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Installation Guide

Barksdale AFB

Air Force Bossier City, Louisiana

Off-Base Living

Top neighborhoods near Barksdale AFB

Bossier City (Airline Drive corridor)

The primary suburban corridor for Barksdale families with new construction, retail centers, and easy freeway access. Very family-oriented.

10–15 min to main gate

SuburbanMilitary communityFamily-friendly

Shreveport (South Highlands)

A historic neighborhood in Shreveport with large craftsman homes, tree-lined streets, and proximity to dining and entertainment.

20–25 min to main gate

HistoricWalkableUrban

Haughton

A growing bedroom community east of Bossier City with newer subdivisions, good schools, and a more rural feel.

20–25 min to main gate

SuburbanNew constructionFamily-friendly
Schools

Bossier Parish School System

Bossier Parish Schools is considered one of the stronger school systems in Louisiana, frequently outperforming neighboring Caddo Parish. Haughton and Airline Drive corridor schools are particularly well-regarded.

What families should know

  • Parkway High School and Haughton High School are top performers in the parish
  • Strong JROTC programs aligned with the base's military community
  • Multiple magnet and academy programs offering specialized tracks
Things to Do

Life around Barksdale AFB

Entertainment

Margaritaville Resort Casino

A large casino resort on the Red River with live entertainment, multiple dining options, and a hotel — a major local attraction.

Attraction

Barnwell Garden & Art Center

A serene botanical garden and sculpture park in Shreveport with seasonal flower displays and rotating art installations.

Shopping

Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets

An outdoor shopping and entertainment complex on the Red River in Bossier City with national retailers, restaurants, and a movie theater.

Dining

Waffle House at Barksdale Blvd

A beloved late-night institution for the military community — the Waffle House near base is a rite of passage for incoming troops.

Dining

Red River District

Shreveport's arts and entertainment district with locally owned restaurants, live music venues, and bars along the riverfront.

Outdoors

Cypress Black Bayou Recreation Area

A Bossier Parish park with a lake, camping, fishing, a zoo, and an aquarium — ideal for family outdoor recreation.

Housing Market

Buying or renting near Barksdale AFB

Home Prices

$180,000–$310,000

Typical Rent

$1,000–$1,600/mo

The Shreveport-Bossier City market is affordable by national standards. Bossier Parish's newer developments command slight premiums over Shreveport. BAH generally covers costs well.

Popular neighborhoods: Haughton, Airline Drive corridor

Buying near Barksdale AFB with a VA loan: $0 down and no PMI. Estimate your allowance with the BAH calculator, follow the PCS checklist, and read the full VA Loan Guide before you go under contract.

Orders to Barksdale AFB?

Get pre-approved before you arrive. A VA loan specialist can have your numbers ready this week.

Call (719) 259-2246