Information about Shreveport, and Bossier City LA - Apartment Shoppers Guide

About the City of Shreveport, LA and Bossier City, LA

The 113^th largest city in the United States is Shreveport, Louisiana. Shreveport ranks the 3rd largest city in the state of Louisiana, with Baton Rouge and New Orleans ranking 1^st and 2^nd. This mid-sized city is the top populous city in the Shreveport-Bossier City metropolitan area.

Shreveport is located on the northwest corner of Louisiana near the borders of Texas and Arkansas. The city is in Caddo Parish beside the beautiful Red River which is neighboring to the Bossier Parish. On one side of the Red River is Shreveport, while on the other side of the Red River you will find Bossier City. The two cities together are a great blend of exciting entertainment spots and friendly ambiances. Numerous neighborhoods, communities, and parks extend along the Red River itself. To name a few of them, there is Bagley Island, Wright Island, and The Charles & Marie Hamel Memorial Park.

The United States Census Bureau recorded in 2019, the population of Shreveport totaled at 187,112 people with the median age at 36. Bossier City, LA had a 68,159-population count in 2019. Caddo Parish, Webster Parish, Bossier Parish, and Desoto Parish are all found in Shreveport Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). In 2018, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated a populous of 436,341.

A large population in Shreveport is single, educated, and career-oriented with a workforce combination of white-collar and blue-collar occupations. In 2018, the household income in Shreveport was $41,969, which averages the city as middle-class income levels compared to the whole state of Louisiana. The Shreveport-Bossier City area offers a nice environment, exceptional healthcare facilities, a great education system, and low-priced homes and affordable Shreveport - Bossier City apartments.

Shreveport, LA and Bossier City, LA History

Shreveport was named in honor of the captain and inventor, Henry Miller Shreve (October 21^st, 1785 to March, 6^th, 1851). Henry Shreve is well known for leading the US Army Corps of Engineers with the efforts to clear the natural log jam known as The Great Raft along the Red River (from 1832 to 1839). Before the clearing, the Great Raft had clogged the Red River with logs for over 150 miles of the river’s length, which hindered the route for shipping purposes.

The City of Shreveport, Louisiana was officially founded by the Shreve Town Company in 1836, which was a corporation established for building a town at the juncture where the recently cleared Red River met The Texas Trail. The Texas Trail was a route overland into the Republic of Texas, and also previously into the country of Mexico. The property within the boundaries of Shreve Town was formerly sold to the Shreve Town Company by the native Caddo Indians in the year of 1835. The new town had consisted of approximately 64 blocks defined by 8 streets proceeding west from the Red Riverand  8 streets going south from Cross Bayou (a small Red River Tributary).

At this point in history (approximately 1938) Caddo Parish was transected from the larger Parish of Natchitoches making Shreve Town the new parish seat. Shreve Town was thereby incorporated with the new name of “Shreveport” on March 20th, 1839. Shreveport became the regional center of the steamboat trade of crops and cotton.

Interestingly, the current downtown Shreveport CBD encompasses the city’s original 64-block town and  is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its many historic landmarks. Of all Louisiana cities, Shreveport is the second-ranking city for most historic landmarks, with News Orleans ranking first.

History of The Red River:

After the Red River was cleared by Henry Shreve, its navigation was an active transportation route from approximately 1839 to 1914.  After 1914, the navigation traffic slowed down due to the increased use of railroad transportation.  As a result, in the years following 1914, the Red River began silting up. In fact navigation in the stretch of the river between Bossier City and Shreveport was not even possible again until the 1990s. Currently, the Port of Shreveport is an important economic center consisting of international trade and domestic trade access. In addition to the Red River Port, the Shreveport-Bossier City area also boasts an excellent transportation network consisting of state-of-the art interstates, railroads, and airports.

Barksdale Air Force Base Complex

Barksdale Air Force Base was developed in Bossier City during the year of 1932 as Barksdale Field. Barksdale Field was named after Second Lieutenant Eugene Hoy Barksdale, who was a famous aviator from World War I. The airfield was given the new name, Barksdale Air Force Base, on February 13, 1948, which is the day that the U.S. Air Force Base was established as a separate military branch.

Of interest, Barksdale Air Force Base (BAFB) received national attention during the middle of the 9-11 attacks when President George W. Bush on board of Airforce One was transported to the base as a safety precaution before returning to Washington DC

Barksdale Air Force Base is one of the largest United States military bases, and is also the largest employer in the Shreveport and Bossier City area.

The annual economic impact Shreveport-Bossier City is over 855 million dollars with over 484 dollars of annual payroll contributed to the local economy. The base services over 2,150 civilian employees, 7,800 active duty/reservists, and 7,700 military family members. BAFB  services also extend to Airforce retirees (currently about 40,000) and their family members living within the limit of 5 miles from the base, furthering the Base’s substantial financial influence to the Shreveport and Bossier City.

The military family housing is privatized at the Barksdale Air Force Base. The owners, Hunt Military Communities, oversee the construction, maintenance, and managing of the Barksdale AFB Housing. More information is found through the Barksdale Family Housing website.

In addition to on-Base housing, many Barksdale personnel, along with their families, live in off-Base Barksdale Air Force Base apartments and off-site Barksdale Air Force rental communities in the Shreveport and Bossier City, Louisiana area. It is common for conventional apartment communities in Bossier City and apartment in Shreveport to have military discounts for Barksdale Air Force Base apartment residents and active military personnel. Apartments near the Barksdale Air Force Base include Ultris Island Park Shreveport, The Landing Willow Bayou Apartments Bossier, Villaggio Apartments Bossier, Lexington Place Apartments, Port au Prince Apartments, Preston Place Apartments, Alexis Park Apartments Bossier, Jamestown Place Apartments Bossier, Reflection of Islands Park Shreveport, and The Reserve of Bossier City Apartments.

Employment Opportunities in Bossier City and Shreveport, Louisiana

The Shreveport and Bossier City, LA, major employment sectors include manufacturing, agriculture, medical, oil and gas production and exploration, and warehouse facilities storage and distribution. Barksdale AFB employees have 8655 employees, LSU Health Sciences Center 6295 boasts employees, Walmart Stores has 5848 employees, Willis Knighton Health Systems is next in lin with 5825 employees, Christus Schumpert Health System has 1900 employees, Brookshire’s/Super 1 Foods has 1220 employees, and Libbey Glass, Inc. employs 950 individuals.

Apartments near Barksdale Air Force Base and to other major employers cater to their employees by offering rental discounts and special deals specially targeted for rentals in Bossier City and apartments in Shreveport. Ask your leasing agents at the apartment communities you visit for specific rent specials for those Shreveport or Bossier City apartment complexes and about their policies.

Tourism and Entertainment Employers

It is reported in the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourism Bureau that over 8 million people visit the area each year.  Furthermore, Shreveport and Bossier City has become a popular business center, hosting  many major trade shows and conventions. To help accommodate this need, the city’s Convention Center was built in 2007 with 350,000 square feet space and includes a Hilton Hotel attached, which features nearly 300 hotel rooms.

As for entertainment, Shreveport and Bossier feature a multitude of modern and historic bars, restaurants, and night clubs to enlighten your evenings and heighten your senses.  Such venues are an inexhaustible source of jobs and adventure for area apartment dwellers, homeowners and other residents.

Riverfront Casinos

Shreveport’s casinos and gaming industry ranks as one of the ten top gaming markets in America. Also, the casinos have been a huge success for the economy and employment for the Shreveport and Bossier City area. Main casino employers in northwest Louisiana include:

• 2000 employees with Harrah’s Horseshoe Casino & Hotel/Harrah’s Louisiana Downs
• 1400 employees with Eldorado Resort Casino
• 1265 employees with Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino
• 1000 employees with Margaritaville Casino
• 837 employees with Diamond Jack’s Casino Resort
• 644 employees with Boomtown Casino

There are several Bossier City, LA apartment communities as well as apartment in Shreveport, LA that cater to casinos and regional entertainment venue employees.  Additionally, these communities boast their convenience to such entertainment centers as amenities for their apartment residents and even leasing prospects. Quite a few apartments in Shreveport are conveniently placed next to casinos. The Apartments near to Shreveport casinos include: River Walk Apartment Homes, Northgate Apartments, Ultris Island Park Shreveport, Champion Lake Apartments Shreveport, The Pier Landing Apartments, River Scape Apartments,  The Jolie Apartments, Villages of Williamsburg, Reflection of Islands Park Shreveport, The Chateau Apartments, and the Willows at Wright Island / Coates Bluff.

Apartments near Bossier City casinos include Lexington Place Apartment Homes, The Drake Apartments, Chaparral Apartment Homes, Northgate Square Apartments, Port Au Prince,  Alexis Park Apartments Bossier,  La Crosse Apartment Homes, and Preston Place Apartments.

The Harrah’s Louisiana Downs and Casino combines the thrill of skilled horse racing, fine dining, and 1300 slot machines all in a deluxe casino.  Bossier City LA Apartments close to the Louisiana Down are the Le Rivage Apartment Homes, Villaggio Apartments, Heritage Village, and Stockwell Landing Apartment in Bossier City. 

Manufacturing Employment

Employing over 20,000 people, the Shreveport and Bossier City area’s manufacturing industry includes over 250 manufacturers.  Demonstrating a commitment to the manufacturing sector of northwestern Louisiana, the Louisiana Center for Manufacturing Sciences is established in Shreveport. This research group develops, determines, and implements scientific innovations in manufacturing sciences. Additionally, a pharmaceutical company called Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories started its Shreveport facility in the year 2009.    As an integral part of the Shreveport and Bossier City employment pool, a myriad of other manufacturing entities and facilities employ thousands of men and women every year.

One of the major industries in North Louisiana for job employment has always been oil and gas. The fairly recent discovery and production from the natural gas development from the Haynesville Shale, positioned beneath Caddo, DeSoto, Bossier, and Red River Parishes, has created an exceptional impact on the North Louisiana economy. This hydrocarbon play is ranked as the 2^nd record producer of natural gas in the whole country! The Haynesville Formation is more than 10,000 feet deep in northwest Louisiana, southwest Arkansas, and even eastern Texas. Although recent oil price have dropped, which have considerably dampened activity, the Haynesville Formation has been estimated to be an equivalent of nearly 18 years of current U.S. oil production (according to the LA Oil and Gas Association). Many apartments in Shreveport and some Bossier City LA apartments have specific programs and leasing discounts designed for oil industry employees. These customized programs include rental discounts that are in combination with short term apartment leases.

Film Industry Employment

Louisiana’s film industry is the third-largest in the entire United States, following well-known California and New York.  As a consequence of Hurricane Katrina hitting New Orleans and the Gulf Coast in the year 2005, many of the active filmmakers from those areas relocated to the Shreveport and Bossier City, Louisiana area. Today, the film and television industry of Shreveport and Bossier City has filmed over 122 movies and television shows with complete budgets over $1 billion. Most importantly, such ventures have been utilizing more than 7000 crew and employee positions.

A variety of tax credits is offered from the State of LA specifically tailored to Louisiana’s film industry.  The Louisiana state tax credits with Shreveport’s status give ease of production and that includes excellent community, governmental provision, stream-lined permit, and major production companies that have enjoyed filming these low rates. A few big productions include The Guardian (estimated budget of $70M), Kevin Costner, Ashton Kutcher; Mr. Brooks (estimated budget of $20M), Kevin Costner, Demi Moore; Mad Money (estimated budget of $22M), Diane Keaton, Katie Holmes, and Queen Latifah; Playing the Field (estimated budget of $35M), Gerard Butler, Jessica Biel, Dennis Quaid, and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Agriculture and Farming Employment

Agriculture is an important provider to the economy for Northwestern Louisiana as a whole. Major commodities and crops for the area are feed grains, cotton, soybeans, beef cattle, horses, and poultry.

Medical Industry Employment

The Shreveport and Bossier City area is the major hub for medical centers and facilities in the entire region. The area  has an assortment of nationally recognized healthcare programs, renowned hospitals, and research centers. Combining all three of the area’s parish areas, there are a total of 21 hospitals, 3500 beds, and 1241 physicians. Notably, Shreveport has one of the South’s finest hospitals for medical training: the Louisiana State University Health Science’s Center.

Also of note, the region boasts a primary veteran care facility, the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center.  Additionally, the region features the oldest Shriner’s Hospital in North America which was founded in 1922. The Biomedical Research Foundation of Northwest LA is the region’s leading enterprise for increasing development and support of businesses that improve healthcare services, medical technology, and related research. This Foundation also controls the Virginia K. Shehee Biomedical Research Institute, which is a $37 million research facility comprising over 160,000 square feet, 56 laboratories, and employs over 200 researchers, technical personnel, and support workers. Many Bossier City apartments and apartments in Shreveport offer great employer discounts to major medical industry employees.

The Cost of Living in Bossier City and Shreveport, LA

The living cost in the Shreveport area and Bossier City, LA is 95.2 percent of the national mean level . Shreveport and Bossier City apartment dwellers and homeowner residents, benefit from the cost of living being below the national average in categories such as utilities, healthcare, food, housing, transportation, and miscellaneous goods and services.

Education in Shreveport, LA and Bossier City, LA

The two main districts for Shreveport and Bossier City public schools are the Caddo Parish School District with 62 schools and Bossier Parish School District with 35 schools.

1. Caddo Public Schools is a Shreveport based school district. The district is in Caddo Parish and is split into 12 districts http://www.caddoschools.org/caddo-parish-district-map. Also, Caddo Public Schools is home to 12 National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence as  awarded by the U.S. Department of Education and has several of Louisiana’s top-ranking public schools. 
2. Bossier Public Schools is one of the most rapidly -growing school districts in LA. Each institution of the Bossier Parish School District aids each child in many learning opportunities, such as Honors classes, Advanced Placement, Robotics, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) curriculums. http://www.bossierschools.org/elemschools

When choosding the optimal geographic location for a new apartment in Shreveport, LA, or Bossier City apartment, the proximity and transportation options for the surrounding schools should be a prime consideration

Colleges and Universities in Shreveport and Bossier City, Louisiana

Shreveport has an education level that is above the national average with 24.84% of residents having a bachelor’s degree or a more advanced degree. Area residents can choose from over 15 college-level institutions in the Shreveport-Bossier City area.

1. Louisiana State University in Shreveport (LSU-Shreveport or LSUS) is a substantial public state university situated conveniently in southern Shreveport.  LSUS is located on Youree Drive convenient to a myriad of Shreveport Apartments and other types of Student Housing. LSU-Shreveport has roughly 63 programs for bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, or post-master's degrees. Popular disciplines of study  are general studies, business administration, business management, journalism, psychology, biology and other science topics. LSU-Shreveport was founded in the year 1967. as of 2012 idt has a total of 4,535 enrolled students in the Shreveport - Bossier City area. . Most importantly, the U.S. Department of Education has named Louisiana State University Shreveport as one of the most affordable colleges in the state of Louisiana.

Popular apartments near the LSUS campus: Raintree, Stone Canyon Apartments, Millicent Crossing, Sommerset Apartments, Laurel Parc Apartments Shreveport, Haystack Apartments, Orleans Square, and Town Oaks South Apartments. Several apartments close to LSUS offer programs and substantial rental discount offers for LSU-Shreveport Students as well as for university staff members. Be sure to ask your leasing agent or management office about these potential discounts.   For more information about LSUS go to http://www.lsus.edu/

2. Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport (LSU Health Shreveport) was founded in 1969. LSU Health Shreveport is the only medical school in the northern section of the state of Louisiana.

3. Southern University at Shreveport is located on its 103-acre campus, on Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr.-within NW Shreveport, LA. This university has 6 academic divisions and has around 54 different programs. The Division of Allied Health at Southern University is the largest program in Shreveport with 7 associate degree programs and 5 certificate programs.

Apartments in Shreveport near Southern University are the Towers at Cross Lake, Nantucket Harbor Apartments, Chimney Hill Apartment Homes, and Summer Pointe . 

4. Centenary College of Louisiana is a small boutique-style, Louisiana college with under 1000 students. This quaint college is located at 2911 Centenary Boulevard, south of Downtown and near the center of Shreveport.,. In 1825, Centenary College of Louisiana was founded, and it is now the 43^rd oldest college/university in the entire US. Centenary College of Louisiana first opened as the College of Louisiana, which was originally located in the village of Jackson.

Centenary College students earn approximately 153 different bachelor's degrees as well as 42 master's degrees annually. The most popular areas of college studies include biology/biological sciences, psychology, and kinesiology/exercise science. The Master's Degree programs and disciplines feature  elementary education, secondary education, business administration, and business management.

Apartments near Centenary College sometimes have student discounts and rental specials. Ask your leasing office or leasing agent about their discounts. Some of the most highly regarded Centenary College apartments include Villages of Williamsburg Apartments, River Scape Apartments, Millbrook Apartments, Chateau Apartments, Coates Bluff at Wright Island, and Willows at Wright Island. 

5. Bossier Parish Community College is located in eastern Bossier City at the address 6220 East Texas Street. This college is the common choice for introductory students, due to its convenience and affordability. The Bossier Parish Community College has special student programs and apartment discounts for some apartment complexes. To name a few apartments, there is the Villaggio Apartments in Bossier City, Heritage Village, Le Rivage Apartments and Stockwell Landing Apartment Homes. 

6. Northwest Louisiana Technical College (aka NWLTC - Shreveport Campus) opened in 1936 as The Shreveport Trade School. Throughout the many years, the training programs and educational programs at NWLTC have progressed with the latest technologies. These new technologies help to endure the challenges of local industries and local businesses. NWLTC graduates are commonly employed throughout the Shreveport and Bossier City surrounding areas as nurses, computer technicians, oil industry technicians, diesel technicians, auto technicians, and many more. The college address is at 2010 N. Market Street around many Shreveport Apartments near NWLTC including Lake Front Apartments in Shreveport, LA, and Grand Oaks Apartments in Shreveport, LA. http://www.nwltc.edu/

7. The Northwestern State University College of Nursing in Shreveport is one of the most popular choices for nursing schools in the northern area of Louisiana. http://nursing.nsula.edu/

8. Louisiana Tech University at Shreveport-Bossier City was opened in the year 2012. This 20,000 sq. ft. Shreveport Center offers its Executive MBA and campus undergraduate programs and graduate degree programs. http://shrevebossier.latech.edu/

9. Virginia College is a college chain of private (for profit) institutions. This is a relatively new college in Shreveport/Bossier LA that opened its doors in early 2012. Virginia College offers many desired career pieces of training in areas such as business and office, medical, health, and medical billing. For those that prefer online schooling, Virginia College offers  a multitude of exciting online degree programs.

Transportation in Shreveport and Bossier City, LA

The Regional Airports

From 1931 to 1952, Shreveport Downtown Airport served the area as a commercial airport. Service was originally offered by Delta Air Lines with main routes going from Dallas to Shreveport and on to Monroe, LA, and Jackson, MS.  After World War II, the need for increased airline services in Shreveport grew greater, and the City opted to build a new airport in the western portion of Shreveport.

In 1949, a general election approved the current Shreveport airport. Later in 1952, the new airport replaced the Shreveport Downtown Airport as the community’s main central airport; however, the Shreveport Downtown Airport still caters to downtown business clients, with many owners of small private planes.  In 1971, the name of the airport become the Shreveport Regional Airport in Shreveport, Louisiana. In those years the terminal measuring 160,000 sf was constructed with 2 new concourses, an administration building, connector bridges, and the much-needed additional parking. In the year 1998, the ground was broken on a $30 million expansion/renovation project at Shreveport Regional, which included a modern terminal building on the eastern side of the airport’s administrative facility.

Currently, the Shreveport Regional Airport has over 300,000 passengers board each year from four different airlines. The airport features six non-stop destination airports and more than 20 non-stop departures daily, which has connections available across the globe. There are several Shreveport apartments situated near to the Shreveport Regional Airport location. Some of the apartments in Shreveport include Westwood Village Apartments, Riverdale Apartments, Ashton Pines apartments, and Villages of Westlake Apartments.

The Bus Transportations

http://www.sportran.org/

The bus transportation of Shreveport and Bossier City is called SporTran, (an acronym for The Shreveport Area Transit System). SporTran operates seven days per week, from 6 AM to 8 PM on weekdays and fewer hours of operations on the weekends. There are seventeen bus routes that all join together at the Downtown Terminal located in Downtown Shreveport at 400 Crockett Street. SporTran has been in active service for more than 125 years making it one of the oldest such transportation systems in the Southern United States!

SporTran has over 50 buses that are all equipped to handle all varieties of passengers, including handicapped. A few of the newer SporTran buses are equipped with advanced emission reduction systems and even Hybrid fuel technology.

Fun Activities and Entertainment Options in Shreveport and Bossier City, LA.

There is a plethora of fun things to experience in Shreveport and Bossier City, Louisiana! You may even need extra time to experience everything available to you. Here is an outline of Shreveport and Bossier City’s exciting entertainment options.

Annual Festivals

The Krewes of Gemini and Centaur Mardi Gras Parades are annual events hosted in February and March. The infamous Red River Revel Festival in Shreveport-Bossier celebrates the beauty of arts, and it includes over 100 talented artists and other participants from the entire country. The Mudbug Madness festival is been partying with Louisiana’s favorite treat since 1984. It is even nationally-known as one of the Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 10 Events. The Cork event is a favorite festival of wine enthusiasts from across Louisiana, eastern Texas and SW Arkansas, with tastes you must experience. “Brew” occurs during Oktoberfest as one of the finest beers tasting events in the region. This exceptional event is designed as a fundraiser for the Red River Revel and Mudbug Madness. Another event, ARTini, offers participants the opportunity to bid on original artwork from several artists and taste martinis created by local restaurants, organizations and other establishments. The Let the Good Times Roll event (in French: laissez le bon temps rouler)  is annually held on the 3^rd weekend of June.  This fun-filled festival highlights the lovely music, beautiful art, and delicious food of the African American culture. The Defenders of Liberty Airshow is a huge air show widely known across the United States. It allows Shreveport-Bossier to showcase the home of the B-52. Apartments in Shreveport, LA, and Bossier City apartment keep you close to the entertainment and excitement without the hassles and traffic of larger cities. So, you will be able to enjoy these exciting events with your family and friends. Food, fun, and friends is the aspect of Louisiana that people love to experience!  “laissez le bon temps rouler”

The State Fair of Louisiana

The Louisiana State Fair is located on over 157 acres just off I-20 and 3 miles to the west of central Shreveport. This annual event takes place for only 16 days per year. The State Fair of Louisiana  is one of the longest-running and the biggest state fairs in all of Louisiana. 

Jubilee Zoo

The Jubilee Zoo occupies over 20 acres offering a great family-fun venue, showcasing exotic animals, a petting zoo, pony rides, bounce houses, scenic picnic areas, and playground. This is a perfect place to have birthday parties, field trips, corporate parties, and simply some family fun! Jubilee Zoo is located 5 miles north of Shreveport on Highway 1 the North Market. 

Splash Kingdom Water Park

Splash Kingdom Waterpark is off of Interstate 20 in Shreveport, LA. The Splash Kingdom is fun for the entire family, and people always are ready to visit each summer. 

Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center

For the technical minded, he facility of Sci-Port first opened its doors on November 21, 1998. This remarkable science center features over 200 interactive science programs and science exhibits. It has all 6 Discovery Galleries, a state-of-the-art demonstration theater, an IMAX Dome Theatre complex, and several touring exhibitions, as well as a café, and of course a science-themed gift shop. 

The ASEANA Asian Gardens

The ASEANA Asian Gardens is situated in downtown Shreveport. The Asiana Asian Gardens are derived from such gardens in 15 Asian countries. There are lush landscaping and colorful flowers throughout the gardens. The gardens display artifacts and art elements imported from several Asian countries, which are tastefully displayed throughout the multi-leveled facility. The entire family will enjoy the special experience of Asia without ever having leave Shreveport!

R.W. Norton Art Gallery

The R. W. Norton Art Gallery is also located in Shreveport, LA. This impressive gallery holds priceless collections of American and European paintings and artwork, decorative arts and craftwork, and intricate sculptures, all spanning over four centuries. It was founded in 1966, this museum gallery has grown notoriety around the country for its superior artwork collections by American western artists such as Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell. 

The Shreveport Municipal Memorial Auditorium

This grand facility was created back in 1926. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. . The Shreveport Municipal Auditorium is situated off of the historic Elvis Presley Avenue as a versatile usage facility with exceptional acoustics. This venue is excellent for housing live concerts, athletic competitions,  theatrical shows, graduations, and even elaborate balls in Shreveport. 

The Gardens of the American Rose Center

The Gardens of the American Rose Center are situated on a 118-acre section in western Shreveport, Louisiana. These gardens are the national headquarters of the American Rose Society. It is the largest park in the U.S. that is solely dedicated to roses and related flowering plants. The botanical garden of the American Rose Center displays well over 65 separate rose gardens accented with over 20,000 rose bushes. 

Shopping in Shreveport, Louisiana and Bossier City, Louisiana

Pierre Bossier Mall

With its prominent location just to the north of I-20, at the intersection of East Texas St. and Airline Highway, , Pierre Bossier Mall is the area's premier shopping mall. This shopping mall features a variety of large department stores  as well as over 70 specialty shops, dining establishments, and even a food court featuring several fast serve restaurants, and even rides for the kids. Bossier City apartments near Pierre Bossier Mall are Chaparral Apartments, Alexis Park, The Drake Apartments, Villaggio, Reserve of Bossier City, The Landing at Willow Bayou, Tallow Wood Apartments, Green Acres Village, and Preston Place Apartments. http://www.pierrebossiermall.com/

Mall Saint Vincent

Mall Saint Vincent is conveniently situated on Saint Vincent Avenue, just east of Interstate 49, south of Kings Hwy. This mall blends the convenience of large department stores with a host of upscale and unique shopping selections and boutique shops. http://www.mallstvincent.com/

Louisiana Boardwalk

The Boardwalk is located along eastern banks of the Red River in Bossier City. The Louisiana Boardwalk is a half-mile long and boast variety of shopping venues, nightclubs,with intriguing boutiques, riverfront dining, and many more exciting entertainments. By day, the Louisiana Boardwalk is an excellent family destination. At night, it transitions to a thriving entertainment and club district. The retail outlets include Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, Banana Republic, Build-a-Bear Workshop, and the Gap Outlet. The Louisiana Boardwalk also houses Regal Cinema, a wide variety of restaurants such as Copeland’s Cheesecake Bistro, Salt Grass Steakhouse, and Sushiko Sushi.

In the immediate area of the Louisiana Boardwalk, there are a number of fine Bossier City apartments such as Alexis Park Apartment Homes, The Drake,Port Au Prince, and Preston Place Apartments.

Sports Arenas and Venues

Hirsch Memorial Coliseum—

The Hirsch Memorial Coliseum is the home to the Shreveport-Bossier Mavericks basketball team.  Serving up hoops action by the scoopful, Hirsch Memorial Coliseum www.facebook.com/HirschMemorialColiseum hosts this exciting semi-professional basketball team of the American Basketball Association. The Shreveport-Bossier Mavericks moved to the Shreveport and Bossier City, LA from Beaumont, TX. The American Basketball Association is most noted for utilizing  distinctive red, white, and blue basketballs.

CenturyLink Center—

The CenturyLink Center is a versitile, 14,000-seat sports and entertainment arena  located in southern Bossier City, LA. This multi-purpose facility was founded in 2000 as CenturyTel Center and Bossier City Arena. It has several projects that were financed from casino revenues to Bossier City. Situated near to Barksdale Boulevard and East 70^th Street, this venue has ice hockey, basketball games, concerts, the circus, and other popular entertainment. Jamestown Apartments in Bossier City LA is convenient to CenturyLink Center. 

Independence Stadium—

 Independence Stadium is situated between Hearne Ave and Jewella Ave,  on the northern side of Interstate 20. Independence Stadium is home of the annual college football bowl game titled the Duck Commander Independence Bowl www.independencebowl.org/ This annual event is a post-season NCAA Division I college Bowl game. Since its building in 1925, Independence Stadium has had four major renovations to its exterior and interior structures. This impressive facility can accommodate 53,000 fans max.

Restaurants

But the best is yet to come.  Shreveport has dining options that just can’t beat. Here you are bound to find the perfect, scrumptious place to eat in Bossier City or in Shreveport. The countless options range from fine dining at famous establishments such as the historic Ernest’s Orleans Restaurant http://www.ernestsorleans.com/ on Spring Street to classic Louisiana fare at restaurants such as Ralph and Kacoos or even casual dining at Shane’s Seafood and Barbecue or enticing  Sushi at Sushi Gen or Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar 

Other inviting Shreveport and Bossier City restaurants include Superior Steakhouse on Line Street, LA Herby K's, Bella Fresca Restaurant, Anthony's Steak & Seafood, Monkhouse Seafood Diner, Sam's Southern Eatery, Brother's Seafood , Don's Seafood and Steakhouse, Crescent Landing Catfish Restaurant, Savoie's Cajun Food, Copeland's, and Bergeron Boudin.

There is also fine dining in many of the major Casinos, such as Jack Binions Steak House and the tasteful Four Winds Restaurant within the Horseshoe Casino. So no matter which Shreveport apartment or Bossier City residence you choose, you’ll find excellent dining just around the corner!

Parks and Recreation

For active individuals looking for recreational activity, Northwest Louisiana is home to numerous parks and recreational areas. Enjoy activities ranging from wildlife observation to mountain biking trail riding, boating, fishing, and water skiing. Many Louisiana parks even sports leagues for people of all types. 

Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park

This is a perfect get-awayfor active folks who love wildlife. This scenic park provides guests with five miles of handicapped-accessible  trails. For an added active outdoor experience, head over to the Kisatchie National Forest. The spacious, 604,000-acre park has been featured in The New York Times for its plethora of activities such as boating, swimming, biking, water skiing, and more.

The Shreveport Yacht Club

Perfect for individuals who enjoy sailing, this popular location is a must. The Yacht club has weekly races on Sundays. The club even hosts sailing lessons for all ages. The Yacht Club is also  the perfect location  for crawfish boils, family and corporate parties, and its annual 4^th of July fireworks show.

Bayou Bodcau Dam and Reservoir

A great experience in a tranquil outdoor adventure. This blissful paradise spans over 33,000 acres accented with beautiful lakes and natural woodlands. Also, this area features at least 50 miles of hiking trails and biking trails. Additionally, the Bayou Bodcau is home to the Durden Hills Nature Trail.   This peaceful seven-mile trail , is one of the best mountain biking trails in the entire state of Louisiana.

Caddo Lake State Park—

This amazing State Park is a sight to behold! Its scenery boasts towering bald cypress trees with exotic aquatic plant life and wildlife that’s alive! Since the vegetation is rich, Caddo Lake represents a maze of bayous and ponds that seem to go on forever. The park affords excellent opportunities for diverse fishing in this Sportsman’s Paradise. The park's popular cabins are for rent as a memorableovernight experience for the family or for friends

Clyde-Fant Memorial Parkway—

The Clyde-Fant Memorial Parkway extends along the Shreveport (western) side of the Red River.  This expansive greenspace features a Frisbee golf course, biking, walking and jogging trails, boat launches, and scenic picnic areas. This calm setting is an incredible location for an afternoon of recreation or a casual walk in the afternoon sun. Notable Shreveport apartments near to Clyde-Fant Parkway: Willows at Wright Island Apartments of Shreveport, River Scape Apartments, Reflections of Island Park Apartment Homes, Ultris at Island Park,  Coates Bluff at Wright Island, Champion Lake Apartments, River Walk Apartments, Pier-Landing Apartments, and Villages at Williamsburg.

Charles and Marie Hamel Memorial Park—

The Hamel Memorial Park is adjacent to Clyde-Fant Parkway. This peaceful greenspace  is framed by 17 wooded acres that offer park visitors scenic river views while they are picnicking or going for an delightful stroll.

Ford Park & Cross Lake Recreational District—

Situated on 85-acres on scenic Cross Lake, Ford Park is operated by the City of Shreveport. Ford Park houses several sports fields as well as walking trails, 2 tennis courts, tranquil picnic areas, a Frisbee golf course, and of course a fishing pier. The Cross Lake public pier is adjacent from Ford Park and it is a popular choice to launch your boat into scenic Cross Lake. Many Cross Lake apartment residents, homeowners, and tourists alternatively choose to launch their boats at Barron's Landing & Marina. Residents at Nantucket Harbor Apartments, Chimney Hill, Summer Pointe and The Towers at Cross Lake are the perfectly located Cross Lake apartments to enjoy fulfilled  convenience and excitement.

Setting up your Utilities

Residents of Shreveport and residents of Bossier City are supplied by several utility entities and organizations which include, but are not limited to:

                Electric Power

AEP Southwestern Electric Power (SWEPCO) is the main supplier for electricity in the city of Shreveport and Bossier City. Electrical power to any residence or structure can get set up by calling the company at (888) 216-3523. AEP-SWEPCO requires an application for all electrical accounts and typically a deposit as well. Your Apartment leasing office in Shreveport or Bossier City should be happy to give you more information on utility options for your community.

                Natural Gas

Natural gas in the area is provided by CenterPoint Energy – ARKLA. You can visit their website at www.centerpointenergy.com. The natural gas service provided by CenterPoint Energy can be set up by calling (866) 275-5252.

                Water Service

Here are a few water service phone numbers according to the city:

318-673-5510 - Shreveport, LA

318-741-8757 - Bossier City, LA
318-965-2781 - Benton, LA

501-943-0999 - Bryant, AR

870-862-6451 - El Dorado, AR
318-949-3554 or 318-949-0223 - Haughton, LA

                Telephone

AT&T is the local telephone service provider. New residential service may be obtained by calling the AT&T number at (866) 620-6000. Bellsouth is another the other telephone provider option: (888)757-6500 Your Bossier City or Shreveport apartment community will typically have arrangements with what particular providers they offer, so be sure to check out all the options.

                Cable TV

Comcast Cable is the largest cable television service in the area. Another television carrier is Suddenlink: (318)747-1666.  For more information you can call: 1-800-COMCAST or check with your apartment management office.

                Trash Collection & Disposal

The municipalities of Bossier City and Shreveport typically work with the apartment management companies for contracts for trash collection and disposal. The City of Shreveport Solid Waste Division supplies the waste services, and all private contractors provide associated services for all solid waste collection/disposal services.

The All Collect Website can help you find and even set up utilities online!