|
Best Louisiana retirement towns
Overall
Louisiana is a state with plenty of best retirement towns. The state is one of hte most active in terms of marketing itself to retirees, and has many resources to help match you up with a top Louisiana retirement community. This page will acquaint you with some basic facts about retirement in Louisiana. In the aftermath of Hurrican Katrina the dollar will go far in Louisiana; you will be very well welcomed to the state. New Orleans and Baton Rouge are the big cities and have a lot to offer in terms of culture, restaurants, and entertainment
Louisiana Front Porch
Climate
The Louisiana climate is characterized as humid sub-tropical. It is influenced heavily by the gulf. Summers are hot and humid and winters are mild. As we know from Katrina, the coast can be impacted by hurricanes.
Economy and Housing Prices
In 2006-8 the LA per capita income was almost $22,400, almost near the bottom of all states. The median value of a home was $159,900 in early 2012 according to Zillow.com. In the third quarter of 2011, median list price for New Orleans was $155,300 according to the National Association of Realtors.
Taxes
The LA top marginal income tax rate ranges from 2% to 6%. Sales tax is 4%. Political subdivisions can add a sales tax to this. Most public sector and military pensions are exempt from state income tax. Social security income is not taxable. Part of private sector pensions are exempt. People over 65 can qualify (with income limitations) to have the assessed value of their home frozen for property tax purposes. There is no inheritance or estate tax.
List of Louisiana Certified Retirement Communities
Louisiana has a certified retirement community program. In this type of program the state encourages communities to meet certain criteria so they can attract retirees to the state. Louisiana has chosen several communities to participate in Lt. Governor Landrieu's new Certified Retirement Community program. The selected communities: Covington, Crowley, Lake Charles, Thibodaux, St. Landry Parish, Natchitoches Parish and Jefferson Parish. Additional towns that Louisiana is promoting on its website for retirement include Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Houma, Iberville, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe, Natchitoches, New Orleans, New Iberia, Ruston, Shreveport, St. Francisville, and Vacherie, and the I-12 Retirement District (which consists of four parishes - St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington.)
Best retirement communities
- Leesville and DeRidder are two additional towns that have attracted many retirees. These communities have benefited greatly from the infrastructure and recreational opportunities built for Fort Polk.
- Natchitoches - this town has old world charm and a historic district. It is on a lake
- Lafayette - This college town is referred to as the 'Cajun Capital City' due to its location in the heart of Louisiana's Cajun country in the south central section of the state.
- St. Francisville - St. Francisville is located on the Mississippi River and is one of the most beautiful cities in the South. Its restored homes and churches are lovely.
Find more helpful information on more than 40 different state retirement guides
|
