Shreveport, Louisiana and Bossier City, Louisiana

What you need to know about Shreveport LA or Bossier City LA

About Shreveport LA and Bossier City LA

Shreveport is the third largest city in Louisiana and ranks as the 113^th largest city in the US.

Shreveport LA comprises 120.8 square miles and considered the commercial and cultural center of the Ark-La-Tex region, where Louisiana, Texas and Arkansas meet.

As the seat of Caddo Parish, Shreveport extends along the beautiful Red River into neighboring Bossier Parish. Just across the Red River from Shreveport, Louisiana, its sister city, Bossier City, blends vibrant entertainment venues with friendly, home-town attitudes. The Red River itself, is lined by numerous communities, neighborhoods, and parks, including Wright Island, the Charles and Marie Hamel Memorial Park, and Bagley Island.

As of the 2010 census, the population of Shreveport was 199,311 (93,354 males and 105,957 females) and the average age was 35. As for Bossier City, Louisiana, the population was counted at 61,315 with 29,962 males and 31,353 females. The Shreveport Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) of northwestern Louisiana comprises Caddo Parish, Bossier Parish, Webster Parish and Desoto Parish. The population of MSA was 439,000; although a July 2012 estimate placed the population at 447,000 ranking it 111 in the United States.

Shreveport possesses a mixed workforce of blue-collar and white collar jobs, with a large population of young, single, educated, and career oriented people. The per capita income level in Shreveport (2010) was about $23,995, placing it in the upper middle income level as compared to the rest of Louisiana. Additionally, the Shreveport-Bossier City area also offers a wholesome environment with good education system, excellent healthcare facilities, and low priced homes and affordable Shreveport - Bossier City apartments and rental units which all provide a catalyst for starting and raising families.

History of Shreveport and Bossier City Louisiana

Shreveport was named after Henry Miller Shreve (10-21-1785 to 3-6-1851), a steamboat captain and inventor who lead the US Army Corps of Engineers efforts in clearing a natural log jam (called The Great Raft) along the Red River from 1832 to 1839. Previous to this time, the Great Raft had clogged up the Red River for over 150 miles of its length, thus obstructing the passage to shipping.

In 1836, Shreveport, Louisiana, was officially founded by the Shreve Town Company, a corporation established for developing a town at the juncture where the newly-navigable Red River met the Texas Trail. The Texas Trail was an overland route into the newly independent Republic of Texas (and previously into Mexico).

The section of land comprising the boundaries of Shreve Town was originally sold to the company by the indigenous Caddo Indians in 1835. Originally, the new town consisted of only 64 city blocks with eight streets running west from the Red River transected by eight streets running south from Cross Bayou, one of the Red River tributaries.

In 1838 Caddo Parish was divided from the large Natchitoches Parish and Shreve Town became its parish seat. On March 20, 1839, Shreve Town was incorporated as Shreveport.

Shreveport soon became the regional center of steamboat commerce of mostly cotton and agricultural crops. Shreveport also had a slave market, although slave trading there was not as widespread as in other parts of Louisiana. By 1860, the Shreveport city limits had a population of 2,200 free people and 1,300 slaves.

During the Civil War (1863 to 1865), Shreveport was a Confederate stronghold and the headquarters of the Trans-Mississippi Department of the Confederate Army. In fact, after Robert E. Lee's surrender in April 1865, the Civil War continued in the Trans-Mississippi theater for several months and Shreveport briefly became the Confederate capital.

Today, the city’s original 64-block town is the downtown Shreveport central business district (CBD) and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In fact, among Louisiana cities, Shreveport is second only to New Orleans for its number of historic landmarks.

The Red River: After the Red River was opened by Shreve in the 1830s, navigation was active until 1914 when traffic slowed due to the rise of the railroad as the preferred means of transportation. During the following years, the Red River was allowed to begin silting up. In fact, navigation of the Red River to Shreveport and Bossier City was not even possible again until the 1990s. Today, the Port of Shreveport-Bossier City provides a powerhouse of domestic and international trade access with a strategic location including a 2000-acre complex and superior transportation network including rail, interstates, water, and air.

Barksdale Air Force Base: In 1932, Barksdale Air Force Base was established as Barksdale Field, in Bossier City, and it is named after a World War I aviator, Second Lieutenant Eugene Hoy Barksdale. On February 13, 1948, on the day the United States Air Force Base was established as a separate branch of the military, the airfield was renamed to Barksdale Air Force Base.

Barksdale Air Force Base jumped into the national spotlight when President George W. Bush was brought their in the midst of the 9-11 attacks on New York and Washington DC.

Today, Barksdale Air Force Base is one of the largest military bases in the United States, covering about 22,000 acres, and has an annual economic impact to the Shreveport - Bossier City area of over 855 million with an annual payroll of over $484 million. As the largest employer in the Shreveport and Bossier City area, Barksdale Air Force Base (AFB) services a population of over 7800 active duty and reservists, 7700 military family members and over 2150 civilian employees. Additionally, Barksdale services about 40,000 retirees and their families living within 50 miles of the base.

At Barksdale AFB, the military family housing is privatized. The Hunt Military Communities owns the family housing (http://www.barksdalefamilyhousing.com/ ) and that entity is oversees the maintenance, construction and managing of the associated Barksdale AFB Housing. For more information relating to this housing at Barksdale Air Force Base please visit: www.housing.af.mil/barksdale/

Additionally, many Barksdale personnel and their families live in Barksdale Air Force Base apartments and Barksdale AFB rental communities in Bossier City and Shreveport, LA. Many conventional apartment communities in Bossier City and apartments in Shreveport feature discounts for Barksdale Air Force Base apartment residents and active military personnel. Some of the most active apartments near to Barksdale Air Force Base include Lexington Place Apartments, Ultris at Island Park, Alexis Park Apartments, Reflections of Island Park Apartments, Jamestown Apartments, Reserve of Bossier City, The Landing at Willow Bayou, Villaggio Apartments, Northgate, Preston Place Apartments, and Port au Prince Apartments.

Employment in Shreveport and Bossier City, LA

Some of the leading employment industries Shreveport and Bossier City, Louisiana include manufacturing, warehouse facilities and distribution, tourism, agriculture, education, medical, service industries and oil/gas production and exploration. Following Barksdale Air Force Base (8655 employees) as the area’s largest employer, other major employers include the LSU Health Sciences Center (6295 employees), Wal-mart Stores (5848 employees), Willis Knighton Health Systems (5825 employees), Christus Schumpert Health System (1900 employees), Brookshire’s/Super 1 Foods (1220 employees), and Libbey Glass, Inc. (950 employees). Apartments in Shreveport and especially, Bossier City Apartments near to Barksdale Air Force Base cater to major employers and often offer employee rental discounts and specials … Ask your apartment leasing agent about individual policies and restrictions at your new apartment in Shreveport or Bossier City, LA.

Entertainment and Tourism – Jobs and more: Shreveport's most famous musician was the blues guitarist and singer, Huddie William Leadbetter, also known as Lead Belly (1888 to 1949). Lead Belly frequently performed in Shreveport's red light district, St. Paul's Bottoms, and was later buried in the community of Mooringsport, in a cemetery just to the north of Shreveport.

In the mid 1990s, the coming of riverboat gambling on and along the Red River, spurred a revitalization of many of the downtown Shreveport areas along the Shreveport and Bossier City riverfront. Adjacent downtown Shreveport areas were given facelifts through the "Streetscape" project. As such, brick sidewalks and crosswalks were developed along with the addition of various artistic statues, sculptures, and mosaics. Additionally, the Texas Street Bridge between Shreveport and Bossier City was lit up with a motif of controversial neon lights.

The Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourism Bureau reports that over 8 million people visit the area per year. In addition to tourism, Shreveport and Bossier City has also become a dynamic center for major conventions and trade shows. The area’s state-of-the-art Convention Center, completed in 2007, offers 350,000 square feet of adaptable space attached to the Hilton Hotel, featuring approximately 300 rooms.

Riverfront Casinos Employment: Ranked among the top-ten American gaming markets, the area casinos and gaming centers have been a huge win-fall to the economy and employment in Shreveport and Bossier City, LA. Major contributors to this Northwest Louisiana employment market include Harrah’s Horseshoe Casino & Hotel/Harrah’s Louisiana Downs (2000 employees), Eldorado Resort Casino (1400 employees), Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino (1265 employees), Margaritaville (1000 employees), Diamond Jack’s Casino Resort (837 employees), and Boomtown Casino (644 employees).

Many Shreveport apartment communities as well as apartments in Bossier City, LA cater to the casino and entertainment district, both as a geographical amenity for their apartment residents and as an employment source. Some of the apartments in Shreveport that are convenient to the casinos are River Walk Apartment Homes, Reflections of Island Park, Island Park, Champion Lake, River Scape Apartments, Villages of Williamsburg, The Chateau Apartments, Northgate Apartments, The Pier / Landing Apartments, Residences of Riverbend Apartment Homes, and the Willows - Wright Island. Bossier Apartments close to Shreveport and Bossier City Casinos include Chaparral Apartment Homes, Lexington Place Apartment Homes, Mission Village, Northgate, Port Au Prince, Preston Place Apartments, La Crosse Apartment Homes, and Alexis Park.

Set away from the Riverfront area, Harrah’s Louisiana Downs and Casino https://www.caesars.com/harrahs-louisiana-downs blends the excitement of thoroughbred horse racing with a variety of fine eateries and 1300 slot machines in a plush casino setting.

Bossier City LA Apartments near to Louisiana Downs include Stockwell Landing, Le Rivage Apartment Homes, and Villaggio Apartments in Bossier City.

Film Industry Jobs: Certain tax credits offered by the State of Louisiana have made Louisiana’s film industry, the third largest in the entire United States, trailing only California and New York. An the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina striking New Orleans and the Gulf Coast in 2005, many of the filmmakers active in that area moved to the Shreveport and Bossier City, Louisiana area. Today, the film and television industry of the area has produced over 122 movie and television productions with budgets totaling over $1 billion and utilizing more than 7000 crew and employee positions. Combining the state tax credits with Shreveport’s reputation for ease of production along with excellent community and governmental support and stream-lined permit processing, major production companies have enjoyed filming at unprecedented, low rates. Some of the major 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.

Oil & Gas Industry Jobs: Oil and gas has always been one of the major industries and employment/job sources in North Louisiana. However, the relatively recent discovery and subsequent production from the Haynesville Shale natural gas formation, located primarily beneath Caddo, Bossier, DeSoto, and Red River Parishes, has produced an unprecedented positive impact on the economy of North Louisiana making it the 2^nd highest producer of natural gas in the country! The Haynesville Formation lies more than 10,000 feet deep in areas of northwest Louisiana, southwest Arkansas, and eastern Texas. Although recent oil price dips have dampened activity, the Haynesville Formation “play” has been estimated to represent an equivalent of nearly 18 years of current U.S. oil production according to the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association. Many apartments in Shreveport and some Bossier City LA apartments have programs designed specifically for oil industry employees, and some of these rental discounts are in conjunction with short term apartment leases. Consult your leasing agent to learn more.

Manufacturing Jobs: Manufacturers located in the Shreveport - Bossier City area include over 250 diverse manufacturers, employing over 20,000 people. Shreveport is home to the Louisiana Center for Manufacturing Sciences. Focusing on micro-manufacturing capabilities, this research consortium develops, demonstrates and implements technological innovation in manufacturing sciences. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, an emerging pharmaceutical company, began expansion of its Shreveport facility in 2009. Another positive boost to local employment from the Caddo-Bossier Port are from three new tenants, Ronpak, Benteler International AG and Elio Motors (at the former General Motors Shreveport Plant).

Hillside Apartment Homes, Cedar Creek Village Apartments, Seasons, River Oaks Apartments, Southwood Village Apartments, and Residences of Spring Ridge Apartments are all Shreveport LA Apartments that are close to the new Elio Motors facility.

Agriculture Industry: Agriculture and farming is a significant contributor to the overall economy of Northwestern Louisiana. Major agricultural crops and commodities for the area include cotton, soybeans, feed grains, beef cattle, poultry, and horses.

Medical Facilities and Employment: The Shreveport and Bossier City area is a regional medical hub with a variety of nationally recognized healthcare programs and research centers. Within the three-parish area there are 21 hospitals, boasting 3500 beds and 1241 physicians. Shreveport is home to one of the South’s finest teaching hospitals: the Louisiana State University Health Science’s Center. Additionally, the region houses a primary veteran care facility, Overton Brooks VA Medical Center, as well as oldest Shriner’s Hospital in North America (1922). The Biomedical Research Foundation of Northwest Louisiana leads the region with expansion and support of enterprises that advance healthcare delivery, medical research and medical technology. The Foundation operates the Virginia K. Shehee Biomedical Research Institute, a $37 million research facility with 160,000 square feet and 56 modern laboratories, housing over 200 researchers, technicians and support personnel. Many Shreveport apartments and apartments in Bossier City offer major employer discounts so be sure to ask your apartment rental center.

Living in Shreveport and Bossier City, Louisiana.

The cost of living in Shreveport and Bossier City, LA is only 95.2 percent of the national average. As such, Shreveport and Bossier City apartment residents and home owners enjoy a cost of living below the national average categories such as food, housing, utilities, healthcare, transportation, and miscellaneous goods and services.

Schools Districts.

Shreveport and Bossier City public schools belong to two main districts: Caddo Parish School District (62 schools) and Bossier Parish School District (35 schools).

Caddo Public Schools http://www.caddoschools.org/ is a school district based in Shreveport. The district serves all of Caddo Parish and is divided into 12 districts http://www.caddoschools.org/caddo-parish-district-map . Caddo schools encompass the flavor as well as the diversity of the community served. Caddo Public Schools is also home to 12 National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence (designated by the U.S. Department of Education) and boasts several of the Louisiana’s top performing schools.

Bossier Public Schools http://www.bossierschools.org/elemschools has been named one of the fastest growing school districts in Louisiana, in both student enrollment (a record-breaking 21,655 students) and also in performance. Each school of the Bossier Parish School District offers each child a full array of learning opportunities, including Honors classes and Advanced Placement all the way to Robotics and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) curriculums.

When evaluating the location of your new apartment in Shreveport, LA or Bossier City rental, be sure to consider the distance and transportation options for area schools.

Colleges and Universities.

Shreveport’s citizens boast a slightly better education level than the national average with 24.84% of area residents having a bachelor’s degree or an advanced degree. While there are over 15 schools in the Shreveport-Bossier City area, only six of these are public or private not-for-profit institutions.

Louisiana State University - Shreveport (LSUS) is a large public state university located in the southern portion of Shreveport off of Youree Dr. LSUS has approximately 63 programs leading to bachelor's or master's degrees or post-master's degrees. Popular study subjects include general studies, business administration and management, as well as psychology and biology/biological sciences. Founded in 1967, LSUS has a total of 4,535 enrolled students (2012) and has become an driving force in the dynamic Shreveport - Bossier City area. The LSUS Mission is to educate and promote critical thinking for its well-rounded students. Best of all, the U.S. Department of Education has classified LSUS as one of the most affordable colleges in Louisiana.

Apartments near LSUS include: Haystack Apartments, Raintree Apartments, Stone Canyon, Millicent Crossing, Sommerset, Orleans Square, Stone Canyon, and Laurel Parc.

Some LSUS apartments have programs and rental discounts for LSUS Students and staff members … ask your leasing representative.

For More Information go to http://www.lsus.edu/

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, also known as LSU Health Shreveport, opened in 1969 and is the only medical school in northern Louisiana.

Southern University at Shreveport is situated on a 103-acre campus. Located on Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive in northwestern Shreveport, this university has six academic divisions offering approximately 54 programs. The Division of Allied Health at Southern University is Shreveport's largest program, with seven associate degree programs and five other certificate programs. Apartment near Southern University at Shreveport include Nantucket Harbor Apartments, Chimney Hill Apartments, the Towers Apartments and Summer Pointe Apartments. For more information, go to: http://www.susla.edu/

Centenary College of Louisiana is small college of under 1000 students, located near to the heart of Shreveport, just south of Downtown, at 2911 Centenary Boulevard. Founded in 1825, Centenary College of Louisiana is the 43^rd oldest college/university in the entire United States (out of over 3000). It originally opened as the College of Louisiana and was located in the village of Jackson.

Annually, Centenary College attendees earn approximately 153 bachelor's degrees and 42 master's degrees in common areas of study that include biology/biological sciences, psychology and kinesiology/exercise science (57 program options). Master's degrees awarded include business administration/management (BA), elementary education and secondary education. Some apartments near Centenary College have student programs and rental specials so ask the leasing management office. Some of the more reputable Centenary College apartments include Millbrook Apartments, Chateau Apartments, Villages of Williamsburg, River Scape Apartments, Coates Bluff at Wright Island and the Willows at Wright Island.

For more information, go to: http://www.centenary.edu/

Bossier Parish Community College is located at 6220 East Texas Street in eastern Bossier City. This school is the ideal choice for introductory students. Some apartments near Bossier Parish Community College have special student programs and apartment rental discounts. A few of the Parish Community College apartments are Villaggio Apartments in Bossier City and Stockwell Landing Apartment Homes.

For more information, go to: http://www.susla.edu/

Northwest Louisiana Technical College - Shreveport Campus was originally founded in 1936 as The Shreveport Trade School. It has an impressive history of providing high quality technical as well as career training in the Ark-La-Tex region. Throughout the years, the training and educational programs at NWLTC have advanced with new technologies to meet the challenges of local businesses and industry. Northwest LTC graduates are employed throughout the Shreveport and Bossier City area as business owners, barbers, chefs, computer technicians, nurses, auto technicians, and diesel technicians, just to name a few. Located at 2010 N. Market Street in Shreveport, Apartments near NWLTC include Lake Front Apartments and Grand Oaks Apartments in Shreveport, LA.

For more information, got to http://www.nwltc.edu/

The Northwestern State University College of Nursing in Shreveport http://nursing.nsula.edu/ is one of the largest nursing schools in northern Louisiana.

Louisiana Tech University at Shreveport-Bossier City http://shrevebossier.latech.edu/ was launched in 2012. This 20,000 sq. ft. Shreveport Center offers their Executive MBA and main campus undergraduate and graduate degree programs at the university's Shreveport Center.

Virginia College, a chain of private for profit institutions, is a new college that opened in Shreveport/Bossier City in early 2012. Virginia College offers career training in areas including business and office, medical, health and even medical billing. Virginia College also offers online degree programs.

Transportation to, from, and in Shreveport and Bossier City, LA

Regional Airports

http://www.flyshreveport.com/

From its beginnings in 1931 until 1952, Shreveport Downtown Airport served as the community’s commercial airport. Service was initially provided by Delta Air Lines with initial routes going from Dallas to Shreveport and on to Monroe, LA and Jackson, Mississippi.

Following World War II, the demand for expanded airline service at Shreveport increased, and the decision was made to build a new airport in the western portion of Shreveport. Today, Shreveport Downtown Airport serves to cater to downtown businesses clients, and many owners of small private planes house and operate their planes at this facility.

Following a general election in 1949, the current airport site was approved and on July 6, 1952, the new airport officially replaced the Shreveport Downtown Airport as the community’s air carrier airport. In 1971, the name of the airport was changed to Shreveport Regional Airport. At that time the new 160,000-square-foot terminal was constructed with two new concourse as well as an administration building, connector bridges and additional parking. In 1998, ground was broken on a $30 million expansion/renovation project at Shreveport Regional, including a brand new 66,000-square-foot, terminal building on the east side of the administration building and concourses.

Today, Shreveport Regional Airport boasts over 300,000 passenger boardings per year from four airlines. The airport features 6 non-stop destinations with over 20 non-stop departures per day, from which connections are available to worldwide. There are many Shreveport apartments that are convenient to Shreveport Regional Airport. Some of these apartments in Shreveport are Westwood Village Apartments, Villages of Westlake Apartments, Tree Tops Apartments, and Ashton Pines apartments.

Bus Transportation

http://www.sportran.org/

The bus system of Shreveport and Bossier City is known as SporTran (The Shreveport Area Transit System). SporTran operates 7 days a week, from 6A to 8P (with shorter operations on the weekends) with 17 bus routes. All bus routes converge at the Downtown Terminal in Downtown Shreveport (400 Crockett St.). As one of the oldest public transportation systems in the southern USA, SporTran has been in continual service for over 125 years!

The SporTran fleet includes more than 50 buses equipped to handle all passengers, including handicapped. The newest SporTran buses are also equipped with the emission reduction systems and some even feature Hybrid technology.

Things to DO in Shreveport and Bossier City.

There are so many things to do in Shreveport and Bossier City Louisiana; you may have to make extra time to discover the possibilities. Below is an outline of some of Shreveport and Bossier City’s favorites.

Annual parades and festivals include: The Krewes of Gemini and Centaur Mardi Gras Parades occur in February and March; The Red River Revel Festival in Shreveport-Bossier celebrating the arts with more than 100 artists from across the US; the Mudbug Madness festival (since 1984) is now nationally recognized as one of the Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 10 Events; the Cork event attracts wine aficionados from across Louisiana, east Texas and southwest Arkansas; Brew occurs during Oktoberfest as a premium beer tasting event designed as a fundraiser for the Red River Revel and Mudbug Madness; ARTini gives guests the opportunity to bid on original artwork and taste martinis concocted by local restaurants and organizations; the Let the Good Times Roll annual event is held the third weekend of June and highlights the music, art, and food of the African American culture; and The Defenders of Liberty Airshow is one of the largest air show in the nation and allows Shreveport-Bossier to showcase the home of the B-52. Just imagine … as a resident of an apartment in Shreveport, LA or of a Bossier City apartment, you’ll enjoy frequenting these exciting events with family and friends … you’re going to just love this side of Louisiana!

The State Fair of Louisiana http://www.statefairoflouisiana.com/ is situated on approximately 157 acres located just off Interstate 20, and is about three miles west of downtown Shreveport. This annual event takes place for 16 days and is one of the longest running and the biggest state fairs in Louisiana.

Jubilee Zoo

Located on over 20 acres, Jubilee Zoo http://jubileezoo.com/ is a family-fun venue, offering exotic animals, a petting zoo, pony rides, bounce houses, playgrounds, and scenic picnic areas! This is a perfect venue for birthday parties, field trips, reunions, corporate picnics/ parties, and any time you’re ready for some family fun! Jubilee Zoo is located 5 miles north of Shreveport on Highway 1 (North Market).

Splash Kingdom Water Park.

Splash Kingdom Waterpark is conveniently situated off of I-20 in Shreveport, Louisiana. Splash Kingdom is fun for the whole family, so grab the family, suites and towels and go check it out! http://www.splashkingdomwaterpark.com/shreveport/index.html

Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center

The current facility of Sci-Port opened to the public on November 21, 1998. This impressive center features over 200 interactive science programs and exhibits, all situated in six Discovery Galleries, a demonstration theater, an IMAX Dome Theatre and a nationally touring exhibitions, a cafe and a gift shop. http://www.sciport.org/

The ASEANA Asian Gardens.

Located in downtown Shreveport, the Asiana Asian Gardens represents 15 Asian countries within its lush landscaping and colorful beds. The gardens also boast artifacts and statues imported from Asian countries which are spread through the multi-leveled public spaces. A real treat for the whole family … experience Asia without leaving Louisiana!

R.W. Norton Art Gallery

The R. W. Norton Art Gallery http://www.rwnaf.org/ located in Shreveport, Louisiana, houses priceless collections of American and European paintings, decorative arts and sculptures, spanning over four centuries. Since opening its doors in 1966, this museum has gained notoriety around the country for its impressive artwork collections by American western artists including those of Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell.

The Shreveport Municipal Memorial Auditorium

This impressive facility was built in 1926 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. http://www.shreveportmunicipalauditorium.com/ Located on historic Elvis Presley Ave., the stately Shreveport Municipal Auditorium is a versatile facility that possesses superior acoustics. This venue is perfect for live concerts, sporting events, touring drama acts, family shows and parties, graduations and even debutante balls in Shreveport, Louisiana.

The Gardens of the American Rose Center

The incredible Gardens of the American Rose Center http://www.rose.org/ are located on a 118-acre wooded tract in western Shreveport, LA. These gardens house the national headquarters of the American Rose Society. As the largest park in the USA that is dedicated to roses, the botanical garden of the American Rose Center showcases over 65 individual rose gardens and 20,000 rose bushes.

Shopping in Shreveport and Bossier City, LA

Pierre Bossier Mall: Located at East Texas Street and Airline Highway, just to the north of I-20, Pierre Bossier Mall http://www.pierrebossiermall.com/ is the area's largest shopping mall. This shopping destination features department stores such as Dillard’s, JCPenney and Sephora, as well as over 70 specialty shops, a full service Japanese restaurant and a food court featuring Subway, Rotolos Pizzeria, Mandarin Express, Raising Canes, and even rides for the kids. Bossier City apartments near Pierre Bossier Mall include Chaparral Apartments, Alexis Park, Mission Village, Villaggio, Reserve of Bossier City, Landing at Willow Bayou, Tallow Wood, Green Acres Village, Port Au Prince and Preston Place Apartments.

Mall Saint Vincent: Located on St. Vincent Avenue, just to the east of I-49 and south of Kings Highway, Mall St. Vincent blends the convenience of large department stores such as Dillard’s and Sears, with a host of upscale and unique shopping selections that include Gap, Gap Kids, Hollister, Coach, H&M and more. See more at http://www.mallstvincent.com/

Louisiana Boardwalk: Located along the Red River in Bossier City, the Louisiana Boardwalk is a half-mile long development showcasing a shopping center with intriguing boutiques, all varieties of riverfront dining, and exciting entertainment. By day, the Louisiana Boardwalk is an excellent family destination, and at night, it transitions to a thriving entertainment and club venue. Notable retail outlets include Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, Banana Republic, Oshkosh B’Gosh, Build-a-Bear Workshop and the Gap Outlet. The Louisiana Boardwalk is also home to Regal Cinema as well as to scrumptious restaurants such as Copeland’s Cheesecake Bistro, Salt Grass Steakhouse, and Sushiko Sushi and Grill.

Nearby Bossier City apartments to the Louisiana Boardwalk include Alexis Park Apartment Homes, Mission Village, Port Au Prince and Preston Place Apartments.

To learn more about the Louisiana Boardwalk, go to: www.louisianaboardwalk.com/

Sporting Venues & Arenas.

Hirsch Memorial Coliseum: The Shreveport-Bossier Mavericks basketball team is the most recent professional sports venture to come to the Shreveport-Bossier City area. Hirsch Memorial Coliseum www.facebook.com/HirschMemorialColiseum plays hosts to this exciting semi-professional basketball team of the American Basketball Association. The team relocated to the Shreveport and Bossier City area from Beaumont, Texas. The American Basketball Association is the league, most noted for playing games with their unique red, white and blue basketballs.

CenturyLink Center: The CenturyLink Center http://www.centurylinkcenter.com/ is a multi-purpose, 14,000-seat arena in Bossier City, LA. This impressive facility opened in 2000 as CenturyTel Center and Bossier City Arena, and it is among several projects that were financed in part from casino revenues to the City of Bossier. Located in southern Bossier City, near Barksdale Boulevard and East 70^th Street, this venue is home to ice hockey matches, basketball games, concerts, the circus and other popular area entertainment. Jamestown Apartments in Bossier City Louisiana is only a short drive away from the state-of-the-art, CenturyLink Center.

Independence Stadium: As its name suggests, Independence Stadium is home of the Independence Bowl www.independencebowl.org/ Currently titled The Duck Commander Independence Bowl, this annual matchup is a post-season NCAA Division I college Bowl game. Since its construction in 1925, Independence Stadium has had 4 major renovations and currently can accommodate up to 53,000 fans. Independence Stadium is located between Hearne Avenue and Jewella Avenue, just to the north of I-20.

Restaurants.

When it comes to dining options, you can’t beat the scrumptious array of restaurants in Shreveport and Bossier City. So when someone asks you what you’re making for dinner … just say, “reservations”! The myriad of options range from fine dining at renowned establishments such as Ernest’s Orleans Restaurant http://www.ernestsorleans.com/ on Spring Street, to classic south-Louisiana fare at restaurants such as Ralph and Kacoos in Bossier City http://www.ralphandkacoos.com/locations/bossier; or from casual dining at Shane’s Seafood and BBQ to Sushi at Sushi Gen or Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar http://www.tokyoshreveport.com/

Additional classic Shreveport - Bossier City eateries include Superior Steakhouse, LA Herby K's, Bella Fresca, Anthony's Steak & Seafood, Monkhouse Seafood Diner, Sam's Southern Eatery, Brother's Seafood Restaurant, Don's Seafood and Steakhouse restaurant, Crescent Landing Catfish, Savoie's Cajun restaurant, Copeland's of New Orleans, and Bergeron Boudin.

And fine dining within major Casinos, such as Jack Binions Steak House and the Four Winds Restaurant within the Horseshoe Casino and Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, are a fine addition to a wonderful evening. So whichever Bossier City or Shreveport apartments you choose, you’re sure to be only a short drive to the best meal ever!

Parks and Recreation.

http://www.bossiercity.org/parks-&-recreation/

Northwest Louisiana is home to a multitude of parks and recreational activities ranging from wildlife observation to mountain biking trails and even water skiing. Additionally, several parks in the area offer a variety of other types of activities and sports leagues for people of all ages.

Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park is the ideal place for visitors interested in wildlife. Located on 160 beautiful, this scenic park provides visitors with 5 miles of handicapped-accessible, walking trails. For another active outdoor experience, head over to Kisatchie National Forest. This expansive, 604,000-acre area has recently been featured in The New York Times for its abundance of activities that include boating, swimming, water skiing, and biking.

For individuals interested in sailing, The Shreveport Yacht Club is a popular location. The Yacht club hosts weekly races (Sundays) as well as sailing lessons for all ages. The Yacht Club is also a popular venue for crawfish boils as well as the annual July 4^th fireworks show.

For experiencing a quiet outdoor adventure, try Bayou Bodcau Dam and Reservoir. This paradise spans more than 33,000 acres chalked full of lakes and natural woodlands, and it also features over 50 miles of hiking and biking trails. Bayou Bodcau is also home of the Durden Hills Nature Trail, a seven-mile trail considered as one of the best mountain biking sites in all of Louisiana.

Caddo Lake State Park showcases towering bald cypress trees meshed with exotic aquatic plant life. Since the vegetation is so lush, 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. Also popular, the park's quaint cabins offer an excellent overnight experience for the whole family.

Clyde-Fant Memorial Parkway.

Extending elegantly along the Shreveport side of the Red River, Clyde-Fant Memorial Parkway features a lighted Frisbee golf course, biking and jogging trails, boat launches, and scenic picnic areas. This serene setting is the perfect location for an afternoon of recreation or a casual stroll in the sun. Shreveport apartments close to Clyde-Fant Parkway include Reflections of Island Park Apartment Homes, Ultris at Island Park, Champion Lake Apartments, River Walk Apartments, River Scape Apartments, Villages at Williamsburg, Coates Bluff at Wright Island and the Willows at Wright Island Apartments of Shreveport.

Charles and Marie Hamel Memorial Park.

Adjacent to Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway, Hamel Memorial Park boasts 17 wooded acres offering visitors picnicking amidst scenic river views.

Ford Park – Cross Lake Recreational District.

Ford Park is a 85-acre park on Cross Lake. Operated by the City of Shreveport, Ford Park features sports fields, two tennis courts, walking trails, picnic spots, a Frisbee golf course and a Cross Lake fishing pier. Adjacent to Ford Park, the Cross Lake municipal pier is a choice location from where to launch your water craft into Cross Lake. Additionally, Cross Lake apartment residents, homeowners, and tourist alike may choose to launch their boats at Barron's Landing & Marina. Residents of Nantucket Harbor Apartments near Cross Lake are the perfectly situated Cross Lake apartments to easily enjoy this scenic area.

Setting up your Utilities.

Residents within Shreveport and Bossier City are served by a number of utility companies and organizations which include, but are not limited to, the following entities:

Electric Power
AEP Southwestern Electric Power (SWEPCO) is the principle supplier of electricity to the city. Electrical power to any residence or structure can be obtained by calling 888-216-3523. AEP-SWEPCO requires an application for all electrical accounts and usually a deposit. Your Shreveport or Bossier City apartment leasing office can provide more details.

Natural Gas
Natural gas is to the area is provided by CenterPoint Energy – ARKLA www.centerpointenergy.com. Natural gas service from CenterPoint Energy - ARKLA may be obtained at 866-275-5252.

Water Service
318-741-8757 - Bossier City, LA
501-776-5923 - Benton, AR
318-965-2781 - Benton, LA
501-943-0999 - Bryant, AR
870-862-6451 - El Dorado, AR
318-949-3554 - Haughton, LA
318-949-0223 - Haughton, LA
318-673-5510 - Shreveport, LA

Telephone
AT&T provides local telephone service. New residential service may be obtained by calling 866-620-6000. Also, Bellsouth is another option: 888-757-6500 Often, your Bossier City or Shreveport apartment community will have arrangements with particular providers so be sure to check out the options.

Cable TV
Comcast Cable is a major cable television service. Another carrier is Suddenlink: 318-747-1666 For more information call: 1-800-COMCAST or check additional options with your apartment leasing office.

Trash Collection & Disposal
With Bossier City and Shreveport apartments in LA, typically the management company contracts with the municipalities for trash collection and disposal.

The City of Shreveport Solid Waste Division provides waste services, and private contractors provide associated services for all other solid waste collection and disposal services.

For home owners, Bossier/Shreveport curbside trash service is included in your water bill. Outside city limits, you should contact:
318-635-1700 IESI
318-682-8090 BFI

VISIT www.allconnect.com
It helps you find and set up utilities online!