More Than a Duty Station—It’s a Community

We’re excited to have you here and look forward to supporting you and your family as you settle into the community!

Barksdale Air Force Base is conveniently located near Shreveport‑Bossier, right in the heart of Northwest Louisiana. We understand that moving to a new area can feel overwhelming, and we’re here to help. From finding a great place to live to connecting with local resources and getting to know the area, you’ll have a strong network and a friendly community to guide you every step of the way.

  • Barksdale AFB, home of the oldest bomb wing in the Air Force, hosts a dynamic and diverse military community, serving just over 5,000 Active-Duty Airmen, 1,300 Reservists, 7,000 Military Family Members, and 2,600 Civilian Employees.
  • Bossier City, founded around 1907 is located on the eastern bank of the Red River sharing a close connection with Shreveport. Today, Bossier is best known for its lively East Bank District, a popular area that offers entertainment, casinos, and a variety of great places to eat. It’s a great spot to get a feel for the area, relax, and enjoy all that the local community has to offer.
  • Shreveport, founded in 1836, is the educational, commercial, and cultural heart of the Ark‑La‑Tex region. Located along the west bank of the Red River, Louisiana’s third‑largest city welcomes newcomers with a mix of historic neighborhoods, family‑friendly attractions like the Sci‑Port Discovery Center, and annual festivals such as Mudbug Madness, a lively celebration of music, culture, and — of course — crawfish.

New Place, New Chapter—We’ve Got You.

This page is designed especially for military members and their families relocating to this great area. We’ve put together key information to help you settle in and get familiar with the community. Sign up for an e-newsletter or request a visitor guide to get the latest updates, local tips, and helpful resources delivered straight to you!

From Base to Bayou: Life in Northwest Louisiana

We’ve put together a selection of trusted websites to help you get to know the area and settle in more easily.

Whether you love the outdoors or prefer indoor adventures, the Shreveport-Bossier area has something for everyone.

Enjoy fishing, nature trails, parks, and family-friendly activities—or explore a wide variety of local eateries, farmers markets, antiques, boutiques, and entertainment venues.

Military members and their families can visit the Bossier Chamber of Commerce website to find information about local businesses offering special discounts and benefits for the military community.

Welcome to a place where you and your family can truly feel at home!

Education in the Shreveport‑Bossier Area

The Shreveport/Bossier region offers a welcoming and well-rounded educational environment for military families. No matter your child’s needs or learning style, the Shreveport-Bossier area provides a strong foundation for academic success.

Bossier Parish Schools lead the way with 28 Purple Star Schools, each providing specialized support for military-connected students. These schools offer transition programs, dedicated counselors, and embedded Military Family Life Counselors (MFLCs) to help students adjust and thrive despite frequent moves.

Caddo Parish Schools proudly offers 5 Purple Star Schools and is home to 12 National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence. The district also features advanced academics through its Magnet Program, offering pathways in STEM, arts, and college prep.

Families can also choose from a variety of private, parochial, or charter schools to meet their educational preferences. For those who prefer to educate at home, Louisiana State offers both Nonpublic Schools Not Seeking State Approval and BESE-Approved Home Study Programs.

Learn More About Louisiana Schools for Military Families

Read local articles from SBMagazine

There’s a lot to consider when choosing the right school in the Shreveport-Bossier area. We recommend connecting with your Barksdale School Liaison office for expert guidance, resources, and up-to-date information tailored to military families. Contact: BarksdaleSchoolLiaison@us.af.mil

Explore More with Military One

Our favorite website is Military One, where you can find a wealth of information about each base. This trusted site offers a wealth of information about base services, history, and support programs.

The Neighborhood Navigator tool on Military OneSource makes it easy to explore your new surroundings. You can:

  • View demographics by zip code or city (including crime rate)
  • Compare neighborhoods and cities side by side
  • Find a list of local schools and nearby businesses
  • Check home values zip code

More Resources

  • Choose Shreveport is the official relocation portal for Shreveport – Northwest Louisiana. It’s designed to help newcomers: military families, professionals & entrepreneurs learn about: living, working, playing in Shreveport.
  • BeBossier.com’s, written by locals, the Relocation Guide is a comprehensive resource for anyone considering a move to Bossier City and Bossier Parish. It offers: moving checklist, local neighborhood info, cultural amenities and more!
  • BeBossier.com a community-focused blog and lifestyle site dedicated to showcasing the best of Bossier City and Bossier Parish, Louisiana. It’s run by local residents!
  • Visit Shreveport-Bossier official tourism portal for the Shreveport‑Bossier region featuring highlights of the region and events.
  • Inclusive Overview of Barksdale AFB The Military OneSource page for Barksdale Air Force Base is a must-visit for both new arrivals and current personnel because it packs a powerful toolkit tailored to life on base. Check it out!

Have more questions? We can help!

Email the military liaison for the Northwest Louisiana Military Support Foundation at krista@bossierchamber.com