Americans love Louisiana! And why wouldn’t you? From top-rated hospitals to a thriving art culture, the Pelican State has got it all.
The median home value for Louisiana is $246,800. The state scores 72/100 in quality of life. For a rich cultural experience, New Orleans and Baton Rouge are some of the best places to live.
People are attracted to move here because of the expanding economy, the best healthcare system, and high-quality education. Also, the state’s cost of living is 9% lower than the national average. Let’s explore the best places to live in Louisiana.
3 Reasons to Live in Louisiana ⚜️
- Low Unemployemnet Rate: Louisiana has low unemployement rate of 3.5%. Defense, research, tourism, and healthcare are the growing sectors here.
- Affordable Living: The cost of essential items such as food, clothing, and groceries is 4% lower compared to the average prices across the country. Additionally, healthcare services are comparatively more affordable, with a 1% lower cost than the national average.
- Benefits: Healthcare options are abundant in Louisiana, with several top-ranked hospitals in the state. Additionally, LA has many retirement communities that offer various amenities and activities for retirees.
Best Places to Live in Louisiana in 2024
The state has ample work opportunities and good healthcare facilities. Here are the top 7 places to live in Louisiana in 2024:
| # | City | Population | Median Home Price | Monthly Expenses | Unemployment Rate | Community Well-Being Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | New Orleans | 355,121 | $350,000 | $8,177 | 3.8% | 62/100 |
| 2. | Baton Rouge | 216,207 | $245,000 | $8,134 | 3.3% | 55/100 |
| 3. | Alexandria | 42,628 | $117,388 | $7,553 | 3.7% | 49/100 |
| 4. | Bossier City | 61,985 | $209,390 | $7,616 | 4.0% | 55/100 |
| 5. | Lafayette | 121,195 | $244,955 | $7,887 | 3.6% | 52/100 |
| 6. | Lake Charles | 76,297 | $182,044 | $7,962 | 3.5% | 52/100 |
| 7. | Monroe | 46,032 | $131,372 | $7,578 | 3.9% | 49/100 |
1. New Orleans: Best Place to Live in Louisiana
| Home Value | ⬇️ 7.1% |
| Median Household Income | $51,116 |
| Monthly Expenses | $8,177 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.8% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 62/100 |
New Orleans is one of the best cities in Louisiana. The median home price in New Orleans is $350,000. Moreover, the state has a range of housing options, like apartments, condos, townhomes, and single-family homes.
The largest city has one of the most iconic transportation options with 8% lower than national average. Whether you ride the streetcar, take a bus, or explore on foot or bike, there is something for everyone. Although, the cost of living is 11% above the national average, the city has major opportunities in growing companies like DXC Technology and East Jefferson General Hospital.
» Homes For Sale in New Orleans, LA: Find your dream home in LA neighborhoods.
2. Baton Rouge: Best Place to Live for Job Seekers
| Home Value | ⬆️ 1.5% |
| Median Income | $50,155 |
| Monthly Expenses | $8,134 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.3% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 55/100 |
Baton Rouge is called “Eclectic Capital” for its diverse population and culture. Baton Rouge offers affordable housing in Louisiana. The median house price costs $245,000, and the cost of living is 3% lower than the national average.
Besides this, Baton Rouge also has a flourishing job market with many employment opportunities in the city across various industries. Top employers in this city include ExxonMobil and Dow Chemical Company. Therefore, the unemployment rate in the city is 3.3%.
» Homes For Sale in Baton Rouge, LA: Browse thousands of property listings in the Bayou State.
3. Alexandria: Best Place to Live for Young Professionals
| Home Value | ⬇️ 3.5% |
| Median Income | $49,049 |
| Monthly Expenses | $7,553 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.7% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 49/100 |
Alexandria’s median home sale price is $117,388, lower than the national average of $402,343. Moreover, Housing and utility expenses cost 11% less than the national average.
This city is home to the State University and is an ideal college town to pursue degree programs. The city provides rich history and culture, such as the Alexandria Museum of Art and the Louisiana History Museum.
» Homes For Sale in Alexandria, LA: View thousands of properties for sale in this town.
4. Bossier City: Second Largest Cities in Louisiana
| Home Value | ⬆️ 4.5% |
| Median Income | $54,100 |
| Monthly Expenses | $7,616 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.0% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 55/100 |
Bossier City is in the northwestern part of the state. The cost of living in this city is 7% lower than the national average. The population in the city is 62,567 making it the second-largest city in the metropolitan area.
Barksdale Air Force Base is a major employer and plays a vital role in the country’s national defense. This city offers a vibrant and exciting entertainment scene, complete with bustling casinos and other attractions.
» Homes For Sale in Bossier City, LA: Discover homes listed in Bossier City.
5. Lafayette: Live in One of the Vibrant City
| Home Value | ⬇️ 1.5% |
| Median Income | $58,850 |
| Monthly Expenses | $7,887 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.6% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 52/100 |
Lafayette is the “Happiest City in America” with work opportunities and a rich culture. Lafayette is known for its music, cuisine. The median home price in Lafayette is $244,955. The cost of living in Lafayette is 12% lower than the national average makes it the best place to live in Louisiana.
Lafayette is also a major center for oil and natural gas production and has a good healthcare industry. Lafayette has several notable attractions, such as the Acadian Village, Vermilionville Historic Village, and Lafayette Science Museum.
» Homes For Sale in Lafayette, LA: Find best properties in the Lafayette neighborhood.
6. Lake Charles: Best Places to Live in Louisiana for Families
| Home Value | ⬇️ 5.7% |
| Median Income | $54,761 |
| Monthly Expenses | $7,962 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.5% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 52/100 |
Lake Charles is located in the southwestern of the Bayou State. The living costs in this city are 12% lower than the national average. This makes Lake Charles one of the most affordable cities in Louisiana.
The city is home to several major companies such as Sasol, Phillips 66, and Lake Charles Memorial Health System. This city is great for families with kids and is home to the Calcasieu Parish School System. This is also the 5th largest school in the district.
» Homes For Sale in Lake Charles, LA: Discover best places to live in the Bayou State for families.
7. Monroe: Live in One of the Best Cities in Louisiana
| Home Value | ⬇️ 1.2% |
| Median Income | $36,550 |
| Monthly Expenses | $7,578 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.9% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 49/100 |
Monroe has a rich musical history, is home to the University of Louisiana, and the median home value is $131,372. The cost of living in Monroe is 13% lower than the national average.
Monroe is home to several parks like Kiroli Park, Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, and Chennault Park. These areas offer opportunities for hike, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
» Homes For Sale in Monroe, LA: View the best waterfront properties in Monroe.
Bottom Line
Louisiana is one of the best places to live in the US for its Mardi Gras celebrations, attracting tourists worldwide. The state also has a rich history, with landmarks like the French Quarter and the St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans. Apart from this, the city has an excellent job market and a good economy.
The Bayou State offers a decent cost of living 9% lower than the national average. However, home prices here are 17% lower than in other states.
In some places, the median prices are around $117,388, whereas in some cities in the Bayou State, it can go up to $350,000. So, do your research before you move here. To start your home search, browse properties online.
Find Homes For Sale by Type and Style in LA
Research Methodology
We considered different regions to rank the best places in LA. The comparison criteria for the best cities to live in Louisiana and the information sources are as follows:
- Population: LA Demographics Report [1]
- Median Home Price: Zillow[2] and Redfin[3]
- Median Household Income: United States Census Bureau[4]
- Monthly Expenses: Economic Policy Institute[5]
- Unemployment Rate: US Bureau of Labor Statistics[6]
- Community Well-Being Score: Community Well-Being Index by Sharecare[7]
We have also listed the good cities to live in the Bayou State for varying demographics. These include the best places to live for families, young adults, retirees, and working professionals.
FAQs
Is Louisiana a good place to live?
Yes, Louisiana is a good place to live. The Bayou State has good job market and good climate conditions. Here are the great places to live in Louisiana.
What is the best city to live in Louisiana?
Baton Rouge is the best city to live in Louisiana. It offers an affordable cost of living and immense educational and work opportunities. Also, the median home value in Baton Rouge is $245,000 below the national average.
Which is the cheapest place to live in Louisiana?
With a cost of living 24.6% below the national average, Bastrop is one of the cheapest places to live in Louisiana.
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