Central Louisiana’s regional hub for healthcare, military, and education — with a cost of living 18% below the national average and homes you can actually afford.
The numbers that matter most when you’re evaluating a move to Alexandria.
Discover what makes Alexandria a great place to call home.
How Alexandria compares to the Louisiana average and national average.
| Category | Alexandria | Louisiana Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (Median) | $172,000 | $253,100 | $368,581 |
| Rent (1BR) | $750/mo | $906/mo | $1,200/mo |
| Groceries | 93 index | 96 index | 100 index |
| Utilities | 78 index | 82 index | 100 index |
| Property Tax | 0.53% | 0.53% | 1.1% |
| Transportation | 89 index | 97 index | 100 index |
Alexandria and surrounding Rapides Parish offer diverse neighborhoods from historic to suburban.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places with century-old Craftsman bungalows and Colonial Revival homes. Walking distance to downtown dining and Cabrini Hospital. Homes from $120K–$280K.
Established neighborhoods near the Alexandria Mall and major retail corridors. Convenient and family-friendly with homes from $130K–$250K.
Former Air Force base transformed into a mixed-use community with residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. Modern homes and townhouses from $140K–$280K.
Adjacent city across the Red River with its own small-town charm, LSUA campus, and the Louisiana College. Homes from $110K–$250K.
Rural-suburban communities south of Alexandria with larger lots and a country feel. USDA-eligible areas with homes from $150K–$350K.
Mid-century neighborhood with mature trees, good schools access, and solid home values. Homes from $100K–$220K.
Rapides Parish has a large school system serving Alexandria and surrounding communities.
The Rapides Parish School Board operates over 40 schools serving approximately 22,000 students across the Alexandria metro area, including several magnet and charter options.
Healthcare, military, education, and government drive the Alexandria economy — providing stability across economic cycles.
England Airpark continues to attract new businesses and tenants to its 2,300-acre campus, which includes an airport, industrial park, and residential community. Central Louisiana's strategic location along I-49 makes it a logistics and distribution hub.
Bayou Mortgage serves all of Central Louisiana — let us help you find the right loan for Alexandria.
Alexandria's housing market is one of the most affordable in the state. A wide range of homes are available from historic properties in the Garden District to newer construction in surrounding communities. Many suburban areas qualify for USDA zero-down financing.
Alexandria's market is stable and affordable, with steady appreciation rather than wild swings. Insurance costs are moderate compared to coastal Louisiana. The military and healthcare employment base provides consistent demand for housing.
Every city has tradeoffs. Here’s an honest look at Alexandria.
Considering other areas? Check out these nearby cities.
Common questions about moving to Alexandria.
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Thinking about buying soon? See how mortgage pre-qualification in Louisiana works and what paperwork you'll need to gather.
