Your Bossier City, LA Real Estate Questions Answered

Move away from Southern Louisiana into a new world where old French culture mixes with Texan and Midwestern values. This is the metro of Shreveport-Bossier City, one of the more populated parts of the state outside coastal Louisiana.

Our focus is Bossier City, a historically rich city along the Red River in northwestern Louisiana. Maybe you’re being stationed at the nearby Air Force Base, or you are on the hunt for an affordable small-town living experience with family-friendly festivals and close-knit communities. Discover how Bossier City’s bustling downtown, outdoor attractions, and cost of living come together to deliver a unique living experience.

What should I know about Bossier City, LA?

For starters, it’s pronounced “Boh-zher” City. Say it any other way, and you’ll stand out from the long-time locals!

Bossier City started as a plantation in the 1830s. This part of Louisiana grew loads of cotton, corn, and sweet potatoes that helped feed the whole region. Cane’s Landing was not only a vital steamboat transfer port, but it became an important crossing point for settlers heading west. The convergence of shipping and transportation attracted a railroad for easier movement of goods and, eventually, spurred the formation of the town from plantation lots to house its growing population.

Oil was discovered in the surrounding area and fueled another economic boom. Add to that Barksdale Air Force Base, commemorated in 1933, and by the 1930s, Bossier City was a fast-growing midwestern town.

Locals take pride in the town’s steamboat roots but have shown a willingness to adapt to the times to keep the town prosperous throughout its history. You can see repeated first in the growth and wane of agriculture, and in how the oil boom came and went. Today, Bossier City relies on tourism to support its economic engine.

Bossier City’s main visitor attractions are:

• The Louisiana Boardwalk, an outdoor shopping and entertainment district on the Red River banks.
• It welcomed income from gambling and is home to DiamondJacks Casino & Resort and the Harrah’s Louisiana Downs racetrack and casino.
• The multi-purpose CenturyLink Center hosts concerts, sporting events, and other shows that draw more visitors.

What parish is Bossier City in?

Bossier City is across the Red River from Shreveport, Louisiana’s third-largest city. It is the largest city in Bossier Parish. In case you’re moving from out-of-state, a parish is akin to a county.

The other parish communities include Benton, Plain Dealing, and Haughton. The name came from Creole trader Pierre Bossier who helped negotiate the Louisiana Purchase.

Barksdale Air Force Base is the county’s largest employer, but it’s also rich in natural resources like gas, oil, and timber. Its outdoor attractions include the ample waterways of Cypress Bayou, Red River National Wildlife Refuge, and Lake Bistineau.

What is the cost of living in Bossier City, LA?

On the whole, Louisiana is an affordable place to live. Bossier City continues that trend and is even slightly less expensive than the statewide average based on Sperling’s Best Places Index. Its overall score was 18% cheaper than the national average and about 7% cheaper than the state average.

Housing is one of the categories with the most cost savings. The median home price here was about 42% less than the national average. However, savings will be found across the board as all spending categories were under the nationwide average.

Based on Q1 2023 figures, a family of four with one adult working and two children would need to make $66,167 after taxes to cover their essential living expenses in Bossier City.

Is Bossier City, LA, growing?

Bossier City’s population in 2021 was an estimated 62,865. This was about a 0.2% increase from 2020. If you look at the city’s population growth over the decade, it has been relatively stable, with slow and steady increases.

Bossier City is anticipated to keep growing steadily in the years ahead. The whole of Bossier Parish is adding new residents, with Haughton being one of the faster-growing communities.

What is the average price of a home in Bossier City, LA?

Based on home sales in April 2023, Bossier City had a median list price of $265,000, with 357 homes for sale. The median list price per square foot was $148. These prices were trending upward, having grown 15.2% year-over-year.

The most affordable listing was $24,100 for a two-bedroom, one-bathroom home under 800 sq ft that needed renovations. The most expensive existing single-family home was for a $1.4-million feature-rich custom home with three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and 4,644 sq ft.

Are there any condos or townhomes available in Bossier City, LA?

You can find condo and townhome properties in Bossier City. April 2023 only had two listings on the market, with prices ranging from $149,000-$169,000, but there are more of these properties around town and in the Shreveport metro. A local real estate agent can guide you to the condo properties with the amenities and price point you’re looking for in the greater metro area.

What is the property tax rate for Bossier City, LA?

Louisiana property tax rates are determined by millages, bond issues, and fees as voted on by registered voters within established districts created by the state legislature and constitution. In the state, one mil equals 1/10 of a cent; in other words, 100 mils is $0.1.

Residents inside Bossier City paid 1.37 mils in 2022. There was an additional 1.95 highway tax, 7.43 library tax, 0.81 health unit tax, and 3.02 corrections facility tax.

What neighborhoods are in Bossier City, LA?

When looking in Bossier City, you’ll have ample choices of subdivisions and historic neighborhoods. Here are a few of the neighborhoods people are looking at buying homes.

Old Green Acres is a central neighborhood close to I-220, the Red River, and essential suppliers like Walmart Supercenter. Convenience is one of the aspects locals prize about this community. Residents also describe it as peaceful and quiet.

Kingston Plantation in North Bossier is minutes from the city’s key attractions like Harrah’s Casino Racetrack and the Louisiana Boardwalk. It is a gated community with homes dating to the 2000s. They typically feature larger yards with varied architectural styles and sizes.

Another gated option in North Bossier is St. Charles Court, which was designed with a French Colonial style and garden homes. It is conveniently placed on I-220 and Airline Road. Bossier Parish Community College is also nearby.

Bayou Bend was built starting in the 1970s. With an entrance on Airline Drive, getting to the casinos, Cross Lake, or the regional airport is easy. The neighborhood is another gated North Bossier community where locals show pride in their homes.

Shed Road was once a covered and elevated road extending for nine miles, one of the first in the south. Today it’s still a vital artery to its surrounding neighborhoods, giving locals in its subdivisions easy access to parks, the community college, and shopping centers.

The hidden gem of Dogwood Park in east Bossier City is a well-established wooded neighborhood that boasts beautiful brick ranch-style homes dating from the 1970s and 1980s. As you stroll through the winding roads, you’ll be surrounded by towering pine trees, colorful plants, and a thriving community. Residents can enjoy amenities like a playground, tennis courts, a clubhouse, and a one-mile paved trail that follows the Red Chute Bayou while leading to a twenty-two-acre community lake.

South Bossier is a hidden gem south of Barksdale Air Force Base’s West Gate. Also called “SoBo” by locals, this area is prized for its friendly neighborhood feeling. Some of its subdivisions include Golden Meadows, River Bend, and Plantation Trace. South Bossier boasts excellent schools and plenty of outdoor spaces, like the beautiful Mike Woods and Red River National Wildlife Reserve. Lighter road traffic and wide-open spaces add to the more rural vibe.

Are there any waterfront properties found in Bossier City, LA?

Bossier City sits on the Red River, a vital commercial artery for northwest Louisiana. That doesn’t mean you can’t find residential real estate on the water. You’ll just have to look slightly north or south of the central city limits.

You may also find canal front, reservoir, or lakefront homes, as the landscape has several watershed creeks draining to the Red River. April 2023 had 16 listings with some type of waterfront. The prices ranged from $70,000 to $716,000.

How is golf in Bossier City, LA?

Players may be surprised by the number of golf courses available in the Bossier City area. Eight total public and private golf courses are ready for play.

Local legend Hal Sutton designed Olde Oaks’ 27 holes of golf. The course was designed as a series of nine across 340 acres, so you can mix’n’match for 18 holes of play. Features include a pro shop, dining, a full-service bar, and a stunning clubhouse overlooking the grounds.

Fred Couples and Gene Bates designed The Golf Club At Stonebridge course. It is open to all for play, including public restaurant dining, locker rooms, and a full-service golf shop.

Bomber Bayou is the Barksdale Air Force Base course, an 18-hole par 70 available to the base and the local community. It has a casual feel, with a breakfast and lunch snack bar, a grille, and development programs.

Are there golf course communities in Bossier City, LA?

Olde Oaks is Bossier City’s premier golf-centered community. Situated on a sprawling 340-acre property, the gated community offers residents a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Rolling hills, shimmering ponds, and local wildlife add to the tranquil beauty of the neighborhood.

What areas are near Bossier City, LA?

Across the Red River awaits Shreveport, Louisiana’s third-largest city. Combined, the metro makes it one of the more populated areas in Louisiana. Shreveport has its own roster of attractions, like an aquarium and science center, and an equally rich shared transportation history. Its festivals are among the most popular to visit in northwest Louisiana.

Benton is a small town north of Bossier City. Benton is a jumping-off point for the Cypress Black Bayou and exploring the Red River. It feels more rural compared to Bossier City.

Haughton is a fast-growing town east of Bossier City. As it’s further out on I-20 and closer to Lake Bistineau State Park, it still has rural charm.

The Red River National Wildlife Refuge south of town is a popular destination for outdoor and bird enthusiasts. With over 50,000 acres, it’s home to diverse and critical species. Visitors come to spy bald eagles and threatened songbirds, for bass fishing the wetlands, or to hunt the game species.

Natchitoches is about 80 miles south of Bossier City. The backdrop of the movie Steel Magnolias has a renowned historic downtown area with over 100 shops, restaurants, and galleries. Natchitoches’ historic sites and attractions include the Cane River Creole National Historical Park and the Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site.

What to know about living in Bossier City, LA

The military has long been an essential social and economic driver for Bossier City. Bossier City is home to Barksdale Air Force Base, the headquarters of the United States Air Force Global Strike Command and the 8th Air Force. It’s the parish’s largest employer, with over 8,000 residents directly served by the base.

Living in Bossier City means dealing with hot summers but enjoying mild winters. The region is prone to severe weather, including thunderstorms and tornadoes, particularly in the spring and summer. Having a shelter plan in place and owning an emergency radio is a good idea.

Not all the local attractions are gambling or hitting the waterfront district outlet shops. One unique example is Chimp Haven, a refugee for 300 rescued chimpanzees. The city also has an aquarium and an Air Force museum.

Living in Bossier City, LA

For those seeking an amenity-rich small-town life, Bossier City is worth exploring. The town promises an affordable cost of living, a stable economy thanks to the Air Force Base, and a year-round calendar of fun, family-friendly events. So why not check out moving to Bossier City with a local real estate agent? It could be the right place to live in Louisiana for you.