Moving to Louisiana: The Outsider's Guide

If you’re thinking of moving to Louisiana, this is the guide for you! We’ve covered the basics, the details, the local insights, and of course, Louisiana’s real estate market. Check it out!

Louisiana is one of the top choices for those seeking both affordable home ownership and a low cost of living. In addition to offering a unique blend of culture and fun, Louisiana is where you’ll find some of the nation’s top universities including Tulane University, Louisiana Tech, Louisiana State, and the University of Louisiana. From the bustling urban centers of Shreveport and Bossier City to the small-town charm of places like Benton, Vivian, and Haughton, Louisiana offers something for everyone. The state boasts some of the best Southern food in America, and here you’ll find a lively music scene, mild year-round climate, plenty of outdoor activities, and access to great people. There's also plenty of history to explore with attractions such as the Logan Mansion or the Spring Street Historical Museum. And don't forget about Mardi Gras—it's one of Louisiana's biggest attractions!

New residents are attracted to the state variety of reasons, but these are the ones we hear the most often:

Louisiana is home to over 25 institutions of higher learning‚ enticing the nation’s brightest minds to study and seek employment at our colleges and universities.

Even if you don’t plan on attending classes, living in an area anchored by higher education institutions is beneficial. Why? College towns usually enjoy:
- Higher real estate values—especially for investors in rental properties
- High-quality employment opportunities
- Innovation from university research dollars and the nation’s top minds
- Greater artistic and community development
- A highly skilled workforce

According to BestPlaces.net, Louisiana’s cost of living is 10.1% lower than the U.S. average. Utilities cost 10.1% less, housing costs 35.1% less, and groceries cost 7.3% less. That means you can spend less on basic necessities while getting more out of life—a perfect option for retirees or those wanting to save.

With the oil and gas industries projected to grow in 2023, Louisiana anticipates plenty of new employment opportunities. Tommy Faucheux, president of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association says, ​​“If we respond to the energy demands of both the U.S. and quite honestly the world, then I think we are going to continue to see investment in Louisiana energy facilities and energy companies.” These companies are striving to hire a diverse range of employees, from college graduates for engineering roles to blue-collar workers. Although job opportunities may not be the same as before the pandemic, experts believe it is a positive step forward.

The northwestern portion of  Louisiana has one of the most stable housing markets in the country, especially during times of economic uncertainty. When you take a look at the Shreveport-Bossier City House Price Index for the last 22 years, you’ll see that even during the Great Recession of ‘08, local home prices here remained steady, making this region an ideal location for first-time homeowners looking to dip their toes into the rewards of owning real estate—a form of investment that’s becoming increasingly out of reach in the rest of the United States.

In addition to offering stability, real estate in Louisiana is spectacular! If you’re looking for a lot of space, you’re looking in the right spot. From luxury new construction properties to homes with historical charm, to stunning rural ranches, Louisiana has a home for you.

4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2,449 square feet
Listed by Jenny Spivey • TREC #0099564725 • East Bank Real Estate
Contact: 318-658-0345
NTREIS #20237535

5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 3,170 square feet
Listed by Tammi Montgomery • TREC #0995682171 • RE/MAX Real Estate Services
NTREIS #20189109

5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 3,640 square feet
Listed by Antonio Zavarce • TREC #0995697874 • Hello House
NTREIS #20236742

3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1,301 square feet
Listed by Cathy Aufrichtig • TREC #0000057765 • Coldwell Banker Gosslee
NTREIS #20219614

4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, 3,256 square feet
Listed by Yvonne Davlin •TREC #0995686048 • RE/MAX Real Estate Services
Listed by Karen Ricci •TREC #0995681510 • RE/MAX Real Estate Services
NTREIS #20235807

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,703 square feet
Listed by Karen Hoell • TREC #0995682823 • RE/MAX Real Estate Services
NTREIS #20228458

4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2,050 square feet
Listed by Debbie Callender • TREC #0995687581 • LA State Realty, LLC
NTREIS #20236652

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,642 square feet
Listed by Mindy Wardlaw • TREC #0099563825 • PR Advisors LLC
NTREIS #20227699

3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, 2,139 square feet
Listed by Meagan Huffstickler •TREC #0995705636 • Susannah Hodges, LLC
Listed by Susannah Hodges •TREC #0995684198 • Susannah Hodges, LLC
NTREIS #20232741

The people of Louisiana are incredibly friendly and welcoming, with a rich culture that has been shaped by its many influences throughout history. People in Louisiana are passionate about their sports teams—especially football—and take pride in supporting local businesses whenever possible. It's also home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in America from swamps to bayous to gorgeous rivers and lakes.

Louisiana’s diverse neighborhoods support a wide variety of lifestyles. Here are a few that might suit you:

Shreveport offers a wide variety of activities and attractions such as casinos, museums, art galleries, parks, and outdoor recreation areas. Additionally, the cost of living is lower than most other cities in the United States making it an affordable place for all households. Here, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for employment due to the diverse economy which includes oil and gas production as well as the technology and healthcare industries. With a large number of southern-style restaurants throughout the town, you can enjoy some delicious Cajun cuisine whenever you like!

With the Barksdale Air Force Base as its largest employer, Bossier City has a strong economy with plenty of job opportunities. The area also boasts a number of affordable housing options. There are plenty of things to do in Bossier City—from shopping at Pierre Bossier Mall or Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets to spending time outdoors at Red River National Wildlife Refuge and boating on Lake Bistineau. Additionally, the city offers numerous recreational activities such as golf courses, movie theaters, and bowling alleys. With its warm climate year-round and close proximity to Shreveport, it's easy for residents of all ages to find something enjoyable to do here.

Benton, Louisiana is an outstanding option for those who want to escape the city. The town is located in the heart of Bossier Parish and is enjoyed by many who want acreage and horse property. Spread your wings and enjoy land, a large house, and even stables at a price much lower than you’ll find in the rest of the country. Its close proximity to larger cities like Shreveport makes it an easy spot to access entertainment venues such as movie theaters, museums, galleries, and more. With so much to offer residents of Benton enjoy a high quality of life without sacrificing convenience or affordability!

Our team has worked and played in Louisiana for decades and our experience gives us the edge you need. We know this state inside and out, making us the right choice to help you with a relocation from anywhere. Tell us what you’re looking for, and we’ll turn your must-have list into your real-life dream home. Fill out the form below to get started.

All listings courtesy of NTREIS.
Last updated on 30, January, 2023 at 11:00AM.

Ready to make your move to the Bayou State? Give us a call today at 318-540-6108 to find out how we can help!