Moving to
Bossier City
Home to Barksdale Air Force Base, four casinos, and some of the most affordable housing in Louisiana. Northwest Louisiana's fastest-growing city has a lot to offer.
At A Glance
Bossier City
By The Numbers
The numbers that matter most when you're evaluating a move to Bossier City.
Why Bossier City
Why People Move to Bossier City
Military community, entertainment hub, and some of the cheapest housing in the state.
Barksdale Air Force Base
Home to the B-52H Stratofortress fleet, Barksdale spans 22,000 acres and employs 15,000+ military and civilian personnel. The base is the backbone of Bossier City's economy.
Extremely Affordable Housing
Median home price of $198,000, nearly half the national median. Homes under $150,000 are readily available, making homeownership achievable for most income levels.
Entertainment District
The East Bank District along the Red River features Horseshoe Casino, Margaritaville Resort, Boomtown Casino, and the Louisiana Boardwalk for shopping and dining.
Military-Friendly Schools
Bossier Parish Schools leads Louisiana with 28 Purple Star Schools, providing specialized support for military-connected students during PCS transitions.
Low Cost of Living
Overall cost of living is 5% below the national average. Housing is 9% cheaper, groceries 3% lower, and transportation 5% below average.
Growing Economy
Beyond the military, healthcare, retail, and construction sectors are thriving. The city's population is growing at 0.2% annually as defense contracts expand.
Cost Of Living
Cost of Living in Bossier City
How Bossier City compares to the Louisiana average and the national average.
| Category | Bossier City | Louisiana Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $198,000 | $253,100 | $368,581 |
| Groceries | 97 index | 96 index | 100 index |
| Utilities | 103 index | 82 index | 100 index |
| Transportation | 95 index | 95 index | 100 index |
| Healthcare | 90 index | 93 index | 100 index |
| Property Tax | 0.53% | 0.53% | 1.1% |
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 Bossier City Neighborhoods
From established communities near the base to new developments on the city's expanding edges.
East Bank District
Bossier City's entertainment and commercial heart along the Red River. Casinos, the Louisiana Boardwalk, restaurants, and nightlife. More urban living with condos and apartments nearby.
Stockwell Place / South Bossier
Established residential area close to Barksdale AFB. Popular with military families for its proximity to the base and school assignments. Affordable homes in the $120,000-$200,000 range.
Airline Drive Corridor
Major commercial corridor with newer subdivisions branching off. Good mix of shopping, dining, and residential development. Growing rapidly with new construction.
Heritage Heights (On-Base)
Military family housing on Barksdale AFB managed by Hunt Military Communities. Convenient for active-duty personnel with base amenities within walking distance.
North Bossier / Kingston
Newer subdivisions with modern homes and growing retail. Kingston Road area has seen significant development with highly-rated school zones.
Benton (Nearby)
Just north of Bossier City, Benton offers a small-town feel with excellent Bossier Parish schools. Popular with families who want more space and a rural atmosphere while staying close.
Schools
Schools in Bossier City
Public Schools
Bossier Parish Schools serves the area with 20 elementary schools, 6 middle schools, and 6 high schools educating over 21,600 students. The district is particularly well-known for its military family support.
- Bossier High School, Assigned to Barksdale base housing; strong military family presence
- Airline High School, Large comprehensive high school with strong athletics
- Parkway High School, Growing school in north Bossier with newer facilities
- Rusheon Middle School, Base-assigned middle school; Purple Star certified
- Waller Elementary, Primary school for on-base housing families
28 Purple Star Schools
Bossier Parish leads Louisiana with 28 schools certified as Purple Star Schools, meaning they have dedicated staff and programs to support military-connected students through PCS moves and deployments. This is a major draw for military families.
Higher Education
Bossier Parish Community College is located in the city, and Louisiana State University Shreveport, Southern University at Shreveport, and Centenary College are just across the river.
Jobs And Economy
Employment in Bossier City
The military is the dominant economic engine, but Bossier City has diversified into gaming, healthcare, and retail. Defense contracts continue to expand, bringing civilian jobs alongside the military presence.
Top Employers
- Barksdale Air Force Base, 15,000+ active-duty, reserve, and civilian personnel; the area's largest employer
- Bossier Parish School Board, 21,600+ students and thousands of employees across 32 schools
- Horseshoe Casino & Hotel, Major gaming and hospitality employer on the East Bank
- Margaritaville Resort Casino, Entertainment and resort complex with hundreds of employees
- Boomtown Casino Hotel, Another major gaming employer in the district
- Willis-Knighton Health System, Regional healthcare provider with facilities in Bossier Parish
Buying Here
Buying a Home in Bossier City
With a median home price of just $198,000, Bossier City is one of the most affordable markets in Louisiana. VA loans are extremely popular here given the large military population, $0 down, no PMI, and competitive rates make homeownership accessible for service members and veterans.
Many areas outside the city core also qualify for USDA financing, offering another $0-down option. First-time buyers can often find homes under $150,000, making FHA loans with 3.5% down an excellent pathway to homeownership. Flood risk is generally lower here than in south Louisiana, which means lower (or no) flood insurance costs for most properties.
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 BuyersBossier City Mortgage Broker
Every program we run in Bossier City, priced side by side on your real numbers.
Bossier City Mortgage BrokerHonest Assessment
Pros & Cons of Living in Bossier City
Every place has tradeoffs. Anybody telling you Bossier City has none is selling you something. Here is the list I would give a friend.
What You Get
- ᖍa6; Extremely affordable housing, median under $200,000
- ᖍa6; Strong military community with excellent VA loan access
- ᖍa6; 28 Purple Star Schools for military families
- ᖍa6; Entertainment district with casinos, dining, and Louisiana Boardwalk
- ᖍa6; Lower flood risk compared to south Louisiana
- ᖍa6; Growing city with expanding defense contracts
What You Sign Up For
- ᖍa6; Economy heavily dependent on Barksdale AFB and gaming
- ᖍa6; Poverty rate of 20.8% is above state and national averages
- ᖍa6; Fewer cultural amenities compared to south Louisiana cities
- ᖍa6; Summer heat can be oppressive (95-100+ degrees)
- ᖍa6; Far from major metros (5+ hours to Houston or Dallas)
Bossier City FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Bossier City
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 Bossier City 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 Bossier City 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.
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