Firstly why Shreveport, Louisiana?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Shreveport
• State: Louisiana
• Population: 187,593 people
• Shreveport’s quick summary would be Known for its vibrant riverfront and the annual Red River Revel arts festival.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 6,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 12,000 annually
• Net Migration: -6000 less people annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 1,200
• Number of Homeless people: 800

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers a blend of urban and rural living attracting diverse populations

Perk #1: Shreveport Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 30%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 51%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $38,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Shreveport is $38,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $0 neutral cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Shreveport’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 80 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,784
• Property Tax %: 1.69%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $950
• Rent for an average house: $1,500
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Pierremont
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Shreveport, Bossier-City, Elm-Grove, Benton, and probably could include Haughton
• Avg. Age of Homes in Shreveport: 55 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.2%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Shreveport’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Shreveport are  Healthcare, Logistics, and Retail
• Shreveport Job Scene: moderate job market in military and healthcare
• The General Tech Scene: limited tech presence mainly focused on local economy and services , ,
• Shreveport Resident’s pay $1,100 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Shreveport: 10%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 80 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 11

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Shreveport

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $90 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-20 runs through Shreveport connecting it to surrounding areas
• Commute Time: 25 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic jams on I-20
• Transportation Score: 34 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Shreveport: 50,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.3
• No. of Car Washes: 7 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Shreveport: expresslane.org
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 55 of 100
• Local Airport: Shreveport Regional

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Shreveport’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Hurricanes
• General Weather in Shreveport is best described as enjoys a humid subtropical climate with hot summers mild winters and comfortable transitional seasons filled with seasonal greenery
• Winter Weather in Shreveport i’d describe as mild with some rain
• Spring Weather in Shreveport can be described as warm with humidity and rain
• Summer’s in Shreveport are mostly hot and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Shreveport is usually warm and humid
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 45 days in summer
• Days in a row in Shreveport below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 51 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality influenced by traffic and industries
• Shreveport Winter Air mixed air quality influenced by regional pollutants

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Shreveport Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Shreveport 3
• While the number of trade schools inside Shreveports’s city limits are 3
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Shreve Memorial Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Shreveport Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 11 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Shreveport only Doctors is about 90
• Local Hospitals here is  6
• Full-time Shreveport only Police Officers is about 480
• Crime Rate Index: 55/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Shreveport’s Monthly utility bill average is $90
• Shreveport’s Monthly Gym Membership: $40
• Shreveport’s Water Quality Score: 65

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Shreveport

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 6 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: city with a mix of southern culture and gaming industry
• You might enjoy concerts at the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Shreveport  features a lively nightlife with casinos live music bars and restaurants appealing to locals and tourists

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Shreveport

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features Southern cooking and local flavors
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 30 scattered around Shreveport
• The Popular Sports Team is Shreveport Mudbugs
• Top Level Political Climate in Shreveport can be described as politically mixed city with socio-economic challenges
• Shreveport’s Longer standing religious establishment is First United Methodist Church of Shreveport

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Shreveport Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Shreveport has 20 Parks?
• Riverfront Park is Shreveport’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Shreveport Farmers Market normally open Wednesday 7am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Fishing, hiking, and boating

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Shreveport Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Shreveport can be described as urban pace with a blend of culture and Southern hospitality
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Shreveport visiting local parks attending fairs going to community events
• The Cities people commute to from Shreveport are Bossier-City 10 miles away Minden 23 miles away Natchitoches 63 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Shreveport or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: traffic jams on I-20. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Shreveport’s Hurricanes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Pierremont is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Shreveport are Bossier-City 10 miles away Minden 23 miles away Natchitoches 63 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 55 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Shreveport has 0 days in a row below freezing and 45 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Shreveport people have an average (positive or negative) $0 neutral cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   800 homeless people living in Shreveport. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically mixed city with socio-economic challenges could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Shreveport.

Retiree & Senior Life in Shreveport

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can receive property tax exemptions helping with overall costs
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Glen
• Shreveport Senior Center offers social programs meal services and health resources for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Shreveport, Louisiana?

If Shreveport, Louisiana ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Shreveport, Louisiana, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!