Founded in 1714, Natchitoches is the oldest permanent settlement in the original Louisiana Purchase. Today, Natchitoches (pronounced "nack-a-dish" after a local Native American tribe) stands as a popular tourist destination in central Louisiana, shrouded by pine forests on the banks of the Cane River. A scenic downtown district and a jam-packed events calendar keep its 17,000 residents busy. “We’re a big retirement community because of the culture and activities,” says Janice Bolton, broker and owner of Bolton Realty. “The cost of living is affordable compared to other parts of the country. I’ve sold properties to retirees from Honolulu to Massachusetts.”
Historic downtown with elegant brick buildings
Natchitoches Historic Downtown district spans 33 blocks of locally owned shops, boutiques and restaurants, many housed in landmark buildings built in the 1800s. Front Street’s elegant brick buildings and intricate cast iron galleries have landed on the pages of Architectural Digest. Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile, Louisiana’s oldest general store, is now operated by the fourth generation of the family that opened its doors in 1863. At Lasyone’s Meat Pie Restaurant, diners tuck into one of Louisiana's official state foods. “It’s basically a turnover with spicy ground meat,” Bolton says. The city founder was Roman Catholic, an influence that still resonates in churches like the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Other denominations are also represented, with Trinity Episcopal Church and the First Baptist Church standing as downtown landmarks.
Lasyone’s Meat Pie Kitchen is a Natchitoches landmark, famous for its meat pies.
Natchitoches blends history with vibrant local shopping experiences.
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Seasonal festivals in the City of Lights
Frequent festivals appeal to an array of interests, from gardening and jazz to craft beer and wine. September’s Meat Pie Festival celebrates the city’s signature dish, and the Natchitoches Christmas Festival lasts for six weeks, with thousands of twinkling lights reflected in the Cane River. The illuminated display earns Natchitoches the nickname the “City of Lights.” Local history and hometown pride are preserved at the Fort St. Jean-Baptiste Historic Site, the Northwest Louisiana History Museum and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. Film fans might also recall the town as the setting for “Steel Magnolias,” which was penned by native scribe Robert Harling.
Low median home price by state and national standards
The median home price in Natchitoches is $210,000, nearly half the national median and slightly below the median price in Louisiana. Small starter homes are priced from $120,000 to $200,000, but larger, well-maintained homes or new builds cost $225,000 to $325,000. Historic properties and Acadian-style homes can command prices in the $500,000 to $750,000 range. Red brick and wrought iron distinguish the local architecture, known throughout the state for its regional flavor. Creole cottages feature wide verandas, with ceilings often painted haint blue, a nod to an old African legend claiming evil spirits would mistake the ceilings for bodies of water and therefore not dare cross.
Though this part of Louisiana doesn’t see as much hurricane activity as cities on the Gulf, flood insurance is necessary, especially in properties near Sibley Lake and the Cane River. Recent statistics aren’t currently available, but 2019 data shows that the city’s property and violent crime rates align with state numbers, which are high by national standards.
Natchitoches, Louisiana, features charming ranch-style homes in peaceful settings.
Natchitoches is known for its historic houses, showcasing a rich cultural heritage.
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The Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts
Natchitoches Parish Public Schools receives a B-minus from Niche. The city is home to the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts as well as Northwestern State University, a major employer in the region and the first school in the state to offer degree programs in business education and nursing.
East Natchitoches Elementary is a key part of Natchitoches' educational community.
Northwestern State University is a major cultural and economic driver for Natchitoches.
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Fishing and boating on the Cane River
With a river running through its center and a 2,000-acre lake on its western shoulder, Natchitoches draws fishermen from miles around. University crew teams head to Cane River for training and scull races. The river and nearby Sibley Lake are also hot spots for recreational boating, swimming and waterskiing during Louisiana’s hot and humid summers.
The Cane River runs through Natchitoches, Louisiana, and is a central landmark.
Sibley Lake is located in Natchitoches, Louisiana, offering scenic views and outdoor fun.
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Loblolly pine feeds the lumber industry
The Red River is home to the Natchitoches Parish Port, which offers water, railway and highway transportation options to support the city’s forestry trade. Loblolly pines are milled into lumber, plywood and paper in area manufacturing plants. Locals can also find jobs in poultry processing, education or tourism. “We’re fortunate to have a diversified economy,” Bolton says. “We can take a hit in one industry and survive because of the others.”
The Natchitoches Parish Port is a key economic hub in the region, located along the Red River.
The Natchitoches Parish Port has attracted several industries, driving regional growth.
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Natchitoches Regional Medical Center includes specialty clinics
Natchitoches Regional Medical Center earns accolades for quality care and patient safety. The 96-bed facility is supplemented by specialty clinics, including an ambulatory care center.
Louisiana Highway 1 curves around the city and leads 75 miles north to Shreveport, though connecting to nearby Interstate 49 might be faster. Folks traveling outside the region can catch flights from Natchitoches Regional Airport to hubs like Dallas and Houston.
NRMC is a full-service hospital with emergency, surgical, and diagnostic care.
Natchitoches Regional Medical Center (NRMC) serves as the primary healthcare provider in the area.
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Written By
Adrienne Ryan
Photography Contributed By
Robert Pierce
Video By
Samantha Houtchens
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Sarah Prudhomme Oubre,
an experienced agent in this area.
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