Relocation Guide

Moving to Shreveport?

Northwest Louisiana's largest city — home to Barksdale Air Force Base, affordable housing, and a growing healthcare and tech economy. Here's your complete guide.

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Shreveport Quick Stats

The numbers that matter most when you're evaluating a move to Shreveport.

185,000
Population (City)
$183,000
Median Home Price
9% Below
Cost of Living vs National Avg
0.53%
Property Tax Rate
3 hrs
Drive to Dallas-Fort Worth
$2,258/mo
Avg Monthly Expenses (Single)

Why People Move to Shreveport

Extremely affordable housing, military community, and easy access to both Louisiana culture and Texas metros.

🏠
Ultra-Affordable Housing
Median home price of $183K is 54% below the national average. You can buy a 3-bedroom home for what a studio costs in many metros.
🇺🇸
Military Community
Barksdale Air Force Base is a major economic anchor and creates a strong, supportive military community. VA loans are especially popular here.
💼
Healthcare Hub
Willis-Knighton Health System employs 7,300+ people. Healthcare is the area's largest industry with multiple hospital systems.
🚗
Dallas Proximity
Just 3 hours from Dallas-Fort Worth, Shreveport offers Louisiana affordability with easy weekend access to a major Texas metro.
🎲
Entertainment & Casinos
Multiple casinos, Shreveport Aquarium, and the Red River District provide entertainment options. The Shreveport-Bossier area is a regional entertainment hub.
💰
Low Cost of Everything
Not just housing — monthly expenses for a single adult average just $2,258. Groceries, utilities, and transportation are all below national averages.

Shreveport Cost of Living Breakdown

How Shreveport compares to the Louisiana average and national average.

CategoryShreveportLouisiana AvgNational Avg
Housing (Median)$183,000$253,100$368,581
Rent (1BR)$750/mo$906/mo$1,200/mo
Groceries95 index96 index100 index
Utilities80 index82 index100 index
Property Tax0.53%0.53%1.1%
Transportation92 index97 index100 index

Notable Neighborhoods & Areas

Shreveport and neighboring Bossier City offer distinct neighborhoods for every lifestyle and budget.

South Highlands

Established Shreveport neighborhood with tree-lined streets, historic homes, and walkability. Close to shopping and restaurants on Line Avenue. Homes range from $150K–$400K.

Broadmoor

One of the most desirable neighborhoods in Shreveport. Well-maintained homes, good schools, and a strong community feel. Mid-range pricing from $175K–$350K.

Bossier City

Across the Red River, Bossier City offers newer construction, Bossier Parish schools (generally higher-rated), and proximity to Barksdale AFB. Homes from $150K–$350K.

Ellerbe Road Estates

Upscale subdivision in south Shreveport with larger lots, newer homes, and a country club feel. Homes from $300K–$600K+.

Long Lake

Gated community in south Shreveport with waterfront lots, upscale homes, and excellent amenities. Premium pricing from $350K–$700K+.

Bayou Bend (Bossier)

One of Bossier City's most beloved communities. Homes from the 1970s–1990s, safe streets, and well-maintained properties. Very affordable at $120K–$200K.

Schools & Education

The Shreveport-Bossier area has two main school districts with different strengths.

Caddo Parish Schools (Shreveport)

Caddo Parish serves 33,000+ students across 57 campuses with a 15:1 student-to-teacher ratio. The district includes magnet schools that perform well above average. Caddo Magnet High School is one of the top-ranked in the state.

Bossier Parish Schools

Bossier Parish serves 19,000 students with 6 high schools, 7 middle schools, and 16 elementary schools. Generally rated higher than Caddo Parish, Bossier schools are a top reason families choose to live on that side of the river.

Higher Education

  • LSU Shreveport — regional university with growing programs
  • Centenary College — private liberal arts college
  • Bossier Parish Community College — workforce and transfer programs

Jobs & Economy

Healthcare, military, and a growing tech presence power the Shreveport-Bossier economy.

Top Employers

  • Willis-Knighton Health System — 7,300+ employees, the largest private employer in NW Louisiana
  • Barksdale Air Force Base — major military installation and economic driver
  • Caddo Parish School Board — 33,000+ students served across 57 schools
  • General Dynamics IT (GDIT) — 1,100+ tech and defense employees
  • Amazon Fulfillment Center — 1,300+ workers
  • State of Louisiana — 2,000+ employees in Shreveport
  • Benteler Steel/Tube — manufacturing and industrial

Key Industries

  • Healthcare — largest employment sector with multiple hospital systems
  • Military & Defense — Barksdale AFB and defense contractors
  • Gaming & Hospitality — multiple casinos and resort properties
  • Manufacturing — steel, pharmaceuticals (Dr. Reddy's), and paper (International Paper)

Buying a Home in Shreveport

Shreveport is one of the most affordable housing markets in the state. Here's what to know before buying.

Market Overview

With a median home price of $183K — 54% below the national average — Shreveport is one of the most accessible markets for first-time buyers and veterans. VA loans are especially popular given the Barksdale AFB community.

Loan Programs Available

Many areas in and around Shreveport qualify for USDA zero-down financing. VA loans are highly utilized near Barksdale AFB.

First-Time Buyer
Programs & assistance

Pros & Cons of Moving to Shreveport

Every city has tradeoffs. Here's an honest look at Shreveport.

✅ Pros

  • 🏠 Extremely affordable housing — median $183K
  • 🇺🇸 Strong military community near Barksdale AFB
  • 💼 Growing healthcare and tech employment
  • 🚗 3 hours from Dallas-Fort Worth
  • 💰 Low cost of living across all categories
  • 🌾 USDA and VA loan eligibility widespread

❌ Cons

  • 📈 Population has been declining (-3% since 2020)
  • 🔓 Higher crime rates in some areas
  • 📚 Caddo Parish schools uneven (magnet schools strong, others less so)
  • 🏗️ Limited public transit — car required
  • 💧 Hot, humid summers
  • 💼 Job market less diverse than Baton Rouge or New Orleans

Explore Other Louisiana Cities

Considering other areas? Check out these nearby cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about moving to Shreveport.

Shreveport offers some of the most affordable housing in Louisiana with a median home price around $183K — 54% below the national average. The city has a strong military presence through Barksdale Air Force Base, growing healthcare and tech sectors, and easy access to Dallas-Fort Worth. The tradeoffs are a declining population trend and limited public transit.
The median home price in Shreveport is approximately $183,000, making it one of the most affordable cities in Louisiana and well below the national median of $368,581.
South Highlands and Broadmoor are popular established neighborhoods. Bossier City across the Red River offers newer construction and Bossier Parish schools. Ellerbe Road Estates and Long Lake offer upscale suburban living.
Bossier City offers newer construction, Bossier Parish schools (generally rated higher than Caddo Parish), and proximity to Barksdale AFB. Shreveport has more urban amenities, cultural attractions, and established neighborhoods. Many families choose Bossier City for the schools.
Willis-Knighton Health System (7,300+ employees), Barksdale Air Force Base, Caddo Parish Schools, General Dynamics IT (1,100+ employees), Amazon Fulfillment Center (1,300+ workers), and the State of Louisiana (2,000+ in Shreveport).
FHA (3.5% down), VA ($0 down — especially popular near Barksdale AFB), USDA ($0 down in eligible areas), and Conventional loans (3–20% down). VA loans are particularly popular given the military presence.

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