Living in Shreveport-Bossier City

Weekdays and weekends are filled with family fun for all with festivals, museums, and outdoor recreation. Many spend time together at Sci-Port Discovery Center and IMAX Theatre. Some never miss a game – whether it is baseball, basketball, football, lacrosse, soccer or softball.

Others are avid golfers and can be found on the green at signature courses located throughout the area. Fishing is a favorite pastime, as is waterskiing and boating on nearby lakes and the Red River.

Dining out on the delectable cuisine for which Louisiana is best known is always a favorite pastime. A day of shopping at fine boutiques and neighboring malls means just that – the hassle of heavy traffic and long commutes is unknown in these parts.

Many veterans who were once stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base have chosen to take up permanent residence in Northwest Louisiana. The low cost of living, mild climate and easy access to shopping, cutting-edge health care and fully equipped recreational sites make this an ideal retirement destination.

Housing

From historical homes with bountiful gardens to new single- and multi-family residential developments, it’s all here. Whether you fancy the suburbs, urban neighborhoods within walking distance to school, downtown living or the quiet of the rural south, we’ve got you covered.

Real estate relates to supply and demand, and in our area, the demand is growing. Louisiana property taxes are among the lowest in the nation, and with the $75,000 Homestead Exemption Act of Louisiana, home ownership is even more feasible here than in most other cities. Shreveport-Bossier Board of Realtors, Inc. (318) 797-0054.

Climate

Cost of Living

The U.S. city average composite index is 100. The Shreveport-Bossier MSA index is 92.2

Property

Land and residences are assessed at ten percent of fair market value. Other properties, including commercial and industrial, are assessed at 15 percent of fair market value. The Homestead Exemption Act allows a $75,000 exemption on residences occupied by the owner.                                    

Quality of Life

Shreveport-Bossier City has no trouble living up to Louisiana’s widespread reputation for great food and spectacular celebrations. With more than 50 festivals and community events a year, you can count on always having something fun and new to see and do. From extraordinary art galleries to fascinating exhibits at museums, you’ll be amazed at the well-known and diverse collections.

Many take time out to enjoy the Sci-Port Discovery Center where people of all ages make hands-on discoveries and unlock science wonders. The Holiday In Dixie, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Mudbug Madness festivals combined attract upwards of 700,000 people to Shreveport’s riverfront. And of course, you can count on hearing the famous call, “Throw me something, Mister,” during Mardi Gras, a month-long celebration throughout the region with elaborate parades and parties safe and fun for the entire family.

The growing list of opportunities includes ballet, opera, the symphony, theatre and concerts. Thanks to a thriving casino industry, we enjoy frequent performances from entertainment headliners like Jay Leno and Tony Bennett.

If you’re visiting the area for the first time, you’ll soon understand that all good times accompany great food. There are many restaurants offering the finest cuisine and the pleasures of live entertainment. Whether you are hungry for Cajun and jazz, soul food and the blues, old-fashioned hamburgers and alternative rock, or barbeque and country and western, you’ll find it, and not just on Saturday night.