The Best Small Towns To Retire In Louisiana

Retirement is a big decision, and so is where you choose to retire. While big cities offer plenty of excitement, it is usually best to avoid the hustle and bustle, and choose a small town instead. The small towns of Louisiana are charming, beautiful, and also home to nature areas, historical landmarks, and a rich cultural history.

When choosing which small town you will retire to in Louisiana, there is a lot to consider. Housing costs, population, and your own interests and preferences are all important. These small towns in Louisiana each boast a tranquil atmosphere, welcoming community, and plenty of events and activities for the senior population and their families.

Breaux Bridge

The world's "Crawfish Capital," Breaux Bridge offers plenty to do for retirees and their families. Steeped in history, the town is home to the Crawfish Festival, an annual weekend-long celebration of Cajun heritage, where you will enjoy listening to live music, carnival rides with the grandkids, and of course cooking competitions and Cajun cuisine.

The town also boasts a beautiful downtown area, lined with enticing antique shops and boutiques, ideal for leisurely strolls and relaxing afternoons. Atchafalaya Basin is another point of interest, full of beautiful rivers, trees, and wildlife. Bring a canoe and enjoy the sparkling waters of Lake Martin, which is the largest nesting area of wading birds in the US. Breaux Bridge has a population of around 7,500 while houses have a median listing of $195,000.

Natchitoches

Natchitoches (pronounced Nack-a-tish) is a Southern Louisiana town, most well known for its rich history. The town of Natchitoches is home to numerous buildings on the National Historic Register: French Creole townhouses, the Minor Basilica where visitors enjoy its stained-glass windows, and Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile, the city’s oldest general store from the 19th century.

Historic sites are not the only reason you might want to retire to Natchitoches! The flowing Cane River is the ideal spot for outdoor adventurists, and it also runs through the Cane River Creole National Historical Park. Also, residents and visitors enjoy weekly arts and crafts festivals, as well as shows and dances. Louisiana's oldest settlement, Natchitoches has a population of 17,600 while the average house costs $149,100.

Minden

A must-see small town in Louisiana, Minden is a beautiful place to retire to, home to locations such as the Dorcheat Bayou, the Lake Bistineau, and Caney Lakes Recreation Area. Each spot offers camping areas, beautiful lakes, and exciting trails, offering plenty of adventure and fresh air. Each October, the Webster Parish Fair brings plenty of joy and fun to the town, while there are also annual arts events throughout the year.

Beautiful antique and vintage stores line the red-bricked downtown streets, as well as bakeries, boutiques, and restaurants, adding to the old-town charm of the area. The town's historic district boasts antebellum and Victorian-era homes, while the Germantown Colony and Museum just outside of town offers a glimpse into history. With a population of 11,700, Minden home costs average around $75,000.

Houma

Situated in Louisiana's bayou country, Houma is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Bayou life, enjoying fresh local seafood and Cajun culture. It is just 55 miles from New Orleans, boasting easy access to the big city life for any weekend trips in your future.

Explore the beauty of the area and take boat tours with Annie Miller's Son's Swamp and Marsh Tours, where you will learn all about the wetlands wildlife, including alligators, egrets, nutrias, snakes, and owls. The vast wetlands are great for anyone interested in fishing, whether you want to take up the hobby or already love boat-life. If you have an interest in music, dancing, and making friends, the Jolly Inn Cajun Dance Hall is the perfect place to spend your Friday and Saturday nights. Houma has a population of 33,000 while the average home cost is $148,500.

Mandeville

Situated on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, Mandeville is a charming Southern town with gorgeous lakefront views. Fishing, kayaking, and enjoying shimmering sunsets are all popular activities. Northlake Nature Center and Fontainebleau State Park are wonderful spots to enjoy the great outdoors, where you can camp, hike, and bird watch. The town also hosts a bi-annual "Sip n' Stroll," with over 25 stops, all within walking distance of the lakefront, including shops, bars, and restaurants.

Lake Pontchartrain is home to the longest continuous bridge over water, which has 9,500 concrete pillar supports. The causeway offers quick access to New Orleans, so you can enjoy the excitement of the big city while living in the quaint town. Mandeville is a town of around 13,000 people and the average home costs $335,000.

Abbeville

One of the most underrated towns in Louisiana, Abbeville is a charming spot at the core of Cajun country. There are over 22 restaurants, each offering Cajun and traditional food, adding a little extra spice and flavor to your palate. The downtown square is a great place to relax, whether you want to stroll, visit all the different shops and boutiques, or take a walking tour to the Steen's Cane Syrup Mill, Abbey Theatre, and the 100-year-old St. Mary Magdalen Church. 

The town's calendar is chock full of events each year, including the Giant Omelette Festival and Louisiana Cattle Festival. If you have an interest in the great outdoors, Palmetto Island State Park is the place to be. Enjoy fishing, bird watching, and biking and hiking trails. With a population of 11,000, the average home in Abbeville costs $150,000.

Alexandria

Alexandria sits in the heart of Louisiana, just across the Red River from Pineville, one of the state's biggest cities. Mardi Gras and the Red River Festival are exciting annual events, on top of the Louisiana Dragon Boat Races and WinterFETE, though there is plenty to explore in the beautiful outdoors year-round. Golfing, hiking, fishing, and water sports are all popular in the area. Lake Buhlow encapsulates the town's beauty and history, ideal for fishing, boating, and water activities, and it is also home to the historic Civil War-vintage Fort Buhlow. The town is also home to a rich arts and culture scene, featuring popular spots like the Alexandria Museum of Art, the Louisiana History Museum, and the Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center.  Alexandria has a population of 44,700, while the average home costs $179,900.

Louisiana Welcomes You

Home to scrumptious Cajun food, beautiful historic landmarks and buildings, and scenic views and outdoor spaces, the small towns of Louisiana are ideal spots for retirement. Each town boasts their own unique attractions and communities, so you can find exactly what you are looking for. No matter which town you choose to retire to, you will enjoy the comfort, tranquility, and beauty that each town has to offer.