8 Best Starter Towns In Louisiana For First-Time Homeowners

Louisiana may be most well known for its Cajun roots, wild Mardi Gras parties, and bayou setting, but many people are finding out that some of the state’s smaller towns are perfect for purchasing their first home. Friendly neighborhoods, local services, a sense of community, and, of course, affordable housing are all priorities for these homebuyers. Although Louisiana’s median home sale price is roughly $256,000, these towns have median home sale prices that come noticeably below that. Along with other nearby amenities that make living here long-term desirable, these home prices in Louisiana are hard to ignore.

Abbeville

Residents of Abbeville appreciate the town’s affordability and small-town charm. The median home sale price is about $166,000, so people in all stages of life can find a home that fits their budgets. Other than affordable homes, Abbeville’s cultural events and community festivals inspire a charming, tight-knit community. Holiday events, such as Cajun Christmas Celebration and Holidays in the Square, for example, are fun ways to build community and meet your neighbors. The Giant Omelette Celebration is a quirky, family-friendly event where residents come together to enjoy fun, festivities, and, of course, omelettes. Thanks to its location in southern Louisiana, Abbeville also has a variety of quality seafood and Cajun restaurants that delight local foodies.

Opelousas

Located approximately 25 miles north of Lafayette, the town of Opelousas offers first-time home buyers the opportunity to put down roots at incredibly affordable prices. According to Redfin, the median home sale price is $84,000, which is less than half the state average. Not only is the housing affordable, but Opelousas also offers benefits to its residents, including easy access to healthcare, quality schools, and enjoyable social events. Opelousas General Health System’s hospital, situated on the north side of town, provides care for patients of all ages and needs. In addition, families with children have a range of public, charter, and magnet schools in the area. For fun and community building, residents in Opelousas enjoy farmer’s markets, holiday-themed events, and the Original Southwest LA Zydeco Music Festival.

Winnfield

First-time home buyers may initially be drawn to Winnfield by the affordability, but they will also love the school, healthcare options, and community activities. In Winnfield, the average home price is about $156,000 according to realtor.com, so homebuyers know their money will go far. Although it is a rural area, Winnfield serves as a hub for education in the area and is able to serve students from elementary to high school. The Huey P. Long Campus of Central Louisiana Technical Community College offers adult education, a wide range of degree programs, and workforce development courses. In the Spring, the Louisiana Forest Festival is held in Winnfield to celebrate the area’s robust forestry industry. Residents love coming together each year to enjoy live music, food, games, and even chainsaw events.

Morgan City

Morgan City, a town surrounded by water in the southern part of the state, has a median home sale price of $55,000. In addition to reasonable housing prices, Morgan City offers quite a few benefits for residents. Everything in town revolves around water, meaning outdoor recreation often takes place on boats or at waterfront green spaces, such as Lake End Park. Maritime industries, such as transportation, fishing, shipbuilding, and offshore oil, offer steady local employment, too. The Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival is also held in Morgan City, where festival-goers can participate in activities that celebrate the area’s culture and industries.

Pineville

Pineville, a small town located across the Red River from Alexandria, is a great place for first-time homebuyers to settle. According to Redfin, the median sale price for homes is roughly $204,000, and being so close to the large city of Alexandria means residents have easy access to lots of amenities. Rapides Regional and its affiliated clinics offer family medicine, emergency, and specialty services to those in the Pineville and Alexandria areas. Proximity to Alexandria also expands shopping, job, and cultural opportunities, all while maintaining an affordable cost of living. For example, crossing the Pineville Expressway over the Red River gives Pineville residents access to the Treehouse Children’s Museum, which offers exceptional hands-on exhibits and programming for children, or the Alexandria Museum of Art, where people of all ages can view beautiful works of art, as well as take classes. There is so much to do and see that Pineville residents will never be bored.

Crowley

Crowley is another town in southern Louisiana that is very affordable for first-time buyers. Here, the median home sale price is about $168,000, which, combined with the solid public and private school options, makes Crowley a great option for families and long-term residents. Crowley has a charming downtown filled with local restaurants and cafes, as well as the Grand Opera House of the South, which features live performances that the entire family will love. The long-running International Rice Festival is also a great source of fun for locals. Each October, this agricultural festival honors the region’s rice industry and farmers with lively entertainment, a carnival, and a rice-eating contest.

Bogalusa

In Bogalusa, community festivals like the Bogalusa Blues & Heritage Festival create a lively cultural calendar, and the median sale price for homes is about $159,000. This town, located on the Mississippi border, has an active neighborhood life that significantly adds to the quality of life for residents. In addition to the Bogalusa Blues and Heritage Festival, the town also hosts its own version of the Mardi Gras parade. When it comes to the more practical parts of life, families will appreciate their access to multiple public and private schools for all grade levels, and the fact that Northshore Technical Community College- Sullivan Campus is also in town. As far as jobs go, the economy centers around the lumbering industry and the paper mill located in town.

Leesville

First-time homebuyers looking to settle in western Louisiana should consider Leesville, a town with a median home sale price of $186,000. Leesville’s proximity to Fort Polk (renamed from Fort Johnson in 2023), a United States Army installation located 10 miles away, helps to create structure in this service-oriented town. Local schools, local businesses, and job opportunities are in place to support a steady, long-term life for homeowners connected to the military or civilians looking for an affordable place to put down roots. Families with children, as well as anyone who appreciates spending time outdoors, will enjoy the multiple public parks in town, too. Among these green spaces are Magnolia Park, also known as Art Park, which features sculptures and installations that have been donated by local artists, and Dogwood Park, which contains outdoor exercise equipment, a playground, and a covered pavilion.

Planting roots in the Bayou State can be both rewarding and affordable. While keeping median home prices far below the state average, each of Louisiana’s small towns also offers a unique blend of culture and essential amenities. Here, homebuyers don’t have to settle for a lower quality of life just to find housing that fits their budget. In these welcoming communities, new homeowners can enjoy a wonderful balance of practicality and charm.