For a retirement that puts you in a beautiful location, with easy access to iconic cities on the Gulf Coast, Louisiana can’t be beat. This colorful state has a low cost of living and a vibrant culture that will keep you on your toes and help you make the most of your newfound freedom.
NewHomeSource has compiled the top 10 cities for retirees in Louisiana. You can find a fantastic place for your new life and new homes designed for comfort and convenience, so take the first step to making the perfect retirement a reality.
Top 10 Cities to Retire in Louisiana
1. Bastrop
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 12.9%
Median Home Value: $72,200
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 102
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 827
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 5
Retirees looking for their next adventure should put Bastrop on the top of their list of places to retire. This bucolic community sits near the Georgia Pacific Wildlife Management Center and the Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge, perfect for active adults that want to connect with Mother Nature.
2. Bogalusa
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.7%
Median Home Value: $87,800
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 147
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 539
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 2
If you’re looking to kick back and relax during your retirement, then Bogalusa is the perfect town for you. You can spend your retirement enjoying a peaceful and private community in a serene natural setting when you invest in your new home and new life in Bogalusa.
3. Abbeville
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 17.5%
Median Home Value: $95,400
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 101
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 315
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 8
Abbeville is a charming Lafayette suburb that gives retirees a serene place to call home. You can enjoy a peaceful retirement and take advantage of this town’s low cost of living and affordable homes.
4. Minden
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 19.7%
Median Home Value: $97,200
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 105
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 397
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 2
Just east of Shreveport, the lovely town of Minden is mere minutes from the Caney Lakes Recreation Area, giving active adults the ability to enjoy not only an affordable community but also the best in water activities.
5. Opelousas
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.9%
Median Home Value: $98,100
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 394
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,287
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 6
Opelousas offers a fun culture for retirees who want to stay active and engaged with their community during their golden years. Located north of Lafayette, Opelousas has several interesting museums like the Louisiana Orphan Train Museum and the Creole Heritage Folklife Center that ensure you’ll always have something new to explore.
6. Jennings
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 17.8%
Median Home Value: $113,000
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 20
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 181
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 4
With places like the Gator Chateau and the Zigler Art Museum, Jennings offers an eclectic mix of things to do. Another is the W.H. Tupper General Merchandise Museum, a fun place to take the grandkids to learn more about local culture.
7. Eunice
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 15.1%
Median Home Value: $114,200
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 51
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 550
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 6
In addition to being home to the Cajun Music Hall of Fame, Eunice is a fantastic place for your retirement home. This affordable town gives residents easy access to Lafayette and Baton Rouge, so you can enjoy the best the city has to offer, without the hustle, bustle and high price tags.
8. New Iberia
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 15.8%
Median Home Value: $114,600
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 49
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 654
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 7
Enjoy a laid-back life on the bayou when you retire in New Iberia. This beautiful community serves up historical architecture and scenic views of Louisiana’s wetlands. Active adults can explore the numerous nearby parks and trails, making it easy to stay active and healthy in New Iberia.
9. Crowley
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 17.2%
Median Home Value: $115,300
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 158
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 528
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 9
Crowley is a fantastic community west of Lafayette in Acadia Parish. This adorable town lets retirees enjoy the best that the nearby city has to offer, while providing a serene retreat to call home. Topping off Crowley’s charms is its incredibly low cost of living and affordable homes.
10. Baker
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 12.2%
Median Home Value: $129,800
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 51
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 326
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 7
Located just north of Baton Rouge, Baker has all the necessary urban amenities, including parks, shopping centers, places of worship and grocery stores. At the south end of the city, you’ll find a golf course, community park and BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo.
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services, Medicare’s Hospital Compare and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. Median home price, number of hospitals, 65+ population, and crime rates were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each city whose population is at least 10,000.
Common Questions About Retiring in Louisiana
Louisiana is a tax-friendly state for retirees. The state does not tax Social Security income or income from public pensions. It also has the third lowest property taxes in the country.
People over the age of 65 can receive a tax freeze on their primary dwelling in Louisiana.
Access to Doctors is calculated by finding the number of hospitals, discounting children’s hospitals and VA hospitals within one mile of the city.
Other Louisiana Resources
Sarah graduated from Trinity University in 2012 with a degree in International Relations and Political Science. She writes blogs on new homes, decor, communities, and more for NewHomeSource. When she’s not writing, you can find her spending time with her three cats.
Glen Minnix
I lived off St. Charles Ave for several years in the early 90’s. Have since retired to Las Vegas 3 years ago. Am currently the caregiver for my stepdad, he’s 83 and has no legs. When he passes I would like to move back to NOLA! I loved my time there with the music, food and night life and of course the low cost of living, not to mention MardiGras and the JazzFest. My favorite food in the world is the Blue Crab which only lives off the Chesapeake Bay and off the coast of LA, yeah. Used to go to St. Charles Tavern on Tuesday nites for all you can eat crab! Anyway, am curious to find out if I could return to living off St. Charles Avenue or possibly renting a houseboat. What kind of money are we talking about to do this?
Jamie Garcia
Hi Glen,
You can find new home listings for New Orleans here: https://www.newhomesource.com/communities/la/new-orleans-area/new-orleans