Alexandria's Kisatchie National Forest beckons residents with extensive hiking trails, including the scenic Wild Azalea Trail, while the Alexandria Zoological Park delights families with over 500 animals in naturalistic habitats. The historic Kent Plantation House showcases authentic Creole architecture and culture, complemented by the downtown Alexandria Museum of Art's blend of historical and contemporary exhibitions. Food lovers gravitate to upscale establishments like The Diamond Grill, housed in a historic downtown building, serving steaks with French and Cajun influences, while Wildwood Pizza crafts wood-fired specialties including their signature Cajun Creation pizza.
The housing market features diverse options across distinct neighborhoods. The Garden District presents single-family homes with a median price of $214,900, while luxury properties in Tennyson Oaks command a median price of $550,000. The Lakes District and Saint Andrews Links Estates feature upscale single-family homes with median prices of $385,000 and $418,900 respectively. Townhomes throughout Alexandria have a median price of $98,000, while one-bedroom condos start at a median price of $92,500.
Alexandria's cost of living sits 8.1% below the national average. A family with school-age children needs approximately $97,000 annually to live comfortably, with monthly housing costs around $1,800 and grocery expenses near $1,500. The combined sales tax rate is 10.12%, including a 5% state rate and 5.12% local rate. Alexandria Country Day School, rated A+ by Niche, serves multiple neighborhoods including Briarwood and The Lakes District. Alexandria Senior High School, rated A minus, serves communities including Cherokee Village and Charles Park. The city connects to major routes via Interstate 49 and U.S. Highways 165 and 71, with ATRANS providing public bus transportation throughout the area.
