Art scenes seem to emerge from a convergence of circumstances. Economic and social struggles mixed with close-knit communities. Cultural depth is reinforced by inexpensive living and workspaces. 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](https://www.shreveportcommon.com/) first, a historic, blighted area on the edge of Ledbetter Heights, Shreveport's oldest neighborhood. Money is pouring in to support the 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. 

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 have invested in bringing new businesses to the but it has been slow going relative to other "hot" southern cities like Dallas, Austin, and OKC.




A Southern Arts Scene

LookyLOO Review of 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 the Shreveport area check out the [calendar of events](https://www.sbfunguide.com/events/).

We highly recommend visiting Shreveport and staying in the community in a [VRBO](https://vrbo.com/affiliate/p4JS4ZC) rather than a hotel to get a feel for what it's like to live among the locals. You can receive discounted fares on travel via our [partnership with Expedia](expedia.com/affiliate/9NZ8LBQ) as well.

Lifestyle 

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?

**2XX2010**
2y ago
🦉🦉🦉

Fairfield Historic District
Welcome to Shreveport. Depending on what part of Nashville you’re coming from, you might find Bossier a little too suburban. I second the suggestion for Highlands, Broadmoor, Shreve Island. Generally, you’re going to find life here WAY easier. The worst traffic of any kind at any time never comes anywhere near Nashville at 5:45p on a Tuesday. Everything you need here is no more than 10 minutes away, most things are 2 minutes away (depending on your hood, of course).

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


Reviews of Shreveport from Locals

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

**Correct-Role-308**
8mo ago
🦉🦉🦉

Just moved here from CA myself. I haven't gotten out much yet, but I will say, the few people I've met have been over the top nice. One woman found me in Home Depot and said, "I need to talk to you. In the parking lot, I cut you off, and I'm so sorry." She was just a sweet old lady going out of her way to be polite.

Parts of this city are in really rough shape. No lie. But coming from ca, every city has their bad area, just don't mess around there and you'll be fine.

**yojvek82**
2y ago
🦉🦉🦉

Stonewall (about 15-20 south of Shreveport center) is really nice as well, has arguably the best schools in the area, and is growing a ton. It is farther from things, though. If you have school age kids, I would definitely do your research. Schools are absolute shit in this town. Statistically, Louisiana schools are near, if not at, the bottom nationally. I’ve lived here two years…just being honest…if I could afford to move I would have already. Unfortunately, national housing market and rising interests rates are cost prohibitive. Positive it is an ultra low cost of living down here…but there is a reason for that. No traffic is a positive. But Shreveport leaves a lot to be desired otherwise…and a very myopic “southern” mindset down here. It’s not a very transient town, so hard to find friend circles. No shortage of churches though if that’s you’re thing. There are 3 on like every corner.

North Bossier/Benton or Stonewall have significantly less crime, newer housing, and better schools. A lot of folks push out into Haughton as well, although I’m not sure how schools are out there. Not knowing your individual and/or family needs, I’d target those areas.

If you like outdoors, plenty of hunting, fishing, and some lakes to go boating on.

**2XX2010**
2y ago
🦉🦉🦉

Fairfield Historic District
Welcome to Shreveport. Depending on what part of Nashville you’re coming from, you might find Bossier a little too suburban. I second the suggestion for Highlands, Broadmoor, Shreve Island. Generally, you’re going to find life here WAY easier. The worst traffic of any kind at any time never comes anywhere near Nashville at 5:45p on a Tuesday. Everything you need here is no more than 10 minutes away, most things are 2 minutes away (depending on your hood, of course).

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

Shreveport, Louisiana

Ratchet City

Looklyloo Score: 78

Reviews

What's it like to live in Shreveport?