounded location to lay one's hat. Those who call this place home enjoy the best quality of life, excellent schooling, access to an impressive list of social and cultural events, and, most of all, the quiet and serenity of the great outdoors.
