Allendale-Lakeside’s storied history and recent renewal spearheaded by residents
Bordering Cross Lake, Allendale-Lakeside began in the late 1800s as a cluster of large Victorian homes built on the cusp of the city by Shreveport’s wealthy. But by the mid-20th century, Allendale-Lakeside fell on hard times and those mansions faded away. The neighborhood’s population began to shrink, and many seemed to forget about the little corner of Shreveport just beyond downtown; however, those who stayed in Allendale-Lakeside tell a story of revitalization and change that has taken place over the past 20 years. People started community gardens, built homes for Hurricane Katrina evacuees and began reaching out to help their neighbors. The arrival of two Community Renewal Friendship Houses, outposts for a local nonprofit, coincided with a significant reduction in the area’s crime rates and an increase in youth education levels. Today, Allendale-Lakeside has much in store for residents. “It’s got a lot of history. There are some beautiful old churches and it’s close to downtown and the water, but it's at a lower price point than other areas,” says Sheila Norman, a Realtor with Diamond Realty and Associates who has sold homes in the neighborhood. Above all, locals take pride in their neighborhood’s vibrant spirit.
Established shotgun homes and bungalows
The streets of Allendale-Lakeside showcase the area’s history, with shotgun houses and bungalows built as far back as the 1920s all the way through the ‘80s. These homes tend to sit right on the street, with limited lawn space or elbow room between neighbors, though mature trees burst with greenery from the backyard. Not all houses have driveways; some only have a narrow staircase from the sidewalk leading straight to a modest front porch. “There isn’t much new housing because it’s such a historic area,” Norman says. “There are some rental properties, but a lot of them are established homes that have been passed down. I see families walking around all the time.” The median price for a single-family home is around $39,000, though a two-bedroom cottage can sell for as low as $15,000. A handful of larger ranch-style and split-level homes closer to Cross Lake list for up to $220,000 for three bedrooms.
Classic shotgun homes are commonly found in Allendale-Lakeside.
Quaint bungalow homes in Allendale-Lakeside are surrounded by mature trees and lush grass.
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Allendale-Lakeside locals enjoy gathering at Lakeside Park Community Center.
Lakeside Park has playgrounds and after-school care
There are a handful of parks in the Allendale-Lakeside area, the most robust of which is Lakeside Park. The park has both indoor and outdoor amenities, with a playground to keep little ones entertained and a 9-hole public golf course where folks can work on their swing. Inside the community center, residents can stay active even on rainy days in the gymnasium and fitness center. It also hosts after-school programs and other occasional camps, like the basketball clinic held by the Shreveport Mavericks for local kids in May 2023. Community gatherings are also held at SWEPCO Park, named for the nearby Southwestern Electric Power Co. power plant. The park has spacious grassy areas shaded by trees and a large pavilion for picnics and cookouts, with an improvement project spearheaded by local nonprofit Allendale Strong aiming to bring more amenities in the future. Access to Cross Lake is further away at Ford Park, a popular city park across from a boat launch.
Entrance to Booker T Washington High School
Booker T. Washington High competes in the Soul Bowl
Students in Allendale-Lakeside can attend Caddo Parish Public Schools, starting at J. S. Clark Elementary and Fair Park Middle, which both score a C-plus grade from Niche. Booker T. Washington High earns a C-plus and has a thriving football program, which brings out the whole community for the highly anticipated Soul Bowl, the annual game against the rival team at Green Oaks High.
Transportation to other essentials in Shreveport by bus or car
Residents can grab essentials at convenience stores scattered throughout the neighborhood. The nearest grocery stores are a few minutes’ drive southwest along Lakeshore Drive, where locals shop at Cotten’s Grocery Market and the nearby Piggly Wiggly. Sportran buses serve the neighborhood, with stops along Murphy Street that travel south to the Willis-Knighton Medical Center, where patients receive emergency care and specialized treatment. Allendale-Lakeside is bordered by Interstate 20 to the southeast, making it easy to get around Shreveport and beyond, as it leads straight to Shreveport Regional Airport, approximately 15 minutes or 6 miles away. The attractions on the riverfront downtown are also close, about 3 or 4 miles to the east.
Piggly Wiggly Food Outlet provides Allendale-Lakeside locals with good deals on groceries.
Allendale-Lakeside locals have easy access to public transportation.
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On average, homes in Allendale-Lakeside, Shreveport sell after 67 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Allendale-Lakeside, Shreveport over the last 12 months is $41,500, up 38% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
