Natchitoches : Louisiana

What Natchitoches is like for active adults
History lovers will find '''Natchitoches''' (NACK-uh-tush), '''Louisiana''' to be an interesting '''retirement community'''. Located on the Cane River Lake, this charming southern town of 18,500 was the picturesque setting for the movie Steele Magnolias, starring Sally Field and Shirley MacLaine. An older movie set here is The Horse Soldiers with William Holden and the Duke, John Wayne. The town was founded in 1714, and is proud to be the oldest permanent settlement within the Louisiana Purchase. Originally a French trading post, wealthy southern planters established cotton plantations with gorgeous mansions along the slow moving river. Their legacy has resulted in a Historic District that goes on for 33 blocks, and which is now a popular tourist destination. Most of the town is quite prosperous, although there are some poorer areas. Living expenses tend to be well below average.

The town offers unusually vivid old-world charm on brick streets with wrought iron decorated buildings, all surrounded by live oaks draped with Spanish moss. Much of the architecture goes back to the mid-1800’s, mixing Queen Anne, Victorian, and Creole styles.

Active adults 55+ have a number of different housing choices in this retirement community. They can live in the historic district, in a newer subdivision, condos, apartments, or nearby mobile home parks. Taxes seem relatively low, not more than $500 year on a $100,000 home. Retirees can either live in the city in apartments, condos, restored historic homes, or in surrounding developments. According to Yahoo Real Estate the MLS median asking price of 18 homes offered for sale in late 2006 was $215,000. There were 16 homes in the classified listings with a median price of $189,900.

Shreveport, 67 miles away, is the closest large city. For a list of profiles on over 180 cities and towns go to reviews of the best retirement communities
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What is special about this retirement community
• Charming old city with large Historic District • Christmas lighting festival on the Cane River attracts 500,000 visitors • Many historic homes and plantations are open to the public for tours • Northwestern State University • Many lakes and rivers
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What is not special about this retirement community
• The community has its poorer neighborhoods. • Hot, humid summers • There is a fairly high rate of property crime • Byzantine and profoundly corrupt. • Elders killed with impunity (see e.g. http://bellsouthpwp.net/b/a/baxterericweb/lear/ProbableCause.doc).
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What kinds of people like retiring here
Natchitoches attracts a community of people who either want to live in a charming and historic old city with a low cost of living. For more about the attractions of retiring in Louisiana . Use this link for a page that explains the various types of retirement communities
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Local economy is driven by
The economy is driven by tourism
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Climate and Physical Environment
The city of Natchitoches is located in central Louisiana, 67 miles south of Shreveport. There are several lakes in the area, including Chapin Lake, plus many streams. View Google Map forNatchitoches. For Louisiana Craigslist .
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Cultural environment
There is a Creative and Performing Arts Center, 2 libraries, and the George Williamson Museum. Northwestern State University has many cultural programs.
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Medical facilities
There are 2 hospitals here: Natchitoches Parish Hospital and Satellite Rehab Hospital at Natchitoches
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Transportation
Alexandria International Airport is 50 miles away
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Facts about NATCHITOCHES
  • State: LA
  • Environment: Lake,
  • City Population: 10,000-25,000
  • Median age of Population: 25-44
  • Avg Jan Temperature: 41-60
  • Median HH Income: 20,001-40,000
  • Average Home Price (MLS): $100,000-$200,000
  • Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: NA
  • Total Crime Index: 81-90 (low)
  • Cost of Living Index:
  • Culture Index: 81-90 (low)
  • State Sales Tax:
  • State Income Tax:
  • Name of the Guide: john

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1. Overall Retirement Ratings Discuss

1. Rating: 4.5/5 ( 2 votes cast)

2. Expense:
Inexpensive to Luxury Discuss

2. Rating: 5.0/5 ( 2 votes cast)

3. Taxes:
Inexpensive to Expensive Discuss

3. Rating: 4.5/5 ( 2 votes cast)

4. Culture:
None to Cosmopolitan Discuss

4. Rating: 3.5/5 ( 4 votes cast)

5.Recreation:
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5. Rating: 4.0/5 ( 3 votes cast)

6. Transportation:
Boondocks to World Hub Discuss

6. Rating: 3.5/5 ( 4 votes cast)

7. Security:
Dangerous to Ft. Knox Discuss

7. Rating: 4.0/5 ( 3 votes cast)

8. Medical Facilities:
None to Excellent Discuss

8. Rating: 3.7/5 ( 3 votes cast)

9. Political Situation:
Conservative to Liberal Discuss

9. Rating: 3.5/5 ( 2 votes cast)

10. Environmental:
Oblivious to Ultra-Green Discuss

10. Rating: 4.5/5 ( 2 votes cast)