10 Best Independent Living Communities in Shreveport, LA

Independent Living in Shreveport, LA

Independent living communities, also known simply as retirement communities in Shreveport, LA, are geared towards seniors who are able to live on their own, without daily assistance, and prefer to live among people their age. This usually means residents are self-sufficient and do not require hands-on care. Think of Shreveport retirement communities as age-restricted (typically 55+) complexes, which provide organized activities, meal services, and transportation.

Cost of Independent Living in Shreveport, LA

The median monthly cost of independent living in Shreveport is about $1,662 in the city proper, and $1,827 within the metropolitan area. The median monthly cost for independent living in the state of Louisiana is around $1,949.

For this type of senior living, Shreveport, LA offers many great options, and A Place for Mom can help you find the right one.

Learn More About Shreveport, LA

Cost of Living

The third largest city in Louisiana, Shreveport is known as a commercial and cultural center in the region. Its cost of living is significantly less expensive than the U.S. average. All index scores are based on a scale with the national average set at 100.

Cost-of-living index	Grocery index	Median rent	Rent burden	Median home value	Median family income	Estate tax
84	88	$756	16.1% spend over 30% of their income on rent	$136,459	$37,390	None

Local Hospitals

The Shreveport region has several highly-rated hospitals, and the following are often listed among the best in the area:

• Mercy Regional Medical Center – Mercy Regional, a 109-bed hospital, has been rated a high-performing rural and community hospital and is often listed among the nation’s top 100 medical facilities. In particular, the hospital received recognition in treating heart attacks and pneumonia, as well as in conducting surgery.
• Park Place Surgical Center – Ranked within the top 20 U.S. hospitals for patient care, Park Place focuses on quality, non-invasive surgical procedures. These wide-ranging surgery specialties include spine, colon, knee, carpal tunnel, and more.
• Central Louisiana Surgical Hospital – This home-like surgery center values not only safe, effective procedures, but also emphasizes recovery. Physicians aim to serve patients throughout the entire process, with the goal of an enhanced quality of life.

Weather and Climate

The climate of Shreveport, LA is considered humid subtropical – residents can expect hot summers and mild winters. The temperature in Shreveport, LA rarely falls below 50F in the winter. On average, the humidity level for Shreveport is about 72%. This number usually peaks in May, at around 74% humidity.

Seasonal Temperatures

Average summer temp	Typical summer high	Typical summer low	Average winter temp	Typical winter high	Typical winter low
84°F	95°F (August)	72°F (August)	50°F	62°F (February)	38°F (January)

Air Quality

Average air quality index rating	Average maximum air quality index rating
42 (Good)	59 in July (December)

Precipitation

Average monthly precipitation	Average maximum monthly precipitation	Average yearly snowfall
4”	5” (March)	1”

Demographics and Values

Shreveport leans liberal, with a majority of the population voting for a Democratic candidate in four of the last five presidential elections. However, less than 10 percent of Shreveport voters made up this majority, making the city’s liberal bend a slight one. The industries of manufacturing, biotechnology, defense, digital media, and health care contribute heavily to the economy. Barksdale Air Force Base, located in the area, employs more than 14 thousand people. LSU Health Science Center, Willis-Knighton Medical Center, and University Health each boast more than two thousand workers.

Demographically, the Black community accounts for the majority of Shreveport’s population. A long-spanning history makes its presence felt at a diverse, vibrant array of Black culture sites, including the Stephens African American Museum and the Southern University Museum of Art, which houses two thousand culturally significant pieces. In the city’s active Red River District, the African Archway showcases proud, bright murals that pay tribute to the Black impact on Shreveport. Lastly, Black culture in Shreveport also influences theater – the city’s Theatre of Performing Arts amplifies the work of Black dramatists, along with hosting beloved jazz concerts and workshops.

In addition to comprising the city’s artistry, the Black majority in Shreveport also has notable economic power and support. In 2012, the city was home to an estimated 9,800 Black-owned businesses, a number that continues to climb today. The Shreveport-Bossier African American Chamber provides resources and connections for these companies.

2016 Presidential Election Results for Caddo County

Voted Democratic	Voted Republican	Voted Third Party
50.6%	46.3%	3.1%

Population Statistics

Population metro area	Population city proper	Population density	Population trend
443,708	287,432	692 people per square mile	Shrinking at a rate of 1.41% since 2010

Age

Median	55+	60+	70+	80+
35	27%	10%	6%	4%

Highest Level of Education

High-school diploma	College degree	Graduate degree
32%	25%	10%

Race & Ethnicity

Asian	Black	Hispanic	Native American	Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian	White	Two or more
1.7%	57.1%	2.5%	0.4%	<0.1%	37.0%	1.8%

Crime

Total crimes	Property crimes per 1,000 citizens	Violent crimes per 1,000 citizens
11,472	57	10

Miscellaneous

Unemployed	Participate in the labor force	Have some form of disability	Live in poverty	Widows	Veterans
7%	59%	15%	26%	5%	8%

Shreveport is considered very friendly to members of the LGBTQ+ community. This means that members of the LGBTQ+ community are accepted by the general public and can actively participate in public life without fear of bigotry. The city prohibits discrimination based on sexuality in the areas of employment, housing, and public accomodations, as noted by the Human Rights Campaign. The area organization People Acting for Change and Equality (PACE) advocates for LGBTQ+ acceptance and pride, hosting regular meetings and events. Annually, Shreveport residents can attend an LGBTQ+ film festival and the city’s celebratory Pride in the Park event.

Arts, Culture, Entertainment, and Recreation

Shreveport’s Red River District represents the city’s downtown commercial and entertainment presence. This popular area contains more than a dozen local businesses, from restaurants and bars to retail establishments. One of Shreveport’s largest and most frequented businesses is Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino, where residents and visitors flock to test their luck.

The city fascinates its visitors and residents with its active, varied museum scene. The Louisiana State Exhibit Museum spotlights art deco works and Native American artifacts. Art enthusiasts can continue their tour with the Meadows Museum of Art and the more recently-established Marlene Yu Museum, which exhibits the playful, nature-inspired murals of its namesake. Meanwhile, step back in time at Spring Street Historical Museum, a homage to local history housed in a 19th-century building. The unique Stage of the Stars Music Museum, located inside the city’s municipal auditorium, emphasizes Louisiana’s musical prominence, specifically Elvis’s early performances within the city.

Transportation

The city’s public transportation, managed by SporTran, consists of 50 buses and 28 regular bus routes. The system also operates LiftLine, an accessible, direct-to-destination paratransit service. Public transportation services run all days of the week, with the exception of major holidays. Seniors, people with disabilities, and Medicare cardholders pay reduced fares.