10 Best Towns In Louisiana To Retire Comfortably
Louisiana is not just an American state; it's a cultural phenomenon. For seniors looking to enjoy the mossy bayous, good food, and tropical climate of Louisiana, as well as retiring to an area where comfortability is as much about your individual leisure as it is your community presence, the 10 best towns to retire comfortably in Louisiana are waiting.
Natchitoches
With Louisiana being known for its cross-cultures of people, Natchitoches is the town where the preservation of this history is the reason for its comfortability. To take a walk through Beau Jardin is to also look over Cane River Lake, which has touched the hands and feet of Indigenous inhabitants to French explorers to enslaved Africans and Creoles.
In the National Historic Landmark district, the town's preserved architecture makes it accessible for walking and accessing restaurants, museums, national parks, and everyday community. Natchitoches cost of living is also 8% lower than the national average.
Slidell
Similar to Nachitoches, Slidell also has affordable living costs. However, what makes Slidell ideal for comfortable retirement, is its community suburbia and its privileged proximity to New Orleans. Due to its location along Lake Pontchartrain, Slidell offers life and relaxation. The watery scenery includes Pearl River and Bayou Bonfouca which are perfect for swamp tours, trail walking, and fishing. Heritage Park offers historic festivals with live music and during Mardi Gras season, this music turns into a parade that could find its way into The Crescent City.
Houma
Named after the indigenous tribe that lived in close proximity to the town, Houma, Louisiana has been accredited to being “tax-friendly” which makes it all the more comfortable for retirees. The town has a spirited Cajun culture that makes up much of the socialization, food, and activities in the community. Whether going on the Cajun Man Swamp Tours to see gators, egrets, and turtles, dancing and eating at the Bayou Terrebonne Boucherie Festival, or enjoying Louisiana-themed art at the Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum, the comfort offered by Houma comes at the appreciation of heritage and culture.
Amite City
Amite, Louisiana has a history of comfort culture that also indulges in the giving of the environment. In the mid 19th-century Amite was chosen as a stopping point for travelers, especially those wanting to escape the unhealthy conditions happening in bordering cities. In 1855 The Hotel Ponder became popular for leisurely dining.
With a population of 4,086, Amite residents describe the town as almost a walking museum with a deep appreciation for the preservation of old buildings and respect for the environment that presents itself. Amite is known for its oyster festival where, after driving by the Louisiana and Delta Depot or walking past the bald cypress, when the time comes, the whole community gathers to dine and enjoy the comfort of everyday faces.
Thibodaux
Originally populated by French, Africans, and Creoles from New Orleans, but now rich in Cajun community, Thibodaux, Louisiana is a town comfortable in its southern hospitality and preserved heritage. Since 2016 Thibodaux has been ranked as the best place in Louisiana to retire due to its low cost of living, medical care, and spare time activity.
There is the Jean Lafitte Wetlands Acadian (Cajun) Cultural Center where retirees can enjoy the exhibits of Cajun history or attend the St. Joseph Co-Cathedral Catholic Church with French-influenced architectural designs. For retirees whose comfortability also comes at the accessibility of their families, there is also the Bayou Country Children’s Museum.
New Iberia
Another thing that separates Louisiana from other US states is its history of cuisine. For retirees looking for a comfortable agricultural atmosphere, while also adhering to the culture of Louisiana, New Iberia is the town worth retiring in.
Conrad Rice Mill is the oldest rice mill in America, and a New Iberia local appreciation and tourist attraction. Additionally, there is the history of sugar farming which can be learned more about at the Jurnette Museum. However, the most notable food attraction is the Tabasco factory and Museum located on Avery Island where locals can tour and learn the history of Louisiana’s piquant sauce.
To come with this history of agriculture is great restaurants with cuisines that have used the same cooking practices for over 100 years. Many of the restaurants are also great for couples at any time of the day.
Old Jefferson
Old Jefferson, located in East Baton Rouge Parish and named after America's third president, is an ideal town to retire as it carries with it an appreciative ambiance for small-town life, proximity to different cities, and mixed Louisiana culture that welcomes everyday comfort. Old Jefferson gives retirees the chance to take in the steps of Indigenous, the French, German, Spanish, and settlers as well as enslaved Africans and eventually Cajuns.
Lutcher
Located on the Great River Road that sits right outside New Orleans and Baton Rouge, and known for its sawmill and lumber businesses, Lutcher is a comfortable destination for retirees who want access to the city, but rural weekday life. Lutcher offers recreational opportunities such as volunteer work, environmental activities, or educational engagements. Lutcher is also known for its Christmas festivals where locals honor the lumber business by having Christmas Eve Bonfires on the Levee, at the hill top of the Mississippi River. In addition to their small-town community, Lutcher offers low-cost housing for anyone looking to comfortably start anew in the lumber city.
Breaux Bridge
“La Capitale Mondiale de L’escrivesse,” The Crawfish Capital of the World, is Breaux Bridge’s second name. Vibrant in its Cajun and Creole culture, Breaux Bridge’s affordability, community, and attractions make it comfortingly welcoming for cultural appreciation and leisurely living. Founded by Cajun settler and pioneer Firmin Breaux who desired to preserve the locality of place and culture, Breaux Bridges offer Lake Martin, where the community can witness the birds of the bayou wade against the cypress trees, and, during crawfish season, can enjoy the community's congregation into the delicacy of creole and Cajun cuisine. In nearby Lafayette, visitors will find the Vermilionville Historic Village.
St. Francisville
St. Francisville takes small-town charm and sprinkles it with calm and collective delights that are found in its magnificent oak trees, accessible walking and shopping trails, local churches, and country areas for retirees to muse in the manifestation of southern hospitality. St. Francisville's affordability comes as an opportunity for retirees to build dream homes or embark on other adventures. The town also offers local festivals and events, including the popular Southern Garden Symposium.
The authenticity, presence of community, and respect for the culture is half of the reason of what makes these Louisiana towns worthy of retirement. Many of the towns attract retirees due the cost of living, health care, and overall hospitality. Within these communities are also historic cultures of American people with a deep appreciation for socialization, expression, and preservation all within the beautiful bayou climate.
