6 Senior-Friendly Towns in Louisiana
When you think of Lousiana, thoughts of sweet-smelling jasmine and magnolia, crawfish feasts, cafe au lait and beignets, and scenic swamp life most likely come to mind. Not only is this unique southern state an exciting place to take a vacation, but it's also an ideal place to spend your golden years. All of the things that make Louisiana special, as well as an affordable cost of living and an abundance of tranquil small towns, make it a great retirement option. Check out these senior-friendly towns and add them to your list of retirement possibilities.
New Iberia
New Iberia, Louisiana. By Elisa.rolle, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Quaint yet progressive, New Iberia is situated in the heart of Cajun country and celebrates its unique heritage, rich history, and location on the banks of the vibrant Bayou Teche. New Iberia was founded by Spaniards in 1779 and later became home to Acadians or French settlers. Today, the charming town is known as a lively community that draws people in from all over with its authentic Cajun cuisine, natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities such as birding and fishing, and live musical performances. All of these things combine to provide retirees with the perfect balance of excitement and serenity.
History buffs will enjoy exploring the Bayou Teche Museum, an attraction that is dedicated to preserving the town's past and the region's unique Cajun heritage and culture. Active seniors can spend time strolling through New Iberia's historic downtown, which features beautifully restored buildings, specialty boutiques, and eateries serving local delicacies, such as crawfish and oysters. The Jefferson Island Rip Van Winkle Gardens showcase 15 acres of semi-tropical gardens, as well as the historic Joseph Jefferson mansion.
Abita Springs
As pretty as it is quirky, Abita Springs has plenty of small-town charm to spare. It has a warm, welcoming feel that draws in many retirees, yet is close enough to great healthcare options, such as Lakeview Hospital in nearby Covington. The Trace Senior Living community is also available for retirees who require an assisted living setting. Abita Springs has a rich history and is known for its mineral springs, which have long been thought to have medicinal qualities. The charming town also hosts several yearly events, such as a lively 4th of July celebration, to keep seniors active.
Abita Springs is situated at the Tammany Trace trailhead, which is available for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing all year long. The Abita Springs Trailhead Museum gives an introspective look into the town's past and offers free admission. Retirees can also enjoy the weekly Abita Springs Art and Farmers Market. which provides live music, fresh produce, and locally made arts and crafts.
St. Martinville
Evangeline Oak, St. Martinville, Louisiana. By Maren - Flickr, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Scenic Martinville has everything that retirees are typically looking for...a low cost of living, mild year-round weather, and an abundance of cultural and outdoor recreational opportunities. Also located in the heart of Cajun Country, this charming town has a rich heritage with roots in the French, African, Acadian, Creole, Spanish, and Italian cultures. St. Martinville is situated along the meandering Bayou Teche, which is home to a variety of wildlife, flora, and fauna unique to that region. Seniors living in St. Martinville have convenient access to several healthcare centers, including the St. Martin Parish Community Health Center.
St. Martinville is ideal for seniors craving a quieter retirement, as they can spend days hiking and biking at Evangeline Oak Park, which is filled with pretty Spanish moss-draped oaks, Adam Carlson Memorial Park, and Magnolia Park, among other natural areas. For those wanting a bit more excitement, however, the town offers year-round art and music festivals, such as a Mardi Gras celebration, the Pepper Festival, and the Okra and Acadian Memorial Festival.
Houma
Aerial view of blue tarps on roofs in Houma, Louisiana. Editorial credit: Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock.com
Due to its lower cost of living compared to many other U.S. towns, its mild winter weather, its active arts and culture scene, and many senior living communities, Houma is a retirement hotspot. This charming southern town, along with the surrounding Terrebonne Parish, is known as Lousiana's Bayou Country. Houma is close enough to New Orleans for Mardi Gras and jazz music-loving retirees to take an easy day or weekend trip, yet it feels a world away from the bustling city.
Houma is home to over 2,500 square miles of marshes, swamps, and wetlands that are just waiting to be explored by outdoor enthusiasts. Wander down boardwalks surrounded by Spanish moss-draped cypress trees at the Mandalay Wildlife Refuge and go fishing and boating on the nearby Gulf of Mexico. Seniors can immerse themselves in colorful Cajun culture by taking a drive down the Wetlands Cultural Byway, which passes by antebellum plantation homes, museums, and other historic sites in surrounding towns and villages.
Natchitoches
Light trails at the Minor Basilica in Natchitoches, Louisiana.
Sweet Natchitoches is the epitome of a charming southern town, with its historic, brick-lined downtown and location on the meandering Cane River. It's the ideal place for seniors who long to spend their golden years relaxing with a cold drink on a wrought iron balcony, browsing antique shops on the main street, and walking through parks filled with towering oak and magnolia trees.
Seniors can get exercise while exploring local history at the Cane River Creole Historical Park, which also hosts social events, such as game nights, for locals. For the more adventurous, go on a hiking adventure on a Kisatchie Forest trail or paddle down the Cane River in a canoe or kayak. Seniors can also take a more laid-back approach by booking a scenic ride on the Cane River Queen River Boat or the Cane River Carriage Company, which offers horse-and-carriage tours through Natchitoches' historic district.
Breaux Bridge
Statue near the public library in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. Editorial credit: Victoria Ditkovsky / Shutterstock.com
Dubbed the "Crawfish Capital of the World," the quaint town of Breaux Bridge is nestled on the banks of the Bayou Teche. Founded in 1859 by Acadian settlers, Breaux Bridge celebrates its rich Cajun culture with annual events, such as the Crawfish Festival, the Jambalaya Cook-Off, Tunes on the Teche, and many more. There are many ways for retirees to get involved in this tight-knit community while enjoying affordable living, convenient access to healthcare, and an abundance of outdoor recreational and cultural activities.
Seniors have a chance to get acquainted with all the area has to offers with trips to Atchafalaya Welcome Center Cultural Exhibit and the Bayou Teche Visitor Center. Cypress Cove Landing is a recreational facility offering boat rentals in Breaux Bridge, perfect for a day of swamp exploration. Active and adventurous seniors can sign up for a guided swamp tour at one of the several local tour companies, such as Cajun Country Swamp Tours and Borel's Swamp Tours.
Why Retire in Louisiana's Charming Towns?
If you're looking for a place to retire that combines outdoor adventure, world-class culinary and cultural opportunities, and friendly, welcoming communities, look no further than the small towns of Louisiana. Its bayous and wetlands offer unique scenery, as well as a mild winter climate, for those wanting to spend their golden years outdoors, while the state's historic sites and entertainment venues are available for retirees looking for enriching cultural experiences and social interaction.
