7 Best Small Towns to Retire in Louisiana in 2024

Welcome to the Pelican State, an excellent choice for your retirement years. The 18^th state in the Union has come a long way after being named in honor of Louis XIV, as has the rest of the world. Louisiana has always had one foot in the past and one in the present. The area is peppered with eye-popping mansions from another era. Retire in 2024 in America’s most hospitable state, where sunsets dance on bayous and magnolias grow in knotted riots, where time passes like syrup and the food sparkles with the spices of life. Louisiana loves meeting new friends.

Baker

Baker has more green spaces than most towns can handle. Between Greenwood Avenue Park and the Tristian Nature Preserve, there is no shortage of places to walk off a decadent lunch. Make new friends at the Baker Senior’s Center, open 8:00 am-2:00 pm, Monday- Friday. Baker is just east of the mighty Mississippi River that splits most of the nation. Music lovers from all over the South have fallen in love with Teddy’s Juke Joint. As the bar’s website boasts: “Teddy sits behind his throne of music...and ‘Nancy's Kitchen’ is always open for some of the best food you'll ever put in your mouth.” Cool off in the seasonal pool at Baker's Executive Inn and Suites.

Jennings

Jennings refers to itself as the ‘cradle of Louisiana oil,’ as it is the location of the state’s first well, which went into operation in 1901. Visitors can step into that past by crossing the threshold of the WH Tupper General Merchandise Museum. The original store opened in 1910. Enjoy a hot meal with a new buddy at the Jefferson Davis Council on Aging. Admission is always free at the Zigler Art Museum, where the next generation of Louisiana artists are trained, and America’s greatest artists, such as William Tolliver, live forever on permanent display. Staying in Jennings means saving money, thanks to the OYO Hotel.

Prairieville

Prairieville is a safe and beautiful community built southward from the circuitous Amite River. The town was rated the #1 overall place to raise a family in Louisiana by Niche, earning an A in the Housing category and a B+ in Cost of Living. The highly rated Prairieville Family Hospital has a fully equipped ER and runs 24 hours/day. Laugh or dream the night away at Fred’s on the River. Fred’s has been bringing the best comedy, music, and otherwise spectacular acts from across the nation for years. Take home a piece of history at Prairieville’s Flea Market of Louisiana. There is no need to break the bank when staying in Prairieville, thanks to the thrifty America's Best Value Inn and Suites. 

Covington

In a town between the Tchefuncte River and Bogue Falaya, dozens of smiling faces are sharing an afternoon at the Covington Activity Center. The Center describes itself as a building “full of warmth...with a big warm welcome from the staff as soon as you hit the door.” Travelers in the know scope out the town by staying at Camellia House Bed and Breakfast, located in Covington’s historic downtown. Entrance to Bogue Falaya Wayside Park is always free. There is a boat launch allowing residents and guests of the town to kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddle up and down Bogue Falaya. Feel at home at the sight of the arches of Covington's Southern Hotel. The Southern has spacious rooms and top-tier dining. 

Houma

Houma is named after the Houma people, who have been recognized as the United Houma Nation since 1972. Stop by the Terrebonne Folklife Culture Center for a tour through Houma’s past and present with permanent displays such as a Cajun tool shed, Louisiana decoys, and occasional live demonstrations. There is more than an educational opportunity at the Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum. A Cajun music band plays for everyone every Tuesday from noon to 3:00 pm. Houma is bisected by the Intercoastal Waterway, where one can enjoy an unforgettable tour with Annie Miller Swamp Tours and Charters. Enjoy both an indoor and outdoor pool at Courtyard by Mariott Houma.

Natchitoches

Saunter through a truly historic town with a dazzling array of lights illuminating the path. For one day a year, it is even brighter: the first Saturday in December is when the world comes to Natchitoches for the town’s renowned Christmas Festival. The town that is famous as the filming location of Steel Magnolias also holds the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame within its benevolent borders. Taste the best of Cajun cuisine at Lasyone’s Meat Pie Restaurant. James Lasyone began selling his perfected recipes in 1967 out of the bottom half of a building built in 1859. Stay at the Sweet Cane Inn for a laid-back B&B atmosphere with a stunning garden.

Thibodaux

Stand in awe of the ceiling of the St. Joseph-Co Cathedral, completed in 1923. The history of Thibodaux runs deep: the Bayou Lafourche settlement was originally a trading post between New Orleans and the Bayou Teche area in the 1700s. Let the grandchildren run wild at the Bayou Country Children’s Museum. The Children’s Museum attractions are designed to stimulate growing brains while filling them with excitement. Sleep in a historic mansion at Dansereau House. Dansereau House was built in 1847 and is located downtown with the rest of the beautiful Thibodaux.

Find Your Ideal Retirement In Louisiana

Louisiana is beautiful because Louisianans keep it that way. Add to their sacred tradition by spreading kindness and consideration as far and wide as possible. Remember that it always remains incumbent upon the living generation to resolve the collected sins of the past as much as possible. The legacy of the Thibodaux Massacre lives in the very bedrock of the most beautiful state in the Union. Consider donating to African American charities and supporting African-American-owned businesses in Louisiana whenever possible.