Art scenes seem to emerge from a convergence of circumstances. Economic and social struggles mixed with close-knit communities. Cultural depth reinforced by inexpensive living and work spaces. Shreveport meets a lot of these criteria and as a result one of the things you hear from newcomers is how vibrant the arts scene is here. If you’re a struggling and/or aspiring artist looking for a new town check out the Shreveport Common first https://www.shreveportcommon.com/.  A historic, blighted area on the edge of Ledbetter Heights, Shreveport oldest neighborhood. Money is pouring in to support historic preservation of this district to provide spaces for artists/creatives to live/work and show and generally be in a community of fellow artists. 

**Here's a recent transplant's point of view on living in Shreveport:** 
*I think the best part about living in Shreveport for me is the sheer amount of stuff to do. I moved here from a small town about an hour and a half away and there wasn’t a lot to do there. My favorite aspects about Shreveport is the artistic community. I am just getting involved, but I am loving it so far. There are festivals, museums, and all sorts of things!*

For more reviews of what living in Shreveport is like from locals check out: [**The Buzz**](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/shreveport?page=buzz)


A Southern Arts Scene

Best Part About Shreveport?

Shreveport is an old money southern town but the industries that money was made from never quite cracked the code on generating broad economic prosperity and so you got economic inequality and population declines. The city and area has invested in bringing new businesses to the but its been slow going relative to other "hot" southern cities like Dallas, and Austin and OKC.  

**Here's a locals pov on the economic situation here vs. other southern cities:**
*It is painful to watch all these other Southern states get massive car and battery factories while we fumble around. We've got a major and modern port, two interstates, and a ton of rail access. We have large and cheap population of workers. But somehow GA, TN, and AL are all killing us. The people that own the GM plant are finally making a real effort to get it sold, so that's good. Jindal crippled our film industry and let GA make those billions, but real efforts are being made to get it back. Small businesses are good, but we need a mix of local and large out-of-town to build a sustainable economy.*


Economy

Worst Part About Shreveport?

Shreveport is at the corner of Louisiana, Texas and Arkansas and the city has picked up characteristics of each state’s culture. The food scene rivals that of southern Louisiana (which some consider the best in the U.S.), and a lot of social interaction occurs in front of a plate here. The outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities in the area might remind you more of Arkansas, and also spark much of the social scene, with everything from kayaking and cycling to hunting and fishing being popular. Sports are also big in Shreveport, as they are in Texas and most of the south, but the divide between local Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints fans can lead to some interesting rivalries after church on Sundays.

If you want to see what locals get up to in Shreveport area check out the calendar of events: https://www.sbfunguide.com/events/

Lifestyle of Shreveport 

Southern cities have exploded on the back of low cost of living and warm climates. Shreveport has both of those things but hasn't yet had its boom. If you're looking for a city that still has a lot of upside (Austin ain't getting any cheaper), then this could be your spot. Particularly we think if art and the art community is your thing. 




Betting On Growth

Why You Should Move Here Now?

Downtown is THE spot for young professionals. It’s the heart of the social scene with more concerts, festivals and great restaurants than anywhere in northern Louisiana. It also has the densest concentration of affordable apartments and condos to walk to all that socializing. 
- Downtown


Young Professionals

Downtown

Downtown Shreveport is the heart of the city for the LGBTQ+ community. It’s the most active social scene with a mix of LGBTQ+ owned and supportive bars and clubs and its also the home of ShrevePride, the huge sports, prom, and music festival events that last from spring to fall. Check out Cotton Street if you visit for the densest concentration of the community and commercial experiences. 
- Downtown/Cotton Street

LGBTQ+

Downtown/Cotton Street

Ellerbe Woods is one of the schmanciest neighborhoods for families in Shreveport. Filled with big beautiful homes, towering pines lining the streets and wonderful yards for those kiddos to run around. A slightly less pretentious choice is the Broadmoor neighborhood. Also filled with tall pines, and magnolias but they surround quaint and comfortable homes from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s that are more affordable options for younger families. It’s the largest neighborhood in Shreveport and has its own shopping and dining and great schools to choose from.
- Ellerbe Woods
- Broadmoor
- South Highlands


Families

Ellerbe Woods

Shreveport is ideal for retirees due to the low cost of living and warm climate. There are a couple great 55+ communities just a couple miles outside city limits. The Crossing at Wemple, and Cypress Bend are perfect spots for those looking for nice new homes, amenities like pools, walking trails and community centers and good neighborhood vibes. Big traditional neighborhoods like Broadmoor are also favored due to reasonable costs and close proximity to shopping and restaurants. 
- The Crossing At Wemple
- Cypress Bend
- Broadmoor

Retirees

The Crossing at Wemple 

Shreveport

**What advice would you give to someone who is moving to Shreveport, LA?**

Well, first, welcome to Shreveport! My first bit of advise would be to brace yourself for the heat and humidity in the summer. Early mornings are the best time to run errands or get out in the summertime, unless you're doing something aquatic. In the winter, it's usually pretty mild, but sometimes we get some temps hovering around 30 degrees.

The Red River runs between Shreveport and Bossier City. There are Casinos on both sides and the Boardwalk on the Bossier side has good food, a theater, live music, and shopping. Oh, and the holy grail for sportsmen, Bass Pro Shop.

There are several theaters that feature live performances. The Strand is historic and gorgeous, please attend something there and get a look at the rotunda. These are mostly national shows that are on tour. Shreveport Little Theater and Riverview Theater both offer local talent a chance to show off their stage skills. I've seen some great performances there. We also have The Robinson Film Center that offers independent films, hosts an annual film festival, and offers summer film camp for kids. You'll find live music all over town and big names often perform at the local arena, CenturyTel Center. And, sometimes, you might see a celebrity who's here shooting a movie, wandering through the casino or eating at a local restaurant.

We have a number of colleges and universities here as well that we’re quite proud of offering a home base. Centenary has been here for decades, and LSUS offers bachelor, masters, and doctorate level studies. We also have Bossier Parish Community College that offers associates degrees in a wide range of coursework including graphics, film/communications (they also have live theater with performances by the students), culinary arts, and photography. Southern University and Northwestern also have schools here.

There is a new aquarium opening up right on the river and Sci-Port is right across the street, so that makes for a great family outing. Riverview Park is right next door and SPAR (Shreveport Parks and Rec) often holds outdoor events for the family like movies on a huge outdoor screen with the Red River for a backdrop. And, for family fun, take the Riverboat tour, visit RW Norton Art Gallery, or if you're so inclined, Gators and Friends and Chimp Haven are both nearby.

For adults, Shreveport has three brewery's and some great places to eat like Superior Steakhouse, Wine Country Bisro, Bistro Byrons, Monjunis, and so many others that you'll love. There are also a wealth of museums that can help you understand the history of Shreveport and its humble beginnings.

Instead of tearing down historic downtown buildings, the City of Shreveport is working with developers to renovate downtown. Already, new life is being breathed into Texas Street and it's a very positive vibe!

It's a rich culture with a nice ethnic mix. It's a very open minded, artistic community at its core and growing more so everyday. Do we have crime here? Well, yeah. We are located somewhere on planet earth and there is crime almost everywhere. Just take precautions and you'll be fine.

Bottom line, get out and get involved. Join a Meetup group, go to church, introduce yourself to the neighbors and make some friends. People here are generally friendly and you can expect crowds at most events here so smile and be friendly back and you'll have a group of friends in no time. The rest is just Lagniappe!

**What advice would you give to someone who is moving to Shreveport, LA?**

Shreveport is my hometown! Some advice:

Be open to new experiences! Shreveport is growing so it’s a good time to join interesting communities and do new things.

Don’t be afraid to be different. Shreveport, like a lot of other Southern cities, needs diversity.

Smooch with your special someone at the Duck Pond on East Kings Hwy. (This is late night activity only.)

Eat a yummy Humphrey at Counter Culture near Centenary College.

Try everything! Boudain, chicken fried steak, fried okra, sweet tea, etc.

Start your own local group with others interested in what you like to do, learn, share, etc. (You can start the group online and have IRL meetups.

Take a boat ride on Caddo Lake.

Have a good time!

**What are the best aspects of living in Shreveport, LA as a young adult?**

I think the best part about living in Shreveport for me is the sheer amount of stuff to do. I moved here from a small town about an hour and a half away and there wasn’t a lot to do there.

My favorite aspects about Shreveport is the artistic community. I am just getting involved, but I am loving it so far. There are festivals, museums, and all sorts of things!

**What are the best aspects of living in Shreveport, LA as a young adult?**

Having just moved here in August, part of the pull is the ability to explore a new area everyday. Even traveling the same roads to work you still manage to see something new. The weekends are full with places to go, music to go see and new food to try. If you like antiquing or just exploring Shreveport has it all.

**Pros and Cons of Living in the Shreveport Bossier area - Moving to Louisiana**

Shreveport, Louisiana

Ratchet City

Looklyloo Score: 62