TL;DR: Louisiana is home to five major active military installations spanning the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard — plus one of the Army’s most demanding combat training centers. Whether your orders say Barksdale, Fort Polk, or New Orleans, this guide covers housing, BAH, schools, veteran benefits, and everything your family needs for a confident PCS.
Louisiana doesn’t always top the list when military families talk about dream assignments. However, families who have served here will tell you something different. The Bayou State offers some of the lowest costs of living in the country, world-class Cajun and Creole food, a rich cultural identity, and communities that genuinely wrap their arms around the military. In fact, Louisiana has supported military operations since long before the country had a name — from the legendary Battle of New Orleans in 1815 to today’s strategic bomber missions at Barksdale AFB.
The state supports approximately 30,000 active-duty service members and their families. Additionally, it anchors one of the country’s most critical Army training centers at Fort Polk. From the piney woods of central Louisiana to the bayou-laced outskirts of New Orleans, each installation offers a distinct slice of Southern life and a community that military families often grow to love deeply.
Furthermore, Louisiana delivers meaningful financial advantages for the military community. Military retirement pay is fully exempt from state income tax. Disabled veterans receive significant property tax relief. On top of that, housing costs run well below the national average at most duty stations — meaning your BAH often goes further here than at almost any comparable assignment.
Ready to get your move started? Start your free PCS Plan and connect with a military-connected Ambassador who knows your next duty station personally.
Northwestern Louisiana: B-52s and small-city living
Barksdale Air Force Base anchors the northwestern corner of Louisiana, just outside the Shreveport-Bossier City metropolitan area. Together, these two sister cities form what locals call “SBC.” Consequently, families stationed here get the advantages of a small-city lifestyle — affordability, community, manageable traffic — without sacrificing access to real amenities.
Barksdale AFB — headquarters of Air Force Global Strike Command
Barksdale Air Force Base is one of the most strategically significant installations in the entire Air Force. Established in 1933, it is home to the 2nd Bomb Wing — the oldest B-52 Stratofortress unit in the world. Moreover, Barksdale serves as the headquarters of Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC), overseeing the nation’s nuclear-armed bomber force and the Joint-Global Strike Operations Center.
The base covers approximately 22,000 acres and supports more than 15,000 active-duty and Air Force Reserve members. In addition, the 307th Bomb Wing — an Air Force Reserve unit — operates here alongside the active-duty mission. The mission tempo can be high, but the pride of serving at a strategic deterrence hub runs deep through Barksdale families.
The base operator number is 318-456-1110 (DSN 312-781-1110). Newcomers should contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center as soon as orders are received for welcome packets and sponsor assignment. The official Barksdale AFB website maintains up-to-date newcomer guides, gate hours, and facility information for incoming families.
On-base housing
On-base housing at Barksdale is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities. The main base area features Historic Homes with Georgian-style architecture and large, beautiful shade trees. Additionally, the East Reservation offers newer duplex-style units, with the most recent construction completed in 2011. Each side of base has its own pool, shoppette, and playgrounds for families. However, the East Reservation’s gate has limited hours — factor that into your daily commute planning before selecting a neighborhood.
Waitlists for on-base housing are common, especially for larger family units. Apply early — immediately upon receipt of orders is not too soon.
Off-base neighborhoods
South Bossier City is consistently the top choice for military families living off post. It offers short commutes (typically 10–20 minutes), reputable Bossier Parish schools, a suburban feel, and easy access to shopping and parks. Rental prices for a 3-bedroom home in Bossier City typically run between $1,100 and $1,600 per month.
Shreveport’s Broadmoor neighborhood offers tree-lined streets, older homes with character, and a strong community vibe. However, commute times from Shreveport’s west side run 20–30 minutes. Haughton, a small town northeast of base, is popular for families who prefer newer construction and quieter surroundings.
Real talk on safety: parts of downtown Shreveport have higher crime rates. Specifically, those areas don’t reflect the broader family-friendly neighborhoods where most military families live. Research each neighborhood individually before signing a lease. The local PCS Pay-It-Forward® community can point you toward safe, well-reviewed streets.
Cost of living in the SBC area runs approximately 20% below the national average. Specifically, the composite index sits around 79.4 compared to a national baseline of 100. Your BAH will stretch noticeably further here than at most coastal or urban duty stations.
Schools near Barksdale AFB
Families on the main base area are zoned to Waller Elementary School, Rusheon Middle School, and Bossier High School — all in the Bossier Parish School District. Bossier Parish schools are military-friendly and consistently perform well compared to surrounding districts. Families living in Shreveport fall under the Caddo Parish School District, which is larger and more variable by school. Check individual school ratings through the Louisiana Department of Education before finalizing your neighborhood decision.
Central Louisiana: the Home of Heroes
Fort Polk sits in the heart of Louisiana, deep in the piney woods of Vernon Parish. The city of Leesville grew up around the installation rather than the other way around. As a result, the whole community is oriented around military life in a way that few duty stations can match.
Fort Polk — home of the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC)
Fort Polk holds a unique distinction in the U.S. Army: it is the only Combat Training Center that both trains and deploys combat units. The Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) is where brigades from across the Army validate their readiness before real-world deployments. Rotations are frequent, realistic, and demanding — which means the operational tempo here runs high throughout the year.
The installation covers approximately 198,000 acres. Additionally, the land contains thousands of archaeological sites from Native American history, which the Army actively manages in partnership with culturally connected tribes. Currently, Fort Polk is home to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division; the 115th Combat Support Hospital; and U.S. Army Garrison Fort Polk. Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital serves as the primary medical facility for the entire post community. The official Fort Polk website has the latest newcomer packet, housing application links, and unit contact information. For healthcare enrollment and TRICARE plan options at your new duty station, TRICARE’s official site walks you through coverage choices before you arrive.
A quick note on naming history: originally named Fort Polk after Confederate General Leonidas Polk, the installation was redesignated Fort Johnson in June 2023 to honor WWI Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. William Henry Johnson of the famed “Harlem Hellfighters.” However, in June 2025, the post was renamed back to Fort Polk — this time in honor of General James H. Polk, with the redesignation taking effect June 11, 2025. Always confirm the current official name when submitting orders or official documents.
On-base housing
On-base housing at Fort Polk is extremely popular, primarily because of the installation’s remote, rural setting. The post offers privatized housing in three major neighborhoods, each with playgrounds, picnic areas, and community centers. Older legacy housing also exists on post — however, high humidity can make maintenance a challenge in those units.
Waitlists are long, especially during peak PCS season from May through August. Apply the moment your orders are finalized. On-post housing is often the smartest choice here, given that the BAH rate for this area is lower than most posts — stretching it in the off-post rental market can be difficult for larger families.
Off-base neighborhoods
Leesville is the closest community to the main gates. Average home prices in the immediate Leesville area run around $78,000, though most families prefer to look slightly further out. DeRidder, roughly 25 miles east, offers better housing selection with median listing prices around $158,000. Average 3-bedroom rentals near post run approximately $1,152 per month — among the most affordable rental markets at any Army installation in the country.
Alexandria sits about an hour north and has the nearest regional airport, as well as broader shopping, dining, and healthcare options. Families who need access to more urban amenities frequently make that drive for errands and appointments. Similarly, Lake Charles is about an hour to the south for weekend trips, casino dining, and larger-city options.
Real talk: Fort Polk is a rural assignment. It’s 3 to 4 hours from both Houston and New Orleans. However, the community is extraordinarily tight-knit, the schools punch above their weight, and the cost of living is among the lowest at any duty station in the Army. Families who embrace outdoor activities — fishing, camping, kayaking at Toledo Bend Reservoir — typically find it far more rewarding than their first impression suggested.
Furthermore, Toledo Bend is one of the largest man-made lakes in the country and sits right next to the installation. MWR maintains cabin rentals at Toledo Bend for post families. It’s a genuinely special resource that families at most duty stations would be envious of.
Weather and hurricane preparedness at Fort Polk
Louisiana summers are brutal. Temperatures regularly hit 95–100°F with humidity frequently above 80%. Therefore, budget $200–$350 per month for summer AC costs, especially in older homes. On the other hand, winters are mild and short — a real advantage for families coming from northern installations.
Fort Polk sits just 1 to 2 hours from the Gulf of Mexico. Consequently, hurricane and tropical storm preparedness is essential from June through November. Keep a home generator, learn your evacuation routes during your first week, and stock emergency supplies before storm season arrives. Back-up power is not a luxury here — it’s a practical necessity that experienced Fort Polk families will tell you is worth every penny.
Connect with your local PCS Pay-It-Forward® community before you arrive. Families who’ve served at Fort Polk are some of the most generous with honest, practical advice in the entire network.
Ready to plan your Louisiana PCS?
Louisiana PCS moves have a lot of moving parts. Moreover, each installation has its own housing market, school landscape, and community culture. Our free PCS Plan connects you with a military-connected Ambassador who’s personally familiar with your next duty station. It’s free, it’s fast, and it saves hours of guesswork.
New Orleans and south Louisiana
Southern Louisiana offers a completely different PCS experience from Fort Polk or Barksdale. Specifically, you’re living in the orbit of one of the most culturally iconic cities in the world. Military families stationed in the New Orleans area often describe it as the most memorable assignment of their careers — and the one they’d go back to in a heartbeat.
NAS JRB New Orleans — the Gulf Coast’s joint reserve hub
Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans sits in Belle Chasse, approximately 11 miles south of downtown New Orleans in Plaquemines Parish. The installation hosts tenant commands from the Navy, Air National Guard, and Marine Corps Reserve. Additionally, it serves as a critical joint hub for reserve readiness operations across the Gulf Coast region.
The base operator can be reached at 504-678-7569. The public affairs office is at 504-678-3260. Belle Chasse itself is a quiet, family-friendly community on the west bank of the Mississippi River.
On-base housing
On-base housing at NAS JRB New Orleans is managed through two locations: the Belle Chasse community on the NAS JRB proper, and The Village at Federal City in the Algiers neighborhood of New Orleans. Both offer public-private venture (PPV) homes with multiple unit designs and community amenities. Belle Chasse housing communities are named Chasse Village and Aviation Oaks.
Families consistently rate the Belle Chasse community highly — the houses are modest in size, but the neighborhood atmosphere is tight-knit and welcoming. Furthermore, Belle Chasse Academy (K–8), a NASA Explorer charter school, operates directly on the installation. The Housing Service Center is located at 301 Russell Drive, Belle Chasse, LA 70037, phone 504-678-3280.
Off-base neighborhoods
Belle Chasse proper offers the shortest commute and a quiet suburban feel. Plaquemines Parish schools serve the area, with Belle Chasse High School covering older students. Many families, however, choose the Northshore — specifically Slidell, Mandeville, and Covington — for their excellent school districts and suburban character.
Be honest with yourself about the commute before committing to the Northshore. The drive across the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway or through New Orleans can add 45–60 minutes each way. Metairie and Kenner offer closer alternatives with more urban conveniences. New Orleans proper provides exceptional culture, dining, and music — in contrast, it also carries higher housing costs and neighborhood-by-neighborhood variation in safety that requires careful research.
BAH for the New Orleans area is among the higher rates in Louisiana, reflecting the metro housing market. In 2026, rates rose slightly to match continued housing demand. Families considering homeownership should explore VA loan options early. Learn more about your VA home loan →
NSA New Orleans (Federal City) — multi-service support on the west bank
Naval Support Activity New Orleans, known as Federal City, sits in the Algiers neighborhood on the west bank of New Orleans. The 29-acre compound hosts numerous tenant commands, including Marine Forces Reserve headquarters and the 377th Theater Sustainment Command (Army Reserve). It’s a smaller installation — however, it adds significantly to Louisiana’s overall military footprint and supports important reserve readiness missions.
Algiers is one of New Orleans’ more affordable neighborhoods. Consequently, families stationed here often find solid housing value while enjoying easy proximity to the city’s food, culture, and entertainment.
Marine Forces Reserve — New Orleans
Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES) is headquartered in New Orleans, commanding and equipping all Marine Corps Reserve forces across the country. The mission is high-visibility and important. Additionally, the New Orleans community is small but tight — exactly what you’d expect from the Marine Corps. Families stationed here benefit from all that New Orleans has to offer while maintaining a clear sense of Marine Corps identity and community.
USCG Sector New Orleans — protecting Gulf Coast waterways
Coast Guard Sector New Orleans oversees maritime safety, security, and environmental protection across the highly active Gulf Coast waterways. The command maintains multiple smaller facilities along the Louisiana coast. Notably, the Gulf of Mexico is one of the busiest commercial maritime environments in the country — which keeps this Sector mission-critical year-round. Families with Coast Guard service members here enjoy New Orleans area living with all its cultural richness.
Camp Beauregard — Louisiana National Guard training center
Camp Beauregard is located in Pineville, near Alexandria in central Louisiana, and dates back to World War I. Today, it serves as the primary training facility for the Louisiana Army National Guard. Programs include Officer Candidate School, carpentry and masonry, heavy equipment operations, and the Basic Leader Course. Most active-duty families won’t PCS directly to Camp Beauregard — however, Guard and Reserve families may spend significant training time here throughout the year.
What to know about living in Louisiana as a military family
Hurricane and flood preparedness is non-negotiable
Louisiana has some of the most hurricane- and flood-prone geography in the United States. The Gulf Coast and New Orleans area require especially serious preparation. Hurricane season runs June through November — and it doesn’t take a direct hit to cause serious problems. Storm surge, flooding, and extended power outages are real risks for families across the state.
Build your emergency kit during your first week on station, not when a storm is already in the Gulf. Stock at minimum two weeks of water (one gallon per person per day), non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, and waterproof document storage. Furthermore, many Louisiana military families invest in a home generator — it’s not considered optional by families who’ve lived through a serious storm here.
FEMA flood zone maps are available online for every parish. Additionally, standard renter’s or homeowner’s insurance does not cover flood damage. Separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program is worth serious consideration if you’re living in or near a mapped flood zone.
Heat, humidity, and the Louisiana climate reality
Louisiana summers are punishing. Temperatures regularly hit 95–100°F with humidity that makes it feel even hotter. Budget $200–$350 per month for summer AC costs, especially in older homes with less efficient systems. On the other hand, Louisiana winters are genuinely mild — outdoor activities in December and January that families at northern bases can only dream about are simply part of life here.
Bugs are a constant. Mosquitoes are thick in warm months, especially near water. Regular pest control service is strongly recommended. Moreover, fire ants, love bugs, and the occasional alligator near wooded areas all come with the territory. Embrace it — it makes for excellent stories at the next duty station.
The food is extraordinary — and that’s not an exaggeration
Louisiana has the best food culture of any duty station state, full stop. Cajun and Creole cuisine is world-class and available everywhere, from $8 gas station boudin to white-tablecloth gumbo. Seafood is fresh and abundant — crawfish, shrimp, oysters, and catfish are year-round staples, not seasonal luxuries. Additionally, Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, and hundreds of local festivals mean your family will experience things simply unavailable anywhere else in the country. Families who serve in Louisiana consistently list the food as the thing they miss most after PCSing away.
Spouse employment in Louisiana
Spouse employment varies significantly by installation. Fort Polk presents the most challenging landscape, given its rural location and limited local job market. Barksdale and NAS JRB New Orleans, however, offer far stronger spouse employment opportunities in their respective metro areas. Remote work has meaningfully expanded options for spouses at all three installations. Furthermore, Louisiana participates in the Interstate Licensure Compact, which helps licensed professionals transfer credentials more smoothly between states when PCSing in or out.
Use your VA home loan in Louisiana
Louisiana is an excellent state to put your VA loan benefit to work. Housing prices in the Barksdale area and Fort Polk communities run significantly below the national average. As a result, your zero-down VA loan goes further here than at most other duty stations in the country. Even in the New Orleans metro, median home prices are within reach for many military families using their VA benefit.
Whether you’re buying near Bossier City, investing near Belle Chasse, or building equity before your next set of orders, understanding your options early gives you a real financial advantage. Learn how your VA home loan works →
Louisiana state taxes and military pay: what you need to know
Louisiana does have a state income tax — unlike Florida or Texas, it is not a no-income-tax state. However, significant military-specific exemptions make the picture far more favorable than the headline suggests. Specifically, the exemptions below directly impact most military families stationed in or claiming Louisiana as their home of record.
Key Louisiana military tax exemptions for 2026
Military retirement pay is fully exempt. Louisiana excludes all military retired pay from state income tax. Retirees keep every dollar of their retired pay. This makes Louisiana a genuinely attractive destination for transitioning service members who want to settle close to the community and culture they’ve built here. If you want to see exactly how your base pay and allowances stack up this year, bookmark our 2026 military pay charts for quick reference.
Active duty stationed out of state. Louisiana resident service members stationed outside the state for 120 or more consecutive days can deduct up to $50,000 of military income from state taxes. This protection is specifically designed for Guard and Reserve members who deploy or train out of state.
Combat pay. Military pay that is exempt at the federal level — including combat pay and hazardous duty pay — is also exempt from Louisiana state income taxes.
Disability retirement pay. VA disability retirement pay is not included in Louisiana taxable income. Similarly, SBP, RCSBP, and RSFPP annuities are all exempt from Louisiana state taxes.
To confirm your exact BAH for a Louisiana duty station, the DoD BAH rate lookup tool at travel.dod.mil lets you search by zip code, rank, and dependency status for the most current official figures.
Louisiana veteran and military family benefits
Property tax exemptions for disabled veterans
Louisiana offers meaningful property tax relief for veterans with service-connected disabilities, in addition to the standard homestead exemption of $7,500 of assessed value available to all Louisiana homeowners. The exemption amount scales with your VA disability rating.
- 100% disability (or individual unemployability): Exempt from all ad valorem property taxes. Note that certain municipal taxes may still apply depending on your parish.
- 70–99% disability: Additional exemption of $4,500 of assessed value, on top of the standard homestead exemption.
- 50–69% disability: Additional exemption of $2,500 of assessed value, on top of the standard homestead exemption.
Surviving spouses of service members killed while serving on active duty are exempt from all ad valorem taxes on their homestead. Moreover, this exemption can transfer if the surviving spouse purchases a new property. Contact your local Parish Tax Assessor’s office to apply — Parish Veterans Service Offices provide this assistance free of charge. The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs maintains a full directory of Parish VSOs and step-by-step application guidance.
The Louisiana Special Assessment Level
The Louisiana Special Assessment Level allows eligible service members, disabled veterans, spouses, and surviving spouses to freeze the assessed value of their property. This doesn’t freeze the tax bill itself — however, it prevents reassessments from driving up your taxable property value during a long assignment. It’s a powerful protection for military homeowners who need stability and predictability across three-year tours.
Education benefits for military families
Louisiana’s Title 29 program provides valuable tuition benefits for qualifying military families at state colleges and universities. Specifically, children of qualifying veterans can receive in-state tuition status. For veterans who are POW or MIA, spouses are also eligible.
National Guard members serving in Louisiana are eligible for tuition exemptions at state-funded colleges, universities, and vocational-technical schools for up to five years or a bachelor’s degree — whichever comes first. Additionally, dependents and surviving spouses of veterans killed in action or rated 90% disabled or higher receive a full tuition exemption at state institutions. In-state tuition status is granted to all active-duty members and their families, regardless of residency status.
Outdoor recreation benefits for veterans
Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 50% or higher receive a free basic recreational fishing license, saltwater license, basic hunting license, or big-game license annually. Furthermore, disabled veterans and everyone in the same vehicle are exempt from day-use entrance fees at all Louisiana State Parks. Active-duty members and one additional family member receive 50% off admission to state parks.
Toledo Bend Reservoir — one of the largest man-made lakes in the country — sits directly adjacent to Fort Polk. MWR cabin rentals at Toledo Bend are among the most popular perks for Fort Polk families. In addition, the Gulf Coast is within a few hours of every Louisiana installation, offering world-class fishing, beaches, and fresh seafood year-round.
Plan your Louisiana PCS with confidence
No matter which Louisiana installation is on your orders, a smart move starts with a plan. Our free PCS Plan connects you with a vetted, military-connected Ambassador who has personal knowledge of your next duty station. It’s free, personalized, and built by families who have made these exact moves.
Additional PCS resources:
- Find your base guide — 115+ installation guides with real family insights
- View all U.S. military bases — browse every installation in the PCS PIF network
- 2026 BAH rates — look up your housing allowance by zip code
- 2026 military pay charts — see base pay by rank and years of service
- VA home loan guide — learn how to use your benefit at your next duty station
- DITY/PPM move guide — understand your weight allowances and move options
- PCS tax write-offs — deductions military families often miss
- Military moving tips — hard-earned advice from families who’ve been there
- PCS binder checklist — stay organized from orders to unpacking
- Full PCS toolkit — every resource you need in one place
Frequently asked questions about military bases in Louisiana
How many military bases are in Louisiana?
Louisiana is home to five major active military installations: Barksdale Air Force Base, Fort Polk, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, Naval Support Activity New Orleans (Federal City), and Camp Beauregard. The state also hosts Marine Forces Reserve headquarters, Coast Guard Sector New Orleans, and multiple National Guard facilities. Together, these installations represent the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
What is the largest military base in Louisiana?
Fort Polk is the largest military installation in Louisiana, covering approximately 198,000 acres in Vernon Parish. It is also home to the Army’s Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC), one of the premier combat training centers in the Department of Defense. Barksdale AFB, while smaller in land area, hosts more than 15,000 personnel and serves as headquarters of Air Force Global Strike Command.
What is Fort Polk known for?
Fort Polk is known primarily as the home of the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC), the only Army Combat Training Center that both trains and deploys combat units. Brigades from across the Army travel to Fort Polk for high-intensity rotations before real-world deployments. The installation is nicknamed “The Home of Heroes” and currently hosts the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. Note that the base was renamed Fort Johnson in 2023 but redesignated back to Fort Polk in June 2025.
What is Barksdale AFB’s mission?
Barksdale AFB is home to the 2nd Bomb Wing, which operates B-52 Stratofortress bombers in support of long-range strike and strategic deterrence missions. Additionally, the base serves as headquarters of Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC), which oversees all nuclear-capable bomber operations for the U.S. Air Force. The 307th Bomb Wing, an Air Force Reserve unit, also operates from Barksdale.
Does Louisiana have a state income tax for military members?
Yes, Louisiana has a state income tax — however, military families receive significant exemptions. Military retirement pay is fully exempt from Louisiana state income tax. Active-duty members stationed outside Louisiana for 120 or more consecutive days can deduct up to $50,000 of military income. Combat pay, VA disability retirement pay, and Survivor Benefit Plan annuities are all exempt from Louisiana state taxes as well.
What veteran property tax benefits does Louisiana offer?
Louisiana offers a tiered property tax exemption for disabled veterans, in addition to the standard $7,500 homestead exemption. Veterans rated 100% disabled (or individually unemployable) are exempt from all ad valorem property taxes. Veterans with a 70–99% rating receive an additional $4,500 exemption on assessed value, and those with a 50–69% rating receive an additional $2,500 exemption. Surviving spouses of service members killed on active duty are also fully exempt from ad valorem taxes on their homestead.
Is NAS JRB New Orleans a good family assignment?
NAS JRB New Orleans is widely regarded as one of the most unique and enjoyable military assignments in the country. Belle Chasse is a quiet, safe community 11 miles from downtown New Orleans, with an on-base charter school (Belle Chasse Academy, K–8), a commissary, and a tight-knit neighborhood atmosphere. The draw of New Orleans’ food, music, culture, and festivals makes this a bucket-list assignment for many military families. The Northshore communities of Slidell, Mandeville, and Covington offer excellent schools for families willing to commute.
What should military families know about hurricane season in Louisiana?
Hurricane season runs from June through November, and Louisiana families need to take it seriously from day one. Every installation has evacuation plans — learn yours during your first week. Build an emergency kit with at minimum two weeks of supplies, including water, non-perishable food, flashlights, and waterproof document storage. Many Louisiana military families invest in a home generator. Additionally, standard renter’s and homeowner’s insurance does not cover flood damage — consider separate flood insurance through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program if you are in or near a flood zone.
Can I use my VA home loan in Louisiana?
Absolutely. Louisiana is one of the best states to use your VA loan benefit. Housing prices in Bossier City, the Fort Polk area, and even parts of the New Orleans metro are well within reach with zero down payment and no PMI. In markets like Bossier City and Leesville, your BAH combined with VA loan buying power can make homeownership genuinely more affordable than renting. Start exploring your options early with our VA home loan guide.
What is the cost of living like near Barksdale AFB?
The Shreveport-Bossier City area has a cost of living approximately 20% below the national average — the composite index runs around 79.4 versus a national baseline of 100. Housing is especially affordable, with 3-bedroom rentals typically ranging from $1,100 to $1,600 per month in military-friendly neighborhoods. Groceries, utilities, and everyday expenses are similarly lower than what most military families are accustomed to at other duty stations.
Key Takeaways
Louisiana is one of the most underrated PCS destinations in the military — and families who’ve served here know it. With five major installations across every branch, meaningful financial benefits for military families, and a culture that is genuinely unlike anywhere else in the country, the Bayou State delivers more than most orders-readers expect.
Fort Polk is a demanding, rural assignment with extraordinarily low costs of living and one of the most important training missions in the Army. Barksdale AFB puts you at the heart of strategic deterrence, in an affordable metro area with room to breathe and room to build equity. NAS JRB New Orleans is, for many families, a bucket-list assignment — a tight-knit base community 11 miles from one of the world’s great cities.
Financially, the military advantages are real: fully exempt military retirement pay, tiered property tax exemptions for disabled veterans, in-state tuition benefits for qualifying families, and housing markets where your BAH stretches further than almost anywhere else. Additionally, Louisiana’s Special Assessment Level can protect your home’s taxable value across a long assignment — a benefit that military homeowners rarely hear about until they’re already in state.
The challenges are real too. Hurricane preparedness is not optional. Summer heat and humidity are intense. Fort Polk’s rural location requires a genuine adjustment for families coming from larger metros. However, the food alone might make it worth it — and the communities that form around these installations are among the closest in the military.
No matter which Louisiana installation is on your orders, start your move right with a free PCS Plan. Connect with families who’ve already walked this path. That’s what PCS Pay It Forward is all about.
