The Red River snakes south from Arkansas into Louisiana, separating Shreveport and Bossier City. Together, the sister cities form the biggest metro area in the Ark-La-Tex, a socioeconomic area spanning parts of Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas. Shreveport may have better name recognition due to its larger size, but Bossier City stands out with entertainment in the East Bank District, well-maintained housing supply and military presence. “Bossier City is one of the fastest growing cities in Louisiana,” says Louis Johnson, the public information officer for the city of Bossier City. “That means families are coming and businesses are coming. Us being business-friendly and having a great education system are attracting people to the area.”
The locals of Bossier City can cross the river and spend some time at one of the casinos.
Airline Dr. in Bossier City has plenty of shopping and dining opportunities for people.
While in Bossier City make it a point to visit Hurricane Alley for a good meal.
Welcome to Airline High School in Bossier City, LA.
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Bossier City's strong housing market
While its sister city Shreveport is larger, Bossier City’s housing market is stronger. The median home price is $259,900, compared to Shreveport’s median of $195,500 and the national median of $407,200. While some demand comes from military members stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base, many of those who exit the military stay in Bossier City. “What tends to happen is the airmen and women move here for the base, and then when they retire from the military, they stay in Bossier,” says Adam Lytle, an associate broker and Realtor for Team Lytle of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services. The housing stock near the base mainly consists of ranch homes from the 1970s and 1980s. The oldest part of town, near the East Bank District, offers cottages and bungalows from as early as the 1940s and 1950s, while contemporary new traditional homes gather in North Bossier and neighborhoods further east.
Residents take pride in landscaping their yards in Brownlee-Honore.
Bossier City is a fast growing area located near Red River with great homes and nice stores.
Unique homes line some of the roads at Brownlee-Honore.
Homes in Sligo-Mayers range from charming older houses to modern new builds.
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High marks for Bossier schools
Bossier City is zoned to the Bossier Parish Schools system, which receives an A-minus grade from Niche while also being ranked the seventh best overall in Louisiana and the third best for athletes. Students can apply to the Bossier Parish School for Technology and Innovative Learning, which serves high schoolers with courses in automotive technology, digital storytelling and firefighting. For continued education, Bossier Parish Community College is located in the city.
The staff at Elm Grove Elementary believe each student is uniquely capable.
The student population of Greenacres Middle School is 604.
The students at Cope Middle School prepare for a bright future.
Haughton High School is ranked #3,904 nationally based on state-required testing results.
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Recreation on the Red River
Bossier City’s recent investments in parks and sports complexes pair with plenty of recreation on the Red River. The Red River National Wildlife Refuge offers trails along the river on the southern edge of the city, and parks on the Shreveport side are also accessible to residents. Recently upgraded Tinsley Athletic Complex now includes 10 baseball and softball fields and a handful of soccer fields. “This area’s really big into baseball,” Lytle says, “so the upgrades really made the fields top of the line. They’ve started to attract tournaments from out of town.”
Red River South Marina & Resort offers two double boat ramps and covered slip rentals.
Residents of South Bossier, LA enjoy birdwatching at the Red River National Wildlife Refuge.
Tinsley Athletic Complex is a terrific place for your child to play sports.
Swing by Cypress Black Bayou and enjoy playing in the water while having a family picnic.
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Nights out in the East Bank District
The East Bank District sits on the Red River and serves as Bossier City’s downtown area. While the area has seen ebbs and flows over the years, the neighborhood currently offers shopping and entertainment at the Louisiana Boardwalk outdoor mall, plus three casinos. Further into Bossier City, Texas Street and Airline Drive are two of the city’s main commercial corridors. The Pierre Bossier Mall sits at the intersection, while big box stores and chain restaurants flank each road.
Stop by one of the casinos along the river and try your luck at the tables.
Airline Drive in Bossier City offers a wide range of shopping and dining options for visitors and locals alike.
A popular destination for both locals and tourists, Pierre Bossier Mall is a retail haven.
The shopping plaza in Ferguson has many chain stores available for their residents.
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Concerts at Hurricane Alley Live
Bossier City’s East Bank District is the city’s epicenter of entertainment. The casinos along the river often host concerts, as does the outdoor Hurricane Alley Live venue. Despite the city’s location in North Louisiana, Mardi Gras is still a significant holiday. The Krewe of Gemini puts on its parade across the river in Shreveport but has its Mardi Gras Museum in Bossier City. The Bossier Arts Council hosts various shows and exhibitions at the East Bank Theater and East Bank Gallery.
Eastbank District is home to several popular casinos, offering thrilling gaming experiences.
Swing by Bossier City Farmers Market and check out some of the great food that is offered.
Hurricane Alley in Bossier City has live music, great food and a friendly atmosphere.
Bossier City Farmers Market is where locals go to pick up delicious honey and tasty food.
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Free bus rides from SporTran
Many Bossier City residents head across the river for work in Shreveport at places like the Willis-Knighton Medical Center. But the largest employer in the area is Barksdale Air Force Base, located in Bossier City. Most of the area is car-dependent, with a few options via the SporTran bus system, a free option that runs through Bossier City and Shreveport. Shreveport Regional Airport, 8 miles away, offers flights to eight destinations, including major hubs like Atlanta, Charlotte and Denver.
Higher crime than national and state averages
According to data from the FBI, crime rates in Bossier City are higher than the national and state averages. Rates for both violent and property crimes have stayed steady over the past five years. Long, hot summers can include severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from the Red River. Though levees line the Bossier side of the river, portions of the city are within FEMA-designated flood zones and may require flood insurance.
I initially started in Real Estate in late 2001, while still working in my construction business as a painting and drywall contractor. I realized in just a few months that I needed to make a decision as to which career I wanted to do for the rest of my life, and quickly chose Real Estate. I ended my contracting days soon after, and have never looked back. My wife, Annette, worked with me as an assistant for quite a while, and got her license to sell Real Estate in 2008. We now work as a small team to help buyers and sellers achieve their goals, by using proven processes, and technology to find properties, and market properties to the largest audiences that are looking for homes. Both Annette and I have the GRI designation (Graduate Realtor Institute), and SRS (Sellers Representative Specialist). I also hold the CRS designation (Certified Residential Specialist), which is held by only 3% of the Realtors in the United States.
We have a goal of helping every buyer and seller that works with us, regardless of price range. There is a process to the madness, and we strive to guide you along the way to a result that you can be happy with the outcome. We don’t believe in pushing people to make decisions just for a sale, but fully intend to help you make decisions that are good to match the outcome that you’ve told us that you want. If you are making a decision that seems to be moving you away from your stated goal, we will tell you so. You’re still in the driver’s seat, and make all the decisions, while we handle the process to get you there. Trust me, it’s not like HGTV, as it is work, and can be frustrating and stressful at times, but I would rather tell you now than promising that it is all peaches and cream. We have the experience to avoid many problems before they occur, but honestly, everybody has to deal with problems at times. We find solutions!
We have been married since 1975, with two adult children and four grown grandkids, and three great grandkids. We are dedicated Christians, and attend church In Shreveport, and like to do things outdoors, such as hiking, fishing, grilling or smoking meat, and occasionally shooting guns. Yeah, we’re those people. I am a musician as well, and play drums in church, along with a local group known and Red Chute Review. I occasionally fill in for other drummers when needed at a few local churches and bands outside of church.
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