10 Best Places To Retire In Louisiana
The State of Louisiana in the United States attracts millions of people every year. With the state's unique culture blending French and Spanish influences, Louisiana has long been a cultural melting pot. There, you'll find a rich history, friendly people, and incredible food. A recent Forbes article stated the median price for a home in the Pelican State is just $263,200. With its reasonable prices, beautiful landscapes, and history, the state of Louisiana is an ideal place to spend one's golden years.
Natchitoches
Established in 1714 by a French-Canadian explorer, this picturesque small town is currently home to approximately 18,039 residents. Residents love the laid-back way of life this charming community provides. While in town, make sure to stop in at the Bayou Soul restaurant for some classic Louisiana cuisine. Natchitoches has a very affordable cost of living. Homes in the area can be found for as little as $119,900, which is well under the state's median asking price.
Sports lovers will want to check out the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, found in town. To learn more about the town's local history, visit the Northwest Louisiana History Museum, conveniently located in the same complex. No matter the time of year, Cane River Creole National Historical Park is a wonderful place to spend time. The park is ideal for hiking, bird-watching, or enjoying a picnic. The Natchitoches Regional Medical Center provides for the area's medical needs.
Ruston
The charming town of Ruston is known to many as "The Peach City" for its annual Peach Festival, featuring games, prizes, and an abundance of delicious peaches. But for you, it just might be the next place you call home. Speaking of which, homes can be found for as little as $ 49,900, which is over $200,000 below the state median. Incorporated in 1885, Ruston has plenty of ways to enjoy your golden years.
While in town, you can learn about the area's long military history at the Northern Louisiana Military Museum. For artists or budding artists, the Creative Exchange art supply store is a must-visit destination. For a great meal while in town, make sure to stop for a bite at the Log Cabin Grill & Market. Ruston is only about 60 miles (96 km) from the larger city of Shreveport, Louisiana, so you are still close to a larger community if you fancy a day trip out of town.
Thibodaux
The idyllic town of Thibodaux proudly wears its French Catholic roots on its proverbial sleeve. You will love stepping back in time as you walk around Historic Downtown Thibodaux, where you will find shops like Southern Magnolia Clothing Company. One of the best aspects of Louisiana is its pleasant climate. A great way to take advantage of the weather is by taking a Boat Tour of the Bayou Laforche, where you can enjoy time on the water and get a unique view of the area's natural beauty.
To gain an up-close and personal view of some of the area's history, visit the St. Joseph Co-Cathedral. Built in 1923, the historic cathedral is also home to a life-sized reliquary of Saint Valérie, containing an arm bone that was brought to Thibodaux in 1868 and is displayed in her shrine at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux. Homes in this beautiful area can be found for as little as $75,000, which is a remarkably affordable price compared to the state median. If you're looking for communal living, The Claiborne at Thibodaux is an excellent choice.
DeRidder
Nestled in northern Louisiana sits the town of DeRidder. Currently home to just 9,852 people, this charming community is rich in history. Homes in town can be found for as low as $60,000 compared to the state median of $263,200! If you're looking for a great meal in a friendly atmosphere, stop by Cecil's Cajun Kitchen. To learn about the amazing history of your new hometown, you can spend time at the Beauregard Museum.
Art lovers will want to stop in at the DeRidder Real Art Gallery. While inside, you can view some incredible artwork by local artists and perhaps pick up some new home decor. Serenity Park is a great spot in town to relax. Read a book, enjoy a hot chocolate, or take a stroll. Should any emergencies arise while you're in town, the Beauregard Health System has you covered. So pack your bags and head straight to DeRidder!
Eunice
Founded in 1894 and named after the wife of the town's founder, Eunice is an ideal place to spend one's golden years. The town's 9,422 residents enjoy a slower pace of life. Homes in the area start as low as $64,000, which is practically nothing compared to the state median. The Acadian Medical Center provides the town's healthcare.
The Jean Lafitte National Park & Preserve Prairie Acadian Cultural Center is a "must-visit" destination for those seeking to learn about the area's history. While at the preserve, you can learn traditional recipes and imagine what life was like for some of the first settlers. During your time at the Jean Lafitte National Park, you can enjoy Eunice's incredible natural beauty. Music lovers are in for a treat in Eunice! Located right in town, you'll find the Cajun Music Hall of Fame. Eunice is only a short 42 miles (67 km) from nearby Lafayette, where you will find the Lafayette Regional Airport. Oh! Don't forget to pack your golf clubs before coming to town; this way, you can easily enjoy a round at the Eunice Country Club. Just watch out for those sand traps!
Abbeville
Currently home to around 11,000, the only thing the charming town of Abbeville is missing is you. This welcoming community is only 21 miles (34 km) from the city of Lafayette, which is perfect if you're ever in the mood for a day trip to a big city. While in Abbeville, you can take in a stage show at the Abby Players Community Theater, which features a mix of familiar and original works. The Southern Oak Country Club is a spectacular place to enjoy some of the state's beautiful weather while working on your game.
Founded in 1850, it should come as no surprise that the town has an incredible history. Much of that history is on display at the Abbeville Historical and Cultural Alliance Museum. Homes in Abbeville can be found for as low as $10,000; that price is a steal when compared to the state median. For an amazing Louisiana seafood meal, do yourself a favor and stop by Riverfront: A Louisiana Grill!
Crowley
Founded in 1886, the town of Crowley wears its title of "Rice Capital of America" on its sleeve. Each year, the town's population of 11,710 swells to a larger number during the annual International Rice Festival. Although Crowley still offers plenty to do all year round, for a truly magnificent experience, be sure to take in a show at The Grand Opera House of the South. Built in 1901, this wonderful piece of living history is home to a variety of performances, including stage shows, music acts, and, of course, operas.
Crowley is home to several parks that are great for enjoying a day out. For those of you with four-legged friends, Edwards Park happens to be dog-friendly! Moving to Crowley means enjoying a slower pace of life in your golden years. Thankfully, houses in town won't break the bank, as you can find homes for as low as $75,000, compared to the state median of $263,200. Ochsner Acadia General Hospital meets the area's medical needs. One thing is sure: no matter what you do in Crowley, you're sure to have a good time. (note, not a typo)
Ponchatoula
The charming town of Ponchatoula is a wonderful place to unwind and escape from the hustle and bustle. During the summer months, you can attend the annual Strawberry Festival. In fact, here is a question for you. Why did the little strawberry cry? Because his mother was in a jam! During the rest of the year, you can spend time roaming the city's historic downtown, spend time in the Louisiana Treasures Museum, or get your photo taken next to The Giant Strawberry found in town.
If you are someone who craves a bit of a wild experience during your retirement, then you will love going on the Kliebert & Sons Gator Tours. While on tour, you'll get to learn all about these incredible living dinosaurs. Thankfully, prices for a home in Ponchatoula won't put a strain on your wallet, as you can find homes for as little as $90,000, which is almost nothing compared to the state median. The town's community of 7,822 is just waiting for you to join them in calling Ponchatoula home!
Mandeville
Currently home to around 13,192 people, the city of Mandeville is rich in history and charm. Incorporated in 1840, this welcoming community features everything you need to enjoy your golden years. Homes in Mandeville can be found for as little as $160,000, compared to the state median of $ 263,200. This beautiful city offers residents a wide range of activities to enjoy year-round. During the cooler months, you can spend time indoors and catch a show at the 30 by Ninety Theater, which features original shows and old classics.
To learn a bit about the area's history, you can visit the Jean Baptiste Lang House Creole Museum. For a bit of outdoor adventuring, you can spend time at the Mandeville Lakefront. Enjoy the area's natural beauty and watch the sun set over Lake Pontchartrain. When you work up an appetite, you can have a great meal at local favorite Crazy Pig Southern Kitchen! New Orleans is only about 28 miles (45 km) away, keeping you close to everything. So pack your bags and get ready for the rest of your life!
Abita Springs
Founded in 1903, Abita Springs' town motto is "Where Nature Performs Miracles". All it will take is one look around this town of 2,631 people to realize how true that is. It seems like everywhere you look is as pretty as a postcard. Homes in the area cost around $145,000, which is a steal compared to the state median of $263,200. While you're in your new hometown, you can learn about the area at the Abita Springs Trailhead Museum. To enjoy some of the area's beautiful scenery, you can spend time at the Abita Springs Park.
Near the end of Main Street, you'll find the town's most famous resident in the form of the Abita Springs Pavilion. Built in 1884 for the New Orleans World's Fair, the pavilion has been a vital part of the town's history since its construction and remains in use today. If you get hungry, you can stop in for a delicious meal at the Abita Springs Cafe. The cozy town of Abita Springs is a great place to live for many reasons. The only thing this town is missing is you.
As we've seen, the Creole state has a wealth of options for anyone looking to spend their golden years there. Louisiana is practically home to as many unique and welcoming towns as there are stars in the sky. Each one offers something a little different, but still familiar. Though the Louisiana heat may take a bit of getting used to, there is no doubt that somewhere in the great state of Louisiana is a home waiting for you. When you find it, please send us a postcard!
