Moving for the St. Francisville Data Center? Where to Live in Baton Rouge and Zachary

A multibillion-dollar AI data center is going up in West Feliciana Parish, just outside St. Francisville. More than a thousand construction workers are on site, and hundreds of permanent jobs are expected once it opens. That means a lot of people need a place to live, and housing in West Feliciana Parish is tight.

If you are one of them, or you are helping workers relocate, Zachary and Baton Rouge are the natural next stops. Here is what you need to know about the project and where to look for a rental or a home to buy.

What Is Being Built in St. Francisville?

The project is the River Bend data center campus, developed by Hut 8. It sits off LA 964 near Highway 61, a few miles south of the River Bend nuclear station.

• Investment: Up to $10 billion for the first phase.
• Construction crews: More than 1,200 workers on site, from electricians to roofers.
• Permanent jobs: About 250 positions once construction is complete, according to Hut 8.
• Opening: The first data hall is expected to be finished in early 2027.
• Purpose: Local news reports the campus will serve as a processing hub for Anthropic’s Claude AI.

Quick note: Meta’s Louisiana data center is a separate project in Richland Parish in northeast Louisiana. The St. Francisville campus belongs to Hut 8.

Why Housing Near the Site Is Hard to Find

West Feliciana Parish has chosen to stay rural and has a moratorium on new subdivision development. Hut 8 has said publicly that it will not count on the parish to provide housing for its workforce. Parish leaders expect neighboring areas to see growth as workers and their families look for homes nearby.

This has happened before. When the River Bend nuclear plant was built, most of the workforce lived within about 50 miles and commuted. Zachary and Baton Rouge are well within that range.

Why Zachary Works for River Bend Workers

Zachary sits at the north end of East Baton Rouge Parish, on the Highway 61 corridor that leads straight up to St. Francisville. For many workers, it is the closest full-service city to the site.

• A strong mix of established homes and new construction communities
• Rental homes for workers on a project contract
• Its own public school district, the Zachary Community School District, separate from the East Baton Rouge Parish system (visit zacharyschools.org for details)
• Grocery stores, restaurants and everyday services without driving into Baton Rouge

Why Baton Rouge Works for River Bend Workers

Baton Rouge gives you the widest selection of rentals and homes for sale in the region, plus everything that comes with a capital city.

• Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport for workers who travel home between rotations
• LSU, major medical centers, restaurants and entertainment
• Highway 61 north connects the city to St. Francisville
• Options at nearly every price point, from apartments and rental homes to new construction

Should You Rent or Buy?

It depends on how long you will be here.

• On a construction contract? A rental is usually the better fit. I can help you find a lease that matches your project schedule.
• Taking a permanent position? Buying may make sense. I can walk you through neighborhoods, new construction options and what the process looks like in Louisiana.

I work with both renters and buyers, so you get one point of contact either way.

Why Work With Me

I’m Sharon Dallalio, a Baton Rouge relocation specialist. I was born and raised in Louisiana, and I worked the streets of Baton Rouge as a paramedic. I know this city from the inside out, from how each part of town connects to the fastest routes north toward St. Francisville.

• Relocation and new construction are my specialties
• Help with rentals and home purchases in Baton Rouge and Zachary
• Concierge-level service, so you feel like my only client
• Licensed Realtor® in Louisiana

Get My Free Baton Rouge Relocation Guide

Moving from out of state or out of town? My free relocation guide covers what you need to know before you arrive. Download the Baton Rouge Relocation Guide here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is building the data center in St. Francisville?
Hut 8 is developing the River Bend AI data center campus in West Feliciana Parish, near St. Francisville.

Is the St. Francisville data center Meta’s?
No. Meta’s Louisiana data center is in Richland Parish in northeast Louisiana. The St. Francisville campus is Hut 8’s River Bend project.

Where can data center workers live near St. Francisville?
Because West Feliciana Parish has limited housing and a moratorium on new subdivisions, many workers are looking at Zachary and Baton Rouge, both connected to the site by Highway 61.

Ready to Find Your Place?

Whether you need a rental for your contract or a home for the long haul, message me to learn more. Call or text (225) 535-8907, visit sharonsellsbr.com, or grab my free relocation guide.

Sharon Dallalio Realtor
Licensed Realtor® in Louisiana | (225) 535-8907 | sharonsellsbr.com
Brokered by LPT Realty, LLC | 1340 West Tunnel Blvd., Suite 223, Houma, LA 70360 | (877) 366-2213
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