Homer is a small town with a close community near Lake Claiborne
With a population of about 2,800, it’s easy to see how Homer residents all know each other. “If you don’t want someone to know your business, don’t move here,” says lifelong resident Joe Ellis Michael, owner of Michael’s Men’s Store. “We take care of you. Everybody knows what’s going on, and everybody looks over each other’s shoulders. It’s like we’re back in the 70s.” With local businesses making up much of the shopping and dining in the area, the Claiborne Parish seat has a slower pace of life. It is because of this that Michael says Homer and the rest of the parish attract older residents. “If someone wants to retire, they don’t want to be in the middle of a city anymore,” he says, suggesting they would rather spend their time hunting, fishing and golfing. Homer offers plenty of chances to get outdoors, with Lake Claiborne and the Kisatchie National Forest nearby.
Homes include ranch-style houses and lakefront properties
Driving down Homer’s residential streets shows a collection of ranch-style homes and Craftsman styles from the early to mid-20th century, which are often on half an acre or more. There are some properties from the late 1900s to the early 2000s. “The newer homes that have been built are either on private land or near the lake,” Michael says. Many of these lakeside houses have large windows that offer views of the water. Depending on size and condition, properties within the town cost $80,000 to $350,000. Lakefront homes typically range from $350,000 to $530,000. Manufactured houses cost $90,000 to $290,000.
According to First Street, Homer is at a major risk of windstorms like tornadoes and hurricanes.
Lake Claiborne has opportunities to boat, fish and hike
Lake Claiborne State Park, located on the outskirts of Homer, gets its name from a 6,400-acre reservoir where people boat, fish and swim. Popular catches include largemouth bass and sunfish. Cyclists and hikers take advantage of the multiuse trails that go through the park, and there are disc golf courses and cabins. “They have a tremendous park out there,” Michael says. “They could double the size of it and they’d still be at capacity.” He says campers who hope to rent a cabin should call “well in advance.” Hunting is a popular pastime for Homer residents, who go to the nearby Kisatchie National Forest or private land. “There’s not an acre of land in Claiborne Parish that isn’t leased up for hunting purposes,” Michael says. The park hosts events like annual Easter egg hunts and Halloween trick-or-treating. Homer Golf Course has nine holes that are open to the public, but members get discounted tee times.
Local businesses surround Claiborne Parish Courthouse downtown
The Claiborne Parish Courthouse is in the center of Homer’s downtown, surrounded by local businesses like the antique store Nanapuddins LLC and Michael’s Men’s Store. One popular dining spot is Gonzalex Mexican Restaurant. “Anyone who’s ever gone there will go back,” Michael says. “It’s a great Mexican restaurant, probably the best. We have people come in from Shreveport.” It is next to Honey’s on the Square, which serves homestyle cooking and ice cream. While on the lake, residents can enjoy a meal at Port Au Prince, which has been frying catfish for over 50 years. Harvest Time Homer hosts a farmers market every Friday morning from May to October that sells fresh produce, jams and crafts. Otherwise, locals do their shopping at Brookshire’s and Dollar General. Walmart is about 17 miles away.
Louisiana Legends Fest honors parish residents with music and fun
Every fall, in October, downtown Homer hosts the Louisiana Legends Fest, which celebrates the community. “Someone from the parish has been honored every year, whether it’s a doctor or a coach, whoever has earned it,” Michael says. The inaugural honoree was Bobby Rush, a blues musician who grew up in the parish. In addition to an all-day lineup of musicians, there is a fishing tournament, vendors fundraising for local charities and a car show, which Michael says, “is the biggest there is.”
Students attend Claiborne Parish public and private schools
As part of Claiborne Parish School District, students start at Homer Elementary before attending Homer Junior High. Both schools receive a C-minus from Niche. At the C-rated Homer High School, clubs include 4-H and Future Farmers of America. The district offers school choice through open enrollment. Claiborne Academy is a nearby private school with prekindergarten through 12th grade that earns a B-minus.
U.S. Route 79 connects Homer and Shreveport
Locals rely on cars to get around. U.S. Route 79 connects the town to Shreveport, about 50 miles away. Shreveport Regional Airport is a 55-mile drive and offers direct flights to nine U.S. cities. Claiborne Memorial Medical Center has an emergency department in the town.
