Moving to
Alexandria
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.
At A Glance
Alexandria
By The Numbers
The numbers that matter most when you’re evaluating a move to Alexandria.
Why Alexandria
Why People Move to Alexandria
Discover what makes Alexandria a great place to call home.
Affordable Housing
Median home price of $172K is roughly 40% below the national average. You can buy a solid 3-bedroom home for what a down payment costs in many metros.
Healthcare Hub
Home to multiple major hospitals including Christus St. Frances Cabrini, Rapides Regional Medical Center, and the VA Medical Center, thousands of stable healthcare jobs.
Military & Government
England Airpark, a former Air Force base, generates $276M+ in annual economic impact. Fort Johnson (formerly Fort Polk) is just an hour west.
Education Center
Louisiana State University of Alexandria (LSUA) and Central Louisiana Technical Community College provide accessible higher education and workforce training.
Historic Charm
The Garden District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, featuring century-old Craftsman bungalows and Colonial Revival homes with tree-lined streets.
Outdoor Recreation
Kisatchie National Forest, the Red River, and numerous lakes offer fishing, hiking, hunting, and kayaking, all within minutes of town.
Cost Of Living
Alexandria Cost of Living Breakdown
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 |
Local averages. Your own numbers move with the property, the parish and the insurance quote.
The Line That Is Not On This Table
Homeowners insurance. In Louisiana it is the expensive part of the payment, not the taxes, and it goes straight into your escrow, which means it goes straight into what you qualify for. I quote it before we set your budget instead of after.
Neighborhoods
Notable Neighborhoods & Areas
Alexandria and surrounding Rapides Parish offer diverse neighborhoods from historic to suburban.
Garden District
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.
South Alexandria
Established neighborhoods near the Alexandria Mall and major retail corridors. Convenient and family-friendly with homes from $130K, $250K.
England Airpark
Former Air Force base transformed into a mixed-use community with residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. Modern homes and townhouses from $140K, $280K.
Pineville
Adjacent city across the Red River with its own small-town charm, LSUA campus, and the Louisiana College. Homes from $110K, $250K.
Deville / Woodworth
Rural-suburban communities south of Alexandria with larger lots and a country feel. USDA-eligible areas with homes from $150K, $350K.
Broadmoor
Mid-century neighborhood with mature trees, good schools access, and solid home values. Homes from $100K, $220K.
Schools
Schools & Education
Rapides Parish has a large school system serving Alexandria and surrounding communities.
Rapides Parish School Board
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.
Notable Schools
- Alexandria Senior High School, one of the largest high schools in Central Louisiana
- Peabody Magnet High School, arts and academics magnet program
- Holy Savior Menard Central High School, well-regarded private Catholic school
- Pineville High School, strong athletics and academics across the river
Higher Education
- Louisiana State University of Alexandria (LSUA), growing four-year university with nursing, business, and education programs
- Central Louisiana Technical Community College, workforce-focused training in healthcare, welding, and industrial trades
Jobs And Economy
Jobs & Economy
Healthcare, military, education, and government drive the Alexandria economy, providing stability across economic cycles.
Top Employers
- Rapides Regional Medical Center, major regional hospital
- Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital, Catholic healthcare system
- Rapides Parish School Board, ~3,500 employees, largest employer in the parish
- England Airpark, $276M+ annual economic impact
- Alexandria VA Medical Center, federal healthcare for veterans
- Procter & Gamble, manufacturing facility
- City of Alexandria / Rapides Parish, government services
Economic Development
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.
Buying Here
Buying a Home in Alexandria
Mortgages by Channing serves all of Central Louisiana, let us help you find the right loan for Alexandria.
Market Overview
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.
Market Considerations
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.
FHA Loan
Low down payment and flexible credit. The loan most first-time buyers here actually use.
FHA LoanUSDA Loan
$0 down on an eligible address. Eligibility runs off the address, not the city name.
USDA LoanConventional Loan
From 3% down with mortgage insurance that comes off at 20% equity instead of riding the loan.
Conventional LoanFirst-Time Buyers
Louisiana assistance programs compared, and a straight answer on whether now is your time.
First-Time BuyersAlexandria Mortgage Broker
Every program we run in Alexandria, priced side by side on your real numbers.
Alexandria Mortgage BrokerHonest Assessment
Pros & Cons of Moving to Alexandria
Every place has tradeoffs. Anybody telling you Alexandria has none is selling you something. Here is the list I would give a friend.
What You Get
- Very affordable housing, 40% below national avg
- ᓆa0; Multiple major hospitals providing stable employment
- ᚹae; Military and government jobs offer security
- Historic neighborhoods with character and charm
- Cost of living 18% below national average
- USDA-eligible suburbs for zero-down financing
What You Sign Up For
- Limited job diversity outside healthcare and government
- Hot, humid summers typical of Louisiana
- Car-dependent, limited public transit
- Population has been slowly declining
- Some areas of town need revitalization
- ᚹae; Fewer entertainment options than larger Louisiana cities
Alexandria FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Still Deciding?
Get A Straight Answer On Your Own Numbers
A soft credit check tells you where you stand. Nothing hits your report until you decide to move forward.
Compare Markets
Other Louisiana Cities
Worth Looking At
Prices, insurance and school districts change inside an hour's drive. If Alexandria is not quite it, start here. The statewide relocation guide covers all 32.
Real Closings
Real Clients.
Real Closings.
Real families we have helped get from pre-approval to keys in hand.
Find Out What A Alexandria Payment
Actually Looks Like
Tell me roughly what you want to spend and I will come back with the real number, insurance and parish taxes included, and tell you straight whether the timing is right. Free quote, no credit pull to start.
Get My Free QuoteMortgages by Channing · 337-476-2623 · Serving Alexandria and all of Louisiana · NMLS #1457759
