EZ Home Search Moving Guide: Shreveport-Bossier City
Ever heard of Ar-La-Tex? If you haven’t yet, but you’re moving to Shreveport or Bossier City, you will soon. This metro is at the center of a unique region where Creole culture meets Texan meets Midwest. Just imagine the eclectic lifestyle that kind of blend would produce!
As you embark on this exciting journey of moving to this corner of Louisiana, we’re here to be your trusted companion every step of the way. This moving guide provides friendly and informative insights you need to get to know the Shreveport-Bossier City metro and settle into your new home.
About Shreveport-Bossier City
These twin cities across the Red River in northwestern Louisiana have a parallel history. They developed at a strategic location in the middle of a transportation route, oil fields, agricultural lands, and the Texas border. These pioneering trading posts became key cotton producers before booming as oil towns. The wealth brought entertainment, and Shreveport became the place for fun. That fun-loving spirit has stayed with it, which is why you’ll find a historic theater, music venues, casinos, and the state fair.
But growth here has waxed and waned, first from the Civil War, then the collapse of the cotton industry. The region was in another downward spiral when World War I brought Barksdale Air Force Base to Bossier City. It added stability to the area’s economy and is vital to the region’s culture.
The metro straddles two parishes, Caddo and Bossier. It’s a landscape of low wetlands, rivers, massive lakes, pine forests, sandhills, and scrub. Together, almost 400,000 people live in Louisiana’s fourth-most populated region.
Save on the cost of living
Here’s the good news: no matter which side of the river you decide to put down your roots, it’ll go easy on your wallet. The metro’s overall cost of living is 19% lower than in New Orleans, with housing being the real star when it comes to stretching your budget.
Shreveport is definitely the more affordable of the two, and its housing costs are almost 55% under the national average. But Bossier City will save you, too, at 30% below the national median. Every category, from groceries to fun money, will cost less here.
Do keep in mind that individual circumstances and lifestyle choices can greatly influence your personal cost of living.
Buying a home in Shreveport-Bossier City
Shreveport and Bossier City have distinct neighborhoods. As you move closer to the Red River, the settings become more historic and have some beautiful old homes built in Victorian or Colonial styles. Communities around the base cater to military housing, with more rentals and mid-century-styled homes.
Some popular neighborhoods include South Highlands, Broadmoor, and Ellerbe Road in Shreveport. Over in Bossier City, check out Kingston Plantation, Old Green Acres, North Bossier City, and the Legacy area.
The cost of housing in Shreveport-Bossier City is generally affordable compared to many larger cities in the United States. However, prices can vary based on the property’s location, size, and condition.
The cities continue building new residential developments, both single-family homes and multi-unit complexes. These new homes offer modern amenities and energy-efficient features.
The median list price for a Shreveport home in August 2023 was $180,000, with over 1,150 homes for sale. Bossier City’s near-400 homes for sale had a median list price of $280,000.
A growing job market
The greater Shreveport metro is now a diverse economy, having learned through its history that it can’t rely on just one primary source of income. Some key industries for the region:
Military and Defense: Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City plays a significant role in the local economy, contributing almost 9,000 jobs in various fields, including aviation, logistics, administration, and technology. It was responsible for $570 million in local salaries.
Manufacturing: The region’s manufacturing sector includes aerospace, automotive, and natural resource processing. Leading employers include McElroy Metal, Benteler Steel, and RonPak.
Energy: While the oil and gas industry has historically been essential to the metro economy, its prominence may vary due to fluctuating energy markets. As of 2022, oil and gas activity in the region was up.
Retail and Hospitality: The tourism and hospitality industry in Shreveport-Bossier City, including five casinos and entertainment venues, provides jobs in the gaming industry, customer service, hotel management, and event planning.
Supporting all these industries are even more roles in critical sectors like education, health care, and public services. An Amazon Fulfillment Center is slated to open in Shreveport in 2024, and a Cyber Research Institute employs over 1,000 people in tech-related fields. Locals see the area’s economy and job market as positioned for growth.
Many education choices
The Shreveport-Bossier City metro area is served by multiple school districts, one on each side of the Red River. Caddo Parish Public School is the region’s largest school district with 37,000 students, including the public schools of Shreveport. Bossier Parish Schools covers Bossier City and the rest of the Parish. Slightly smaller at 23,000 students, its schools often score above average in Louisiana state assessments.
Inside both parishes are some private and charter schools for specialty education.
For higher education, locals have five choices to further their career opportunities:
- Centenary College of Louisiana, founded as a Methodist-affiliated college and the oldest liberal arts school west of the Mississippi River
- Louisiana Baptist University, a private Baptist Christian university with six courses of study
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport, the only medical school in northern Louisiana
- Northwestern State University College of Nursing, part of the public university based in Natchitoches and solely a nursing program
- Louisiana State University-Shreveport, a satellite campus and largest local college with around 8,518 students doing coursework in 21 undergraduate programs, over 12 master’s, and one doctoral program.
- Southern University, a historically black college or university (HBCU), enrolls around 3,000 students for two-year programs and technical certificates.
Getting around the metro
Commuting around Shreveport-Bossier City is done through a combination of transportation options.
A car is the easiest and safest way to get around Shreveport-Bossier City. The good news is traffic congestion is generally manageable compared to larger metropolitan areas. However, checking traffic updates during peak hours is still a good idea. Interstate 20 is the main artery linking the two cities across the Red River, but there are also bridges at I-220, Texas St., and Westgate. I-49 is the fastest North-South option in Shreveport, dropping right into I-20. Highway 21 in Bossier City takes you in the same direction across town.
SporTran is a public transit system that primarily relies on buses to move people around town. It runs 30 routes across the two cities.
Shreveport-Bossier City has been working on improving its biking infrastructure. Some bike lanes and trails are available, and the cities plan to create more bike-friendly routes.
Things to do in Greater Shreveport
Once the cardboard boxes are packed away, naturally, you’ll want to explore your new hometown. We can’t mention all the fun things to do here, but here are a few bucket list items that will give you a sense of the area’s character:
Shreveport Waterfront: Explore the scenic Red River waterfront area, which features most of the city’s key attractions: the aquarium, museums, casinos, restaurants, and more. They are connected through parks with waterfront walking paths. Enjoy the historic and beautiful river views while hitting up top destinations.
Louisiana Boardwalk: This shopping and entertainment complex is along the Red River and offers a variety of shops, from Bass Pro Outdoor World to specialty stores like the Chocolate Crocodile. With trolley rides, movie theaters, and hundreds of shops, it’s a one-stop destination for a fun day.
Casinos: Try your luck at any of the six riverfront casinos. Shreveport-Bossier City’s entertainment destinations are packed with slot machines, table games, and venues for live entertainment. As of 2023, there were five gaming venues, with the sixth closed for renovations. Eldorado Resort Casino may be the most iconic, but Boomtown is another popular venue as it pairs a riverfront location with an expansive gaming floor and hotel. Or try Horseshoe, which also has a concert venue and upscale dining.
Norton Art Gallery: The R.W. Norton Art Gallery and Botanical Gardens earned recognition in Southern Living Magazine as one of its favorite spots. It is home to an impressive collection of American and European art by 400 different artists, including Remington. Admire the paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and serene gardens.
American Rose Center: This sanctuary proudly claims the title of the country’s largest park devoted entirely to roses. It is the home of the national headquarters of the esteemed American Rose Society. Blooms start in April and end in October.
Barksdale Global Power Museum: Located on the Barksdale Air Force Base, this museum showcases the history of military aviation and the important role Barksdale has played in the nation’s defense. Vintage aircraft include B-17 and B-24 bombers from World War II.
Cajun-Cowboy Cooking
Prepare your taste buds for a culinary journey like no other. This region is a treasure trove of flavor for food enthusiasts. Indulge in the rich and hearty flavors of Cajun and Creole cuisine, like at the century-old Orlandeaux’s Café, where its stuffed shrimp are renowned.
But the Greater Shreveport dining experience doesn’t stop with Po’Boys and Etouffe. Get your fill of Texas barbeque at the iconic Big D’s. For those with an affinity for farm-to-table freshness, local restaurants highlight the area’s bountiful agricultural offerings, such as the Us Up North Kitchen.
Quench your thirst and celebrate the art of craft brewing at the region’s three local breweries and taprooms. For bourbon drinkers, Fatty Arbuckle’s will whet your whistle with over 300 whiskeys behind the bar.
Diverse Arts and Culture
Immerse yourself in Shreveport-Bossier City’s rich history and heritage by exploring its cultural institutions. The Louisiana State Exhibit Museum and the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium are iconic landmarks. The first tells the area’s history through captivating exhibits, while the second hosts events.
Experience the magic of live performances at venues like the Strand Theatre and Riverview Theatre. Besides the Norton Museum of Art, there’s the Meadows Museum, too.
The Shreveport Regional Arts Council (SRAC) promotes and supports visual artists, hosting art exhibitions, workshops, and community events that celebrate the power of visual expression. Murals, sculptures, and art installations add an extra layer of vibrancy to the urban landscape. Discover visual creativity at the local art galleries and studios. The Agora Borealis is a prime example. This unique artist studio/boutique is going on ten years strong.
Shreveport-Bossier City has a rich musical legacy with roots in jazz, blues, and country music. Don’t miss the Red River Revel for its live music performances, but you also have intimate jazz clubs and lively honky-tonks for some nightlife.
Pet-friendly Shreveport-Bossier City
Let your furry friend run free and make new buddies at one of Shreveport’s dog parks. The Stoner Avenue Dog Park and the Betty Virginia Park have dedicated spaces for dogs to play and socialize off-leash. Take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Red River with your pup.
Many of Shreveport’s restaurants and cafes provide pet-friendly outdoor seating, so you can enjoy a meal or coffee without leaving your pup behind. Some even offer special menus or water bowls for your furry companion.
It’s hot and steamy
The seasons are almost four-season weather, although you may feel differently depending on where you’re moving from.
Starting with summer, get ready for strong heat and humidity. Temperatures can linger in the mid-90Fs, and heat waves with temperatures busting through 100F are possible. Combined with afternoon thunderstorms, you’ve got a hot, sticky environment.
That heat edge may lessen in the fall, but it takes until November to get into the more comfortable upper 60Fs and 70Fs. The lower humidity makes it all the more manageable. Winters stay mild, but deep cold snaps can occur with an occasional light dusting of snowfall. Spring brings azaleas and pollen as the temperatures warm and rain moves back in.
Utility providers for Greater Shreveport
Once you close on your new home in Bossier City or Shreveport, you’ll need to get your essential utilities set up. Depending on your address, your local service providers are likely to be:
Natural Gas
Electric
Southwestern Electric Power (AEP)
Water and Sewer
Trash
Moving to Shreveport-Bossier City
As you embark on this new chapter in Shreveport-Bossier City, take advantage of the diverse opportunities that await you. Explore the rose gardens and public art museums, savor the delectable cuisine, and embrace the spirit of fun that defines Shreveport-Bossier City.
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Preston Guyton
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