If you’re considering a move to Gonzales, LA, and want the charm of small-town living mixed with resort-style amenities, Pelican Point Golf Community might just steal your heart. As a long-time resident and neighbor, let me share what it’s really like to live in this beautiful and close-knit enclave.
A Welcoming Community Vibe
From the moment you enter the dual, manicured entrances off Highway 44 (South Burnside Avenue), you sense the pride residents have in their neighborhood. Pelican Point isn’t just another subdivision—it’s a vibrant, master-planned community. On any weekend, you’ll see families out biking along Pelican Point Parkway, friends waving from golf carts, and small get-togethers happening at neighbors’ homes. Newcomers are usually welcomed at monthly social events, and it’s common to run into familiar faces at the Clubhouse or local eateries.
The vibe here is friendly and inclusive, whether you’re a retiree, a young family, or a working professional. The HOA is active, organizing seasonal festivals, golf tournaments, and holiday decorating contests that really bring folks together. Block parties and porch gatherings along Southern Pointe Drive or Augusta Point are a neighborhood tradition.
Types of Housing: Something for Everyone
Pelican Point offers a surprisingly wide variety of housing options, catering to many budgets and lifestyles:
- Spacious single-family homes line Magnolia Trace and Cypress Point streets, often with golf course or water views.
- Luxury garden homes are popular for retirees and empty-nesters, especially in The Greens section.
- Townhomes and patio homes provide low-maintenance living for busy professionals.
- A limited number of waterfront lots offer custom homes with sweeping lake views.
Most homes in Pelican Point are well-maintained with brick exteriors, lush landscaping, and attached double garages. Yards tend to be bigger than typical suburban lots, perfect for gardens, play areas, or just relaxing under mature trees.
Walkability, Paths, and Getting Around
While you’ll want a car for running errands—it’s Louisiana, after all—the neighborhood is surprisingly pedestrian-friendly. Wide, tree-lined sidewalks loop throughout the main community and out to connecting streets like Eagle’s Landing and Pelican Landing. Residents frequently walk or bike to the Clubhouse, fitness center, and on-site bistro. Golf carts are a popular and fun way to get around, with special parking at key amenities.
There are several pocket parks, and the interconnected street design encourages evening strolls and neighborly chats. Parents are comfortable letting older kids bike between homes or down to one of the lakes for fishing.
Schools and Family-Friendliness
Pelican Point consistently draws families looking for excellent schools, and you’ll find plenty of young children, teens, and multi-generational households here. It’s zoned for the highly regarded Ascension Parish schools, including:
- Pecan Grove Primary
- Lowery Middle School
- East Ascension High School
School buses make regular rounds through the neighborhood, and homeschool families say the community offers a safe, supportive environment for alternative education, too.
Children love the community pool, summer camp programs, and youth golf and tennis lessons. Dedicated play areas, like the park at Cypress Trace, make outdoor fun available year-round.
Parks, Green Spaces, and Recreation
Pelican Point is centered around its award-winning, semi-private 27-hole golf course, which winds around sparkling lakes and preserved wetlands. Even if you’re not a golfer, you’ll appreciate the natural beauty and open green spaces. Residents have access to:
- The Community Pool, perfect for cooling off in Louisiana’s hot summers
- Large lakes for fishing, kayaking, or birdwatching
- Shaded walking paths and benches for peaceful outdoor time
- Tennis courts, pickleball, and a modern fitness facility
Several planned green spaces add to the view and offer picnic spots, even if your home doesn’t directly back to the golf course or a lake.
Safety and Peace of Mind
Safety is a huge selling point at Pelican Point. The entrances are well-marked and monitored, with neighborhood patrols providing extra peace of mind. The HOA’s active involvement means well-lit streets and a strong “see something, say something” culture. Most residents leave their porch lights on and feel comfortable going out for a jog at dawn or enjoying a walk after dark. Emergency services from Ascension Parish are close by, and the neighborhood’s layout discourages through-traffic, keeping streets quieter and safer for kids and pets.
Proximity to Downtown Gonzales and Major Employers
Location is one of Pelican Point’s top advantages. You’re just 10 minutes from downtown Gonzales, where you’ll find grocery stores, restaurants, and boutiques along North Burnside Avenue. Exceptional outlets like Tanger are also nearby for some weekend shopping.
Commuters appreciate being close to both Baton Rouge (about 30 minutes via I-10) and the booming industrial corridor along Highway 30 and LA-75. Major employers like BASF, Shell Chemical, CF Industries, and local medical facilities are all convenient commutes, making this community popular with both energy sector and healthcare professionals.
What Residents Love Most
Ask any resident what makes Pelican Point special, and you’ll hear recurring themes:
- The warm, small-town feel in a gated, golf community setting
- Fantastic amenities for all ages—whether it’s summer pool days, championship golf, or social nights at the Bistro
- Spacious homes on beautifully landscaped lots with water or golf course views
- The comfort of having safe streets and friendly neighbors who look out for each other
As one neighbor on Pelican Point Parkway put it, “We moved here for the golf, but it’s the neighbors and the sense of belonging that made us stay.”
If you’re searching for more than just a house—and want a true sense of community—Pelican Point Golf Community in Gonzales is a place you’ll be proud to call home.