Shreveport, LA, known as "The Port City," offers a unique blend of southern charm and vibrant urban living. Located in the northwestern part of Louisiana, Shreveport is approximately 180 miles east of Dallas, TX, and 220 miles northwest of Baton Rouge. This medium-sized city is known for its beautiful riverfront, historic districts, and lively entertainment scene, making it a desirable place to live.
Shreveport's climate features hot, humid summers and mild winters, ideal for enjoying outdoor activities year-round. The city boasts numerous parks and recreational areas, such as the scenic Riverfront Park and the expansive Betty Virginia Park, which offer hiking, biking, and opportunities for family picnics.
The cultural scene in Shreveport is vibrant, with attractions like the R.W. Norton Art Gallery, the Sci-Port Discovery Center, and the historic Strand Theatre. The city hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, including the Red River Revel Arts Festival and the Mudbug Madness Festival, celebrating the city's artistic and cultural achievements.
Education is a priority in Shreveport, with institutions like Louisiana State University Shreveport and Centenary College of Louisiana providing higher education opportunities. The city's public and private schools are highly regarded, making Shreveport an attractive place for families. The presence of major healthcare institutions, such as the Willis-Knighton Health System, also supports a strong job market.
Living in Shreveport combines the benefits of urban living with the warmth of southern hospitality. Residents enjoy access to top-notch healthcare facilities, diverse dining options, and a range of housing choices. The city's efficient public transportation system and well-maintained infrastructure make commuting and exploring the area convenient. With its cultural richness, excellent amenities, and welcoming atmosphere, Shreveport offers a dynamic and fulfilling living experience.
Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Ratings
According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.
Amenities
The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.
Commute
Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.
Crime
Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.
Employment
This area earns a low score in the employment category due to low household income levels and high unemployment rates, which may pose challenges in seeking job opportunities.
Health & Safety
Subpar air quality and the limited availability of certain health-related facilities such as hospitals, police stations, doctors and pharmacies may have contributed to the low score in this category.
Shreveport, Louisiana is a medium-sized city with a population of 197,125 residents. Shreveport is mostly populated by White (37%) and Black or African American (57%) ethnic groups. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 46% of the Shreveport population is married. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Shreveport will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 19 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Are you trying to decide if living in Shreveport is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before moving to any new city in Louisiana, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. To help you find the best places to live in and around Shreveport, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, crime, cost of living, commute, housing and more.
Using data and statistics Shreveport has received a livability score of 60 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 39th percentile when compared to all other cities. This is a lower than the US average livability score as Shreveport does not rank well for most categories. If we take a closer look at each of the categories on their own, we see that Shreveport ranks well for cost of living (A) and housing (A). On a more negative note, Shreveport does not have favorable scores for the following: amenities (F), crime (F) and employment (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Shreveport market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Shreveport real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Shreveport. The median home price for Shreveport homes is $276,860, which is 3.3% higher than the Louisiana average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Shreveport, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.6, which is 15% higher than the Louisiana average.
| Statistic | Shreveport | Louisiana | National |
| Average one way commute | 19min | 25min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 84.1% | 82.6% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.8% | 9.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.6% | 1.3% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.2% | 1.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 3.2% | 2.6% | 4.6% |
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