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.
At A Glance
Shreveport
By The Numbers
The numbers that matter most when you're evaluating a move to Shreveport.
Why Shreveport
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.
Cost Of Living
Shreveport Cost of Living Breakdown
How Shreveport compares to the Louisiana average and national average.
| Category | Shreveport | Louisiana Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (Median) | $183,000 | $253,100 | $368,581 |
| Rent (1BR) | $750/mo | $906/mo | $1,200/mo |
| Groceries | 95 index | 96 index | 100 index |
| Utilities | 80 index | 82 index | 100 index |
| Property Tax | 0.53% | 0.53% | 1.1% |
| Transportation | 92 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
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
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 And Economy
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 Here
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.
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 BuyersShreveport Mortgage Broker
Every program we run in Shreveport, priced side by side on your real numbers.
Shreveport Mortgage BrokerHonest Assessment
Pros & Cons of Moving to Shreveport
Every place has tradeoffs. Anybody telling you Shreveport has none is selling you something. Here is the list I would give a friend.
What You Get
- Extremely affordable housing, median $183K
- ᗱa8;ᖍa6; Strong military community near Barksdale AFB
- ᚹae; Growing healthcare and tech employment
- 3 hours from Dallas-Fort Worth
- Low cost of living across all categories
- USDA and VA loan eligibility widespread
What You Sign Up For
- 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
- ᚹae; Job market less diverse than Baton Rouge or New Orleans
Shreveport 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 Shreveport 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 Shreveport 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 Shreveport and all of Louisiana · NMLS #1457759
