Anyone else feel this way? I work in food service and Poverty rate is 18.4%, which is higher than I expected. Rent is about $980/month for a decent place. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Is this normal for Shreveport?
58 upvotes
6 Replies
Arianna F.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. Happy to answer more specific questions..
27 upvotes
Isaiah Brooks
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Minneapolis about 11 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good schools in most areas
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are competitive, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
24 upvotes
Gabriel Perez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 10 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
23 upvotes
Christian Mendoza
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely decent and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Springfield) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Charlotte, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Can feel isolated.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
17 upvotes
Wesley Garcia
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 13 years. Moved from Tampa for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside schools are better than expected. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Chain restaurants dominate. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.