Where to Live in
Shreveport

2026 Neighborhood Shortlist: Shreveport, LA

The 2026 Vibe Check

Shreveport isn't exploding; it's settling. The ghost of the oil bust still haunts the riverfront, but the real story is the quiet gentrification creeping east and south. The line is stark: drive west on I-20 and you see the hollowed-out stretches of Youree Drive turning into a canyon of empty strip malls, but the moment you cross Line Avenue, the energy shifts. New money is pouring into South Shreveport, building cookie-cutter mansions off Walter O. Bigby Carriage Drive, while the city core is trying to stitch itself back together with the casino cash.

The real heat is in the older neighborhoods. Highland is the undisputed king of the 20-something scene, but its heart is the stretch of Youree Drive north of I-20, where dive bars like The Missing Link sit next to new coffee shops. The big question mark is the Caddo Lake area—some folks are betting on a massive revitalization, but right now it’s a gamble. For renters, the market is brutal; landlords are slapping a coat of paint on 1970s duplexes and charging a premium. The city feels like it's holding its breath, waiting for the next big project to finally land.

The Shortlist

South Highlands

• The Vibe: Old Money
• Rent Check: 1BRs are scarce; expect $1,100+ if you find one. Houses start at $1,800.
• The Good: This is the city’s green lung. The streets are a canopy of ancient oaks, built for strolling. You’re a 5-minute walk from Lincoln Parish Park, which has the best trails in the parish. The schools (South Highlands Elementary) are the main draw for families—it’s a fortress of good public education. Walkability is king here; you can hit The Coffee Black for a morning espresso and Fertitta's Deli for a muffuletta without moving your car.
• The Bad: Parking is a nightmare on game days and during the holiday tour of homes. The housing stock is old, meaning drafty windows and plumbing surprises. It's insular; if you didn't grow up here, you'll feel it.
• Best For: Families who prioritize schools and a manicured lifestyle over nightlife.
• Insider Tip: Drive down Dalzell Street on a Saturday morning to see the neighborhood in its element.

Highland

• The Vibe: Hipster Historic
• Rent Check: Right on the city average, maybe $950 for a renovated shotgun. Duplexes are the play.
• The Good: This is the only neighborhood where you can feel the city's pulse. The grid of streets south of I-20 is packed with character. Walkability is unmatched; you can bar-hop from The Noble Savage to The Missing Link to The Garage without ever crossing a major road. The Highland Arts Theatre is a legit cultural hub. It’s a young, loud, creative scene that actually feels alive.
• The Bad: Crime bleeds over from the surrounding areas. You have to be smart about locking doors and not leaving things in your car. Noise is constant, especially on weekend nights. Street parking is a competitive sport.
• Best For: Young professionals and artists who want to be in the middle of the action.
• Insider Tip: The alleyways behind Creswell Avenue are where you'll find the most interesting, hidden renovations.

South Shreveport

• The Vibe: New Suburbia
• Rent Check: A 1BR apartment here will run you $980-$1,100.
• The Good: Everything is new, clean, and predictable. If you need a Target, a Whole Foods, and a dentist appointment on the same afternoon, this is your zone. The schools are newer and well-funded. It’s the safest bet for a generic, comfortable suburban life. Easy access to I-49 for a commute to the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum area or further north.
• The Bad: It has all the personality of a strip mall. You will drive everywhere. The traffic on Youree Drive south of I-20 during rush hour is soul-crushing. It’s a cultural vacuum compared to Highland or South Highlands.
• Best For: New families that want a big house with a yard and don't care about a "neighborhood feel."
• Insider Tip: The stretch of East Kings Highway between Youree Drive and Line Avenue has some surprisingly good, non-chain restaurants hidden in the shopping centers.

Broadmoor/Southpark

• The Vibe: Mid-Century Steady
• Rent Check: The value king. 1BRs can be found for $800-$875.
• The Good: This is where you buy. The houses are solid 1950s/60s brick ranches with big yards and mature trees, for a fraction of South Highlands prices. It's centrally located, making the commute to Barksdale AFB or the airport painless. The Southpark Mall area is getting a facelift, and the new Shreveport Aquarium is a short drive. You get a real neighborhood feel without the South Highlands price tag.
• The Bad: It’s a mixed bag. Some blocks are pristine, others show their age. Crime can be an issue if you stray too far west. The schools are average, not elite.
• Best For: First-time homebuyers and value seekers who want space and location over prestige.
• Insider Tip: Look for streets off East Flournoy Lucas Road. The lots are bigger and it feels more secluded.

Strategic Recommendations

• For Families: South Highlands is the only serious answer if you can afford it. The school district is a moat. If that's out of reach, look to the established pockets of South Shreveport near Walter O. Bigby Carriage Drive for newer schools and safer streets. Avoid anything west of I-490.

• For Wall St / Tech: Assuming a remote commute, Highland gives you the lifestyle. You can walk to three coffee shops and five bars. If your office is actually in downtown Shreveport, South Highlands gives you a quick drive down Line Avenue. If you're flying out of Shreveport Regional weekly, Broadmoor/Southpark is your logistical winner; you can be at security in 12 minutes.

• The Value Play: Broadmoor/Southpark. The city is pushing development south. The infrastructure is solid, the housing stock is durable and undervalued, and the proximity to the airport and base makes it a safe bet for appreciation. Buy a brick ranch here, put $30k into it, and in 5 years you'll be sitting on gold.